“Willow Place is delighted to announce a new partnership with photographic artist and cinematographer, Marek Zaleski. Zaleski is the founder of the Vancouver Island Museum of Nature in BC, and he was inspired by the novel coronavirus pandemic to share his healing videos with non-profit groups serving vulnerable populations.

Artist understands that our residents in shelter may not be able to readily access green spaces due to personal safety issues, as related to family violence and as also impacted by current health precautions with coronavirus. The hope is for Willow Place to pilot a healing environment called an "The Earth Hours" Room in the months ahead.

To help Willow Place get started with "The Earth Hours", Zaleski is donating a number of 30 minute and 3 minute nature videos to use for staff wellness and client therapeutic support. Willow Place foresees that a dedicated "The Earth Hours" space could be used for groups, activities, expressive arts-based therapy, trauma-informed yoga, cultural programming, and staff wellness.” .

Pam Hadder - Community Coordinator Willow Place, Inc.
Woman & Children’s Family Violence Services in Winnipeg
(June 15th 2020)