Nick Lees
As seen in:
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Vancouver Sun,
Edmonton Journal,
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Lexology
and
Columnist @EdmontonJournal Lover of fine wine, single malt scotch & cycling. The original most interesting man in the world.
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Articles by Nick Lees
We Thought It Was Different There (fiction)
Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Report this post. (The following is a work of speculative fiction, set in 2031.
Nick Lees: Riding high, CASA fundraisers eye mountain pass
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. We will go on to pedal through some of the most breath-taking mountain scenery in Canada before an exciting downhill ride takes our cyclists close to the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River Article content There was no way I was not going to be involved in a CASA Mental Health 895-kilometre, seven-day bike ride. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Sask. woman celebrates sweet 16 years since lung transplant Original
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Patricia Kaliciak had been in hospital and undergone tests for several days when Dr. Justin Weinkauf gave her troubling news during a conversation in 2007. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Nick Lees: double lung transplant recipient leaves gala breathless
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. “I thought to myself: 'Well God, we may meet sooner than planned, but if I make it through, Dr. Dale Lien and Dr. Justin Weinkauf from here will look after me.'" Article content Patricia Kaliciak had been in hospital and undergone tests for some days when Dr. Justin Weinkauf gave her troubling news during a conversation in 2007.
Nick Lees: Edmontonians give generously at Sorrentino's Garlic Festival kick-off event Original
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. “The home, at 10424 University Avenue called Breathing Space, will cost $15 million – 25 per cent of the cost has already been raised – and it will be the first home away from home for lung transplant patients and families” Article content Help is on the way to help lung transfer qualifiers who would rather face death than place additional financial burden on their families.
Nick Lees: Chef Sonny Sung's alternative four-course Christmas dinner
Article content Taiwanese-born chef Sonny Sung, who developed his remarkable skills while working in kitchens in Italy, France, Germany and Switzerland, is telling friends not to give up on Christmas dinner. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: Cycling through potential charities to pedal for
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. “We are searching for a charity that aligns with our philosophy of bettering the lives of those in our communities." Article content Matt Devine and his wife Nicole Devine believe they can raise $100,000 for a charity next year when Matt Devine cycles across Canada, up to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories and back to Edmonton.
Nick Lees: Paul Verhesen appointed board chair for Edmonton's Do North Events
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. "Cycling was my way of relaxing and focusing. There is nothing like being out on your bike and focusing on solving a problem” Article content Avid cyclist Paul Verhesen has been appointed board chair of Do North Events and will help Edmonton expand its reputation for staging world-class sporting events. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: Anonymous guest at University Hospital Foundation's Festival of Trees gala gifts $1M
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. “This will help us immensely as we work towards our final fundraising goal of $2.7 million towards a new neuro rehab centre.” Article content The University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees gala and auction, interrupted for three years by the COVID-19 pandemic, was deemed an unqualified success late last week when more than 700 black-tied guests attended the celebration.
Nick Lees: President, CEO for NorQuest College, Carolyn Campbell is 'passionate about the student experience'
Article content “Our college has grown so much over the years – and the growth has been steep lately with an increase in international students in two new faculties, says Campbell. “In addition to our teaching faculties of Health and Foundational Learning, we now have a Faculty of Business, Environment and Technology, and a brand-new Faculty of Arts and Sciences. “This has been a game changer for the college,” she said.
Nick Lees: Yours truly hosts 80th birthday gala raising $250,000 for University Hospital Foundation Original
Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content We went for a glass of wine one night and nervously vowed we would raise more than $250,000 for the University Hospital Foundation’s fight against cancer. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content It was at The Rebel restaurant on 142 Street that I met up earlier this year with hotelier Peter Parmar, his wife Simrit and our long-time friend Donna Zazulak.
Nick Lees: For Edmonton brothers, strength tests are now written in stone
Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content Dave Nisbet began steel bending in his garage when the pandemic was at its height and set a world record for the fastest person to break a horseshoe in half with their hands. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: No Stone Left Alone comes into focus amid Russia-Ukraine war Original
“Our goal is one day to see all veterans’ headstones in Canada honoured with a poppy placed by a Canadian youth" Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has brought a keen focus across Canada to an event founded by an Edmonton couple. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: 'The ultimate gift:' Edmonton fundraiser brings awareness for palliative care
“Being able to just be his wife for those last 12 days of his life, being able to just have a moment when my kids needed it the most, was the ultimate gift” Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content The stories told last week at a fundraising lunch in support of the Roozen Family Hospice Centre were so touching that guests at my table passed a box of tissues around. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: Reaping a $650,000 harvest in support of Lois Hole Hospital for Women Original
Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content The right treatment was found by the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation for its annual Harvest Celebration fundraising gala in support of the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: Edmonton's Valour Place founder continues to go the extra miles Original
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content Dennis Erker of course took part in the annual Valour Place walk last week and helped raise more than $32,000. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: Local fundraiser exceeds goal to replace broken generator in Uganda
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. "Electrician Darren Fraser found a time-worn and highly valued diesel powered electric generator was pretty much on its last legs" Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content Alberta’s Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani and her cardiologist husband Zaheer Lakhani attended a very successful fundraiser last week following a group of Edmonton electricians visit to Uganda.
