Welcome to Wormhole!
I decided to write Wormhole as a virtual learning resource for my students during the Covid-19 outbreak. I've made it available for students, parents, and teachers here, along with supplementary materials to aid learning at home.
The resources are free to use. All I am asking is that teachers and/or parents and guardians who use the material respect the fact that they are being licensed for use of it. I am also requesting that users consider making a small donation via PayPal. Eighty percent of all donations will go to the list of charities I’ve posted below. These are charities that are close to my heart for different reasons and they are struggling for survival and to keep up their incredibly important work right now. I will post contributions to these charities as they are transacted.
Suggested Charities
House of Ernesto’s Animal Sanctuary - Syria
I’ve been a supporter of Ernesto’s and a cat sponsor since 2016.
Homeboy Industries and Homegirl Cafe - Los Angeles, California
I’ve admired the work that goes on here for a long time. However, my first in-person visit during the summer of 2019 was integral in giving me hope when I was really feeling burnt out from the impact of constant trauma, particularly stemming from gun and gang violence, in my teaching career.
Celia Hammond Animal Trust - Lewisham, London, UK
As a former resident of Lewisham, Celia Hammond Animal Trust is one of my favourite local charities. The Borough of Lewisham - a vibrant, inner-London borough - has been hit very hard by Tory cuts and now Covid-19. I am hoping anything we can raise might help keep pets with their families and guardians during this very challenging time. Former 1960s supermodel, Celia Hammond, opened her shelter and low-cost spay and neuter clinic in South East London in 1995, with the goal of setting up low-cost neuter and vaccination clinics, thus bringing responsible pet ownership within reach of everyone and helping to control the feral cat populations in this area of London.
CRC - Regent Park, Toronto, Canada
I’ve been teaching in Toronto’s Regent Park community for the past 16 years. This is an incredibly resilient, diverse neighbourhood with a strong sense of community. The CRC is located in the heart of Regent Park and partners with several of the city’s charities in order to create a more equitable community through good food, dignified housing and skill building programs.
Cat Therapy Cat Cafe - Santa Barbara, California
One of my favourite places to spend a relaxing afternoon or to do yoga, Cat Therapy Cafe is a small, family-run business that’s made a huge difference in many cats’ lives who would have otherwise faced euthanasia. They rescue from as far away as Los Angeles and give a safe space in which cats can be socialized.
Young Women’s Hub - Lewisham, London, UK
I love this charity/independent school. It offers wrap-around services for girls and young women in Lewisham. Young Women’s Hub is a safe, nurturing and calm educational setting based in Catford, South East London. Their aim is to empower and educate girls who, "have significant emotional, social or educational needs which are difficult to meet in a conventional setting."
with PayPal
(You can note your charity of choice during the transaction.)
MARY JENNIFER PAYNE
I acknowledge that the work I do is hosted on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat. I also recognise the enduring presence, resilience and resurgence of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.
