Latest news with #Loraine
CBC
28-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Laurier football coach preps for 60th blood donation to honour his mom
It started as an excuse to get out of school. Zach Scotto was a student at Saugeen District Senior School in Port Elgin when he saw the poster for a blood donation clinic. He thought it sounded like a fun way to get out of class, hang out with friends and get a snack. But while he was there, seeing the vials and the items needed for blood taking, Scotto says he remembered his mother, Loraine, who died of cancer when he was eight. She had battled cancer, gone through chemotherapy, and was in remission when she became sick again. "Memories started kind of flooding back, seeing like on the counter in the hospital, like all the vials of blood and having my blood drawn," he said. He says he remembers his mom needing blood during her treatment and he realized giving blood was a way to give back and honour his mom. "It didn't start really as like, I'm going to do this for my mom, but it really became such an easy way to honour her and potentially help others," Scotto said. '60 is pretty cool' Now, the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks football coach is preparing for his 60th donation on Aug. 6. "The 50th was a big deal, 60 is is pretty cool," Scotto said, although he admitted there are other donors who "overshadow" him with closer to, or over, 100 donations. When he shows up for his next donation, the staff and volunteers at the Waterloo clinic where he goes will be happy to see his smiling face. Ravneet Panglia, the community development manager for the Kitchener-Waterloo area of Canadian Blood Services, called his donation "an incredible milestone." "We are grateful for his dedication. Each of his donations is a lifesaving act of generosity for many patients, and he inspires others to experience what they get when they give, too," Pangila said. "We need more people like Zach who walk away with that rewarding post-donation feeling that comes with helping others." Scotto says he knows people hear the ads asking them to donate but may not realize just how important it is. But I'm not sure people are really aware unless you've seen it, whether it's in emergency situations and in labour situations and pregnancy situations, or in cancer situations. There are situations daily in hospitals and emergency situations that need blood. And it's not like you can just go on Amazon and order that," he said. He said the reward is also more than the juice and cookies you can get after the donation.
CBC
28-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Laurier football coach will donate blood for the 60th time
Zach Scotto's first blood donation was an excuse to get out of school, but now, it's a tribute to his mom Loraine, who died when he was eight years old after a battle with leukemia. Now, the Laurier football coach is set to give his 60th donation on Aug. 6.
CBC
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Black-owned lounges carving out space for culture and community in Regina
Social Sharing Two Black-owned venues in Regina are offering rare cultural experiences, from live jazz and Central African cuisine to Afrobeat nights and Nigerian staples, appealing to the city's growing diversity. "I wanted a space where people can enjoy live music, learn from each other, and share in African culture," said Jules Epalley, co-owner of The Africa Jazz Lounge. He and his wife, Loraine, who are originally from Cameroon, opened the lounge in 2024 after relocating to Regina two years prior. "It was a big decision. When you start something new, you wonder if it's a good idea," Loraine said. The lounge combines jazz music with Central African cuisine. "In Cameroon, we used to host family parties for special occasions like Christmas. For me, that's the true sense of a restaurant — a place where you find happiness," Jules said. The Africa Jazz Lounge isn't just a restaurant. It also hosts live performances, cultural nights, and community events. "I want it to be a true cultural hub, where African people can connect and gather and feel like they're back home," Jules said. D'Calabash, where Afrobeat meets late-night eats A few kilometres away, D'Calabash Restaurant and Lounge offers a completely different experience. Afrobeat music pulses through the venue, shisha smoke swirls in the air and plates of jollof rice, suya and pepper soup fuel the crowd for a night of dancing and celebration. "Nigerians, Africa, West Africa — we party a lot," said James Kanu, co-owner of D'Calabash. The high-energy lounge attracts a mix of Nigerian immigrants, university students and anyone looking for an authentic West African nightlife experience in Regina. Co-owner Charles Umeh recalls how the harsh Regina winters and lack of nightlife options made him consider returning to Nigeria. "I didn't see how I could survive minus-34-degree weather with nowhere to go out and have fun," he said. As Umeh will tell you, opening D'Calabash offered a welcome reprieve. "We give you the vibe, the energy, the culture, the lifestyle and, of course, the food. D'Calabash isn't just a restaurant or a lounge — it's a one-stop destination that gives you everything," he said. WATCH | Black-owned lounges in Regina offer a fusion of food, music, culture and community: Black music scene expanding in Regina 22 hours ago Duration 2:42 A shift in Regina's Black community In a city where Black-owned restaurants and lounges have been few and far between, The Africa Jazz Lounge and D'Calabash are quickly becoming go-to spots for food, music and connection. Though one offers a smooth, jazz-filled escape and the other a lively Nigerian party scene, both spaces help fulfil the same need: places for Black people to gather, feel at home and celebrate their cultures. WATCH | Black music scene expanding in Regina: The Epalleys want to see Regina's Black population continue to grow, which would also increase the need for spaces like theirs that offer not just a taste of home, but a true sense of belonging. "I just wanted to bring my own value, my own contribution to the community and show that we can create something truly special," Jules said.