Nick Lees: Upcoming 80th birthday bash already hits $100,000 in support of University Hospital Foundation
Article content During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sung taught at NAIT, but now runs his Mobile Cucina by Sonny Sung.
Nick Lees: Mother of murdered sons brings empowering charity to Edmonton
Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content Tracy Stark, who wears a diamond ring on her right hand made from the ashes of her two murdered sons, has plans to help all Alberta families with an abusive parent. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content “On Dec. 16, 2016, I lost my two sons Ryder, 13, and Radek, 11, to the hands of their biological father,” says Stark.
Nick Lees: Memory of beloved Oilers employee fuels further philanthropy
Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content Oilers legendary coach Glen Sather thought Brian Ross so “bright and polished” when he found him working in a West Edmonton Mall store, he hired him to work in the hockey team’s merchandise outlet by the ice rink. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: Cycling world's Alberto Contador in Edmonton for L’Etape race
Contador was in Edmonton to lead L’Etape, one of 21 cycling events in various countries that have been designated by the Tour de France experts to give the experience of being a Tour de France rider Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content Spain’s Alberto Contador, 39, is one of the most successful riders of his era, winning the Tour de France twice (2007, 2009) the Giro d’Italia twice (2008, 2015), and the Vuelta a Espana three times (2008, 2012, 2014).
Nick Lees: Gorilla trekking trip in Uganda turns into fundraiser for Edmonton group
“I was so pleased to find I would be staying somewhere that was contributing to the development of women. The whole group could see the incredible work that was happening there" Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content A party of Edmonton electricians on a recent trekking trip to see gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has led to a fundraiser to help local women there. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: Canadian cycling legend back on course after cancer surgery
Nothing can prepare you for the words from your doctor: “You’ve got cancer.” Alex Stieda, 61, who in 1986 became the first North American to win a Tour de France yellow jersey, heard those words last year. “Fortunately, I live in Edmonton where we have one of North America’s leading team of prostate health researchers and doctors aligned with the University of Alberta,” he said.
Nick Lees: Canadian cycling legend back on course after cancer surgery
Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content Nothing can prepare you for the words from your doctor: “You’ve got cancer.” Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Alex Stieda, 61, who in 1986 became the first North American to win a Tour de France yellow jersey, heard those words last year.
Nick Lees: Off to a roaring start in quest to raise $250,000 for University Hospital Foundation
Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content Off to help a flying start last week in my bid to raise $250,000 for the University Hospital Foundation was a donation of $50,000 from Jeannie Agrios and Jack Agrios. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: Celebrating 80th birthday with fundraiser for University Hospital Foundation
“Patients get a much better experience because we are able to get a diagnosis and start treatment faster, which also lessens the burden of the healthcare system” Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content While I don’t look a day over 30, this year, on October 5, I am celebrating my 80th birthday and plan to throw a fundraiser at the Westin Hotel to raise $250,000 to help the University Hospital Foundation.
Nick Lees: Stolen bike as teen launches Edmonton's Pinhead Components, now expanding in Europe
Article content Proceeds from the Festival of Trees fund are critical to healthcare programs. Last year’s Festival raised $1.75 million to advance training and education at West Edmonton Kidney Care for home therapy programs dedicated to people diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease. “We are planning a spectacular summer event that’s right around the corner,” says Abbott. “There will be live entertainment and champagne, but please keep it quiet.
Nick Lees: Former citizenship judge touts Canadian diversity to NorQuest students
Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content Former citizenship judge Gurcharan Bhatia told NorQuest College students that at a previous Canada Day event he had been asked the best thing that had happened to him in his life. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content “My response was coming to Canada,” he said.
