Ryan Reynolds, actor
He may have achieved leading man status in Hollywood, but Ryan Reynolds has never forgotten his Canadian roots. Case in point, his recent announcement (via Instagram, above) of a generous $1-million donation to food banks, split evenly between agencies in the U.S. and Canada—complete with dig at best frenemy forever, Hugh Jackman. If you cringed at the well-intentioned (but tone-deaf) celebrity singalong of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” you’ll adore Reynolds’ inimitably sarcastic take on the erm… Crucial… role that stars are playing in the crisis:
Debra DiGiovanni, comedian
I think I’m getting hit up on dating apps right now because dudes know I will survive the longest without food. SURVIVAL OF THE FATTEST!!
— Debra DiGiovanni (@DebraDiGiovanni) March 20, 2020
Quarantine Tips from Debra!
Make your bed everyday. (And then get right back in it.)— Debra DiGiovanni (@DebraDiGiovanni) March 22, 2020
A few more days of quarantine and I WILL tweet everything in my drafts folder.
— Debra DiGiovanni (@DebraDiGiovanni) March 19, 2020
Millennials and Gen-X’ers know DiGiovanni from MuchMusic’s late-lamented Video On Trial (thankfully you can still watch old episodes on YouTube!), but Canadians of all ages need to follow this incredibly talented comic on Twitter and Instagram. DiGiovanni’s sharp, self-deprecating wit never fails to evoke a grin, and her material during the coronavirus crisis has been a ray of much-needed sunshine.
Check out more outstanding Canadian comedians—and their funniest jokes!
Aimée Bourque, cookbook author
Stomach growling yet? That’s one of the hazards of scrolling through Aimée Bourque’s positively drool-worthy Instagram feed. The Halifax-based cookbook author offers more than just mouthwatering food photography, however—here, you’ll find practical tips on how to hone your own culinary skills and even recreate her dishes at home. Moms and dads will definitely want to check out her excellent advice on how to get kids involved in the kitchen, and her tutorial on freezing soup in jars will inspire you to whip up a big batch—completely from scratch.
Running low on groceries at the moment? These easy three-ingredient recipes don’t require a trip to the store.
Arlene Dickinson, entrepreneur
Getting into a daily routine at home is super challenging. I notice now how much and how long i sit for calls/meetings. Trying to make sure i get up at least every 20 minutes and walk around the house. Schedule time for a body break! What are you doing to keep active?
— Arlene Dickinson (@ArleneDickinson) March 30, 2020
Dearest kids. If you are feeling lost, alone, afraid or just need to talk, the good people @KidsHelpPhone are there to help you – whenever you need it. No judgement and completely confidential.
If you need help:
Just text CONNECT to 686868 or call 1-800-668-6868.— Arlene Dickinson (@ArleneDickinson) March 29, 2020
During this challenging time, it’s important to take a moment to visualize what future you want to create and who you want to be a year from now. Think hard about the future you want for yourself, the next generation, the world. Then work on making it happen. #reinvention
— Arlene Dickinson (@ArleneDickinson) March 30, 2020
Dragons’ Den star Arlene Dickinson dishes out more than great investment tips on her Twitter account. The straight-talking Dickinson’s combination of kindness and common sense (which, as we all know, isn’t all that common these days) is a welcome breath of fresh air on social media. There’s something so reassuring in knowing that one of Canada’s most well-respected business leaders is having as tough a time adjusting to working from home as the rest of us.
Col. Chris Hadfield, astronaut
View this post on Instagram
Chris Hadfield is a man of many talents, but one of his greatest skills is in making complex scientific concepts easily understandable to everyday Canadians. Whether he’s sharing an infographic on how soap actually kills coronavirus, or a quirky meme demonstrating the important of social distancing, everyone’s favourite astronaut is well worth following on Instagram.
Lilly Singh, TV host
Through some of my darkest times, comedy was the only light. I hope this video brings some joy into your day. We’re in this together! Stay safe❤️
WATCH: Life During a Pandemic https://t.co/bCbwZZ8KPa pic.twitter.com/yEiXZhAFrY
— Lilly Singh (@Lilly) March 18, 2020
Leave it to Scarborough, Ontario’s own Lilly Singh to find a funny side to the pandemic. Her latest Instagram video in the link below sees her exploiting social distancing to escape the wrath of her (understandably) exasperated mother—also played by Singh, naturally. It’s just the sort of silliness that put the YouTube sensation on the map, and we can’t get enough of it—especially in the current climate.
Looking for more laughs? Check out these funny photos of grocery store items even panic buyers didn’t want.
Suresh Doss, food writer
Here’s what I have so far>> https://t.co/4M5GOIHrKX
Need to clean it up and add more. I get it, this map is going to get obsolete fast but at least its a geo resource. Comment below with confirmed places and I’ll add to it.— Suresh Doss (@Suresh) March 17, 2020
When you’re as passionate about food as Suresh Doss, you’ll stop at nothing to keep good cooks in business. In a pinned Tweet (above), the Toronto-based food writer has mapped out takeout and delivery options to enable GTA residents to support local independent restaurants during the crisis. What’s more, he’s got the scoop on virtual farmers’ markets that are popping up across the region. Bon appetit!
New virtual farmers’ markets popping up. I ordered from Grow, Gather & Co yesterday. Impressive roster – croissants from Tasso, Famiglia pasta, Eby Manor milk (personal favourite), black winter truffles from Marc’s Mushrooms. Check them out, https://t.co/ghq0LtrkRK pic.twitter.com/btCHorvn6t
— Suresh Doss (@Suresh) March 28, 2020
Find out more things you can do to support your favourite small businesses right now.
Jann Arden, musician
Sometimes you need to laugh. Sometimes you need to cry. Sometimes you need to hear Canada’s most lovable chanteuse sing “Moon River” a capella moments after she’s woken up. Jann Arden is a national treasure, and yet her Instagram feed is a glimpse into the life of an ordinary Canadian, with the same hopes and fears as the rest of us.
Rallycap Andy, superdad
My wife warned 5YO that she might not go back to school this year.
Her response:
“If that happens it’s sad but I get to spend more time with my sister. I love her and she loves me.”
— wash your hAndys (@_rallycap) March 20, 2020
If you’ve followed me a while you know at bedtime I tell 3YO reasons I’m proud of her. These are usually communication based but not necessarily. I told her I was proud of how much she used the coreboard today then said
“and I’m just happy I’m your dad.”
Man. The hug I got.
— wash your hAndys (@_rallycap) March 24, 2020
I’m home. 6YO saw me in the window. She ran to alert mom and 3YO. I’m going to open the door and they’re all going to leap out from behind the island in the kitchen.
It’s happened hundreds of times.Everything in the world is terrible.
But not this.
— wash your hAndys (@_rallycap) March 23, 2020
Need faith that there are still kind people in this world? Follow Andy—a father of two from the GTA whose relentless optimism is downright inspiring (and totally contagious). On social media, where snark often rules supreme, Andy sets a standard of respect that we should all strive to meet, while sharing heartwarming and humorous anecdotes about what it’s like to be a parent during a pandemic. As an added bonus, now that we’re into baseball season (or should be, if not for coronavirus), you can expect oodles of his funny Toronto Blue Jays memes. Like, oