Hacking For Good with Capital One Canada.

Photos by: Ryan Emberley

Think It. Code It. Gift It!

On October 21-23rd for a whole weekend, 140 developers, designers & UI/UX took part in the inaugural Capital One Canada "Gift The Code" hackathon. There were over 24 teams who coded over 40 hours with not much sleep to create open source apps, create new websites and designs to help six local charities in Toronto. These 6 local charities do not have the manpower nor the technology to solve and create solutions to help with challenges with their respected organizations.

40 straight hours of coding with not much sleep.

Bringing over 140 participants to volunteer their time & expertise to help these charities was amazing to watch as it unfolded. I could sense a buzz of excitement from the teams as they showcased their solutions. It was even more apparent when the charitable representatives get to see actual real-life solutions presented. It was actually quite emotional for some to see solutions come to fruition. Humanity at it's best.

Details UI/UX comping and layouts for digital. (Photo: Ryan Emberley)

It was nice to see collaborative groups of participants work together in their respective teams to reach a common goal. It's a great experience to learn more about yourself and working with teams and in some cases strangers. 

Participants enjoy a food break. (Photo: Ryan Emberley)

The best part about all of the solutions created for the charities is that they are open-sourced which means organizations and other charitable causes can utilize the code to help benefit their own respective charities. Here is the list of open sourced code Github 

Every participant received a cool hoodie from Capital One Canada. (Photo: Ryan Emberley)

Lounge area at Brainstation. (Photo: Ryan Emberley)

Charities supported at this Capital One Canada hackathon: Blake Boultbee, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Prosper Canada, Second Harvest, Toronto Pflag and Women's Habitat

The feedback from one of the charitable organizers helps explain the weekend success!

"Participating in Gift the Code had just been incredible on so many levels. In 40 short hours, we have gone from an organization without much of a digital presence to one who can now, with enthusiasm, point potential donors and those in need of our services in the direction of our brand new website. We are blown away." - Rod Cohen, Director & Operator, Blake Boultbee Youth Outreach Services.

Thanks to Brainstation, HackWorks Inc and Capital One Canada for a great weekend to help our local charities & communities. I hope Gift The Code comes back next year!

This post was sponsored by Capital One Canada, as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Think It. Code It. Gift It.

Are you a coder, designer or someone that loves to solve problems and find solutions?

Capital One Canada is kicking of a Hackathon on Friday, October 21, 2016 until Sunday, October 23rd, 2016. Join fellow coders, developers & designers as they problem solve & create solutions for six Toronto-based charities. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in a fun way! Participants will be put into teams of four to six people(or can sign up as a team) & challenged to create a technology solution for one of the charities involved. So come on out & make a difference.

It's going to be hosted by Marc Saltzman at Brainstation in downtown Toronto. This is going to be a great opportunity to meet the developer community & partners of the hackathon. Charities being supported are Blake Boultbee, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Prosper Canada, Second Harvest, Toronto Pflag and Women's Habitat.

Here is all the info you need to know for the Gift The Code Hackathon

WHEN: October 21st - October 23rd

WHERE: Brainstation, 460 King St. West (at Spadina), Toronto ON

WHY: Support accessibility for technology & innovation for the six charities!

WHAT: Hackathon - developers, designers & anyone with ideas come together to solve a problem through technology.

WHO: Capital One Canada with support from Hackworks & Brainstation.

So come out & support a great & unique hackathon experience while helping 6 charities make a difference & make an impact in your community! See you there.

Think It! Code It! Gift It!

For more information on the hackathon, or to sign up, visit http://giftthecode.ca

This post was sponsored by Capital One Canada, as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Black Diamond Holiday Entertaining

Sponsored Post

Holiday season is in full effect...it's a time to gather and spend time with loved ones. Whether it be with family or friends or even tweeps, there's no better way to appreciate each other with heart-filled memories over some festive drinks and food.

We all know that the hustle and bustle of the holidays can be quite hectic...even more so when you are the one planning and hosting!! Parmalat Canada has launched their new Black Diamond cheese spread to help you get started with your holiday menus saving you some time by creating simple and unique dishes! Parmalat Canada has found an innovative way to transpire cheese whether it be used in simple hors d'oeuvres or to the intricate main dish that has everyone wanting more.

I had my sister create some simple canapes style by simply taking a tortilla shell, layer some of the Black Diamond cheese spread on top, sprinkle some minced pitted black olives, and start rolling the tortilla...place in oven for a few minutes then cut them into bite sized servings...voila, yummy hors d'oeuvres your guests will enjoy!! Or try combining breadcrumbs, mash potato, ground beef, and a spoonful of spreadable cheese, roll it up into balls and fry...stick some toothpicks and here's another hors d'oeuvre for your guests to sample...or add them to your main pasta dish for that extra special touch and let it melt in!! You can add your add and share your own favorites by visiting http://spreaditdipit.ca/ or view http://www.blackdiamondcheesespread.ca/#home for more ideas!! Credit to my sister for all the food prep help.

                                                                              Photosource: crowningtouchcatering.com

Whether it be for a small get-together with friends, a special gathering with loved ones, or just that quick snack on the go; Black Diamond spreadable cheese is a quick and easy to use!! It's the cheese that can keep up with a busy lifestyle that i live. Scoop and spread it! Done. Simplicity is key for me.

I will offer a $150 Black Diamond Cheese Spread pack to one of my Canadian Followers. I will select one lucky winner on December 20th, 2013. Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: I received compensation for this post. However, all opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Watch a Canadian Rugby League game for free!

Have you ever watched a rugby game before? I'm giving you the opportunity to watch for FREE. In conjunction with the ScotiaBank Caribbean Carnival in Toronto I have tickets for you. Watch Team Canada Wolverines VS. Jamaica play in a rugby league game. The event is on Saturday July 21st, 7pm at Lamport Stadium located at 1151 King St. W.




For more information on the league visit here: www.canadarugbyleague.com or Follow them on Twitter at @CanadaRL Add the hashtag #TOcarnivalRugby‬ and tweet me at @clickflickca if you want the tickets. Tickets are limited. First come first serve.