Nick Lees: Recently retired Edmonton Police Services superintendent Tom Pallas reflects on career
Article content “Nikki had a passion to be a police officer, but had poor eyesight,” says Pallas. “She had an operation in 1997 and was then accepted by the EPS. Today Nikki works in the recruit training unit.” Pallas also served as chief of staff to then-police chief Rod Knecht, a position he says he was “drafted into” and for which he had not applied. “I wasn’t sure if it would be a good fit for me and my family, but it turned out to be a great job,” he says.
Nick Lees: Edmonton cyclists get into pedalling spirit for late Haida Gwaii artist
Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content Through old-growth forest we could see waves crashing on Vancouver Island’s magnificent sandy bays as our cyclists climbed and dived along lonely roads. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Our party of 18 cyclists and support crew came very close to black bears and their cubs, spotted elk with massive antlers while overhead a variety of birds serenaded us.
Nick Lees: Stony Plain entrepreneur, philanthropist launched career as teen, choosing 'good people'
Article content “His wife Jennifer joined our partnership and, with her background in online-marketing website design, she did an amazing job creating the platform with us. “Covid made so many people rethink their careers or re-invent their businesses. Our idea was the right one at the right time.” Goldstein will be in Edmonton June 28 when his movie, commissioned by Lisa and called A Going Concern, The Life of Gerry Levasseur, will be shown at NAIT’s Shaw Theatre.
Nick Lees: Edmonton social entrepreneur, investor, Ashif Mawji gives back to the community
Article content “I loved computers and instead of playing games on them, I learned how to program,” said Mawji. His family came to Canada in 1987, he later graduated from NAIT’s Computer Systems Technology and went straight into IT consulting, creating his own company.
Nick Lees: Little 'heart warrior' cycling for support of Edmonton, Calgary children's hospitals
Article content “We had to postpone our birthday party for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Cheremosh Society President Lisa Dolinsky. “But that and the renaming the street in front of our 40th street studio to Cheremosh Way was definitely a time for some festivity.” Most of the company’s dancers, aged between the of 15 and 32, were born and raised in Edmonton and were at practice here when Russia attacked Ukraine on May 24.
Nick Lees: High Level Diner co-founder among those honoured at 28th Annual Rotary Integrity Awards Gala
Article content Each award recipient was worthy of a news story. Alas, I have space for just two. “In my 37 years at the High Level Diner, we hired hundreds of refugees and immigrants from various countries,” said Franklin, who retired from the Diner in 2018. “They worked hard to save money to buy houses, sponsor relatives, provide a good education for their children and contributed socially and spiritually to the broader community.
Nick Lees: Battle of Alberta fought at the Thrive CASA Gala
Article content Blakley took off her Flames jersey and donned her Oilers jersey when it was announced Edmontonians had raised $200,000 for CASA. It was reported Saturday the gala had raised $405,000 to expand its mental health programs and services, with funds still coming in. The goal is to reach twice as many kids and families — from 4,000 to 8,000 — over the next few years. Canadian tenor Adam Fisher emceed and sang at the gala, ably backed by Dave Babcock and his orchestra.
Nick Lees: Haute Dawg gala raises cash for Edmonton Humane Society
Author of the article: • Edmonton Journal Article content John Steinbeck said he had seen the look in a dog’s eyes –- “a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt” — that convinced him dogs think humans are nuts. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content The expression on the faces of 25 dogs that took part last week in Haute Dawg, a gala and fashion show at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, convinced me he was right.
Nick Lees: Grieving Alberta mother writes bestselling novel after losing sons in tragic double murder-suicide
Article content He also sat Ryder down and totally shaved his head. Therapist Kolbuc says their book tells of Stark’s days of utter devastation moving to more meaningful days honouring her sons’ lives. While Stark works to bring awareness to the need to change societal attitudes and systems she believes failed her family, she has also launched the R&R Society of Canada. “Originally, the idea was to help Whitecourt families who need a financial help-up to get their kids playing hockey,” says Stark.
Nick Lees: 'Value of hard work' behind philanthropic heart of Edmonton's Irv and Dianne Kipnes
Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal Edmonton philanthropists Dianne and Irving Kipnes standing in front of a poppy display (L) to project onto the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, thanks to the Kipnes Lantern which is named after them, in Edmonton, November 7, 2019. Ed Kaiser/Postmedia Photo by Ed Kaiser /00088921A Article content No one could have guessed the outcome when Irv and Dianne Kipnes met at a Montreal restaurant gathering in 1977.
