Written by Robin Baranyai in The Wellington Times, March 14th edition

Ever wondered what it would be like to have tea with a group of holistic healers? En route to an event announcing the launch of a new Wellness Association in the Quinte region, I worried: would they sniff disapprovingly at my coffee mug? Scowl at my minivan? Meddle with my aura?
 
If I had any preconceptions, they were unfounded. Nobody wore hemp. They were interesting and passionate people. And the certified organic “wellness tea,” developed for the association by Porcupine Creek Farm, was delicious.
 
The practitioners had a range of approaches, but a shared belief in the principles of holistic health. They spoke passionately about sustainable organic farming practices versus big-box food distribution, and the benefits of buying locally grown. About free health care versus free “sick care.” About mindful living, and the body’s capacity to heal itself.
 
The Wellness Association encompasses a wide range of practices that might be loosely considered “alternative,” although today, many are fairly mainstream, such as yoga, massage, midwifery, eating organic, chiropractic, Pilates and Feng Shui. Other modalities, however, may be less familiar, such as The Trager Approach (psychophysical integration in movement), Reconnective Healing (a form of energy work, like Reiki), and HypnoBirthing. Founder Anne Heathcote created the association for “anyone who supports the growth and health of the individual on any level­physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental.” About 20 per cent of their current membership is based here in the County.
 
Many of these complementary practices will be on exhibit at a Health and Wellness Fair on March 24, at the Parrott Art Gallery (in the Belleville Public Library). The event will include a demonstration on heirloom tomatoes and organic growing methods for the home garden, as well as workshops and lectures by a senior Trager practitioner, a HypnoBirthing instructor, a nutrition and wellness specialist, a spiritual intuitive life coach, and an intuitive artist.
 
All proceeds from the door and silent auction will benefit Sydney and Georgia’s H.O.P.E. Fund­which stands for “helping other people every day”­in support of the James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research. Nine-year-old Sydney Whyte began making and selling bracelets to raise money for a cure for her two-year-old sister Georgia. This incredible girl has raised close to $20,000. Last November, Sydney was honoured by the SickKids Foundation at its first annual youth fundraising awards. The Hospital for Sick Children handles the charitable administration, so proceeds from the fair will go directly toward research funding.
 
At the fair, a silent auction will feature intuitive art by Rebecca Drake “based on the loving intent of this charity,” and limited edition prints by Chantal Poulin. Sydney and Georgia will be there, along with their bracelets, and an assortment of organic and natural products, crystals, jewellery, CDs, books … and tea.