Nick Lees: Edmonton's Jerry Bouma pours passion for running into book on Villanova Track Team
Bouma, who also chaired Edmonton’s Pan-American Junior Championship in 2015 and the Canadian Athletics Olympic Trials committee here in 2016, says while his book is about track, he hopes it will be seen as applying to all aspects of life Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal Jerry Bouma leads fellow U.S. Villanova University student and track team member Marty Liquori, with one lap to go, in a one-mile race at a Rochester NY track meet.
Nick Lees: Edmonton cider entrepreneur keeps triathlon training as the apple of his eye
Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal World-class triathlete James Black, pictured here with wife and business partner Jenny Black. Photo by Nick Lees /Postmedia Article content A world-class Edmonton triathlete who quit training to start selling cider says he is ready to compete again. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: CASA charity ride helps people facing mental health challenges during COVID-19 pandemic
“The pandemic affected the mental health of most kids, youth and families in our community, from daily struggles to increased addictions and more mental health diagnoses and illnesses" Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal CASA cyclists head for the top of Highwood Pass in a previous fundraising trip. The charity's bike rides have raised more than $1 million.
Nick Lees: Ukrainian food, dance, choir fundraiser in Edmonton supports motherland
Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company drew applause for their spirited action. Nick Lees, Postmedia Article content There were perogies, dancers leaping through the air and an impressive waiting list of people who didn’t book a ticket early enough to attend. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: Trio of Edmonton businesswomen band together for Ukrainian fundraising dinner
Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal Signs of support for Ukraine, in the war with Russia are posted on the fence in front of St. Brendan School on Friday, March 18, 2022 in Edmonton. Photo by Greg Southam /Postmedia Article content Three Edmonton women say they too have experienced unreal grief and pain shared by millions around the world, who have watched Russia’s brutal attack of Ukraine.
Nick Lees: Edmonton event celebrates women leaders as "the answer to our planet"
Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal Edmonton businessman Ashif Mawji, left, well known for his dedication in giving back to the community, at International Women's Day luncheon with (l to r) Grade 12 student and speaker Maddie Spelliscy, Alberta Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani, and Jennifer Martin, President & CEO, Junior Achievement Northern Alberta & NWT.
Lees: Local student rushing to get supplies to people fleeing Ukraine
Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal Edmonton's Roman Lakhnyuk in Kyiv just before the Russian invasion, with niece Adele, 4, in his arms and nephew Bogdan, 9. Lakhnyuk hopes to reunite with the children and their mother Olesia, his sister, in Warsaw on Sunday and bring them here when Canada works out a plan to welcome all Ukrainian members of a family fleeing the Russian invasion.
Nick Lees: Edmonton sisters sell T-shirts to help those threatened by Russian military in Ukraine
Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal Stefania Kostiuk (left) and sister Natalia pose last year in front of Andrew's Church, a major Baroque church at the top of Andriyivskyy Descent in Kyiv. Photo by Supplied Article content The hearts, souls and boundless energy of two Edmonton sisters are working overtime to help Ukrainian friends and families threatened by Russian artillery and missiles.
Two children with Type 1 diabetes set mom on path to help Edmonton's Dr. Shapiro find cure
Melanie Hibbard was in a busy banking career when she took her often tired and frequently urinating four-year-old son Connor to a pediatrician. “Life as you know it has changed forever,” the doctor told her. “Your son has Type 1 diabetes.” Hibbard and her son were sent to the Stollery Children’s Hospital for four days of intense training, which included her being shown how to draw insulin into a needle, give the needle and balance carbohydrates with insulin.
Nick Lees: Two children with Type 1 diabetes set mom on path to help Edmonton's Dr. Shapiro find cure
Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal Melanie Hibbard was "terrified" by her new clinical duties when oldest son Connor (left) was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, but younger son Travis was later given the same diagnosis. She was told it was rare for two young family members to be given the same diagnosis and was trained to give insulin shots to combat a disease that is there around the clock every day of the year. Her husband Doug is a paramedic and is able to help.
Nick Lees: Gajanan Pundit embraces the power of information and charitable deeds
Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal Gajanan Pundit and his wife Dewayani celebrate a family wedding in Edmonton in 2004. Photo by Supplied Article content Indian-born Gajanan Pundit, aged 90, has a strong passion for a routine he began soon after arriving in Edmonton in 1968. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Nick Lees: Former Edmonton Shumka dancers hold off wedding plans in Ukraine
“Deciding to leave Kyiv was one of the hardest decisions we have ever made— how can we leave the country we love so much?” Author of the article: Nick Lees • Edmonton Journal Former Edmonton Shumka dancers Stefania Kostiuk and Johnnie Samycia planned to marry in Ukraine next year, but have recently fled Kyiv because of the threatened Russian invasion.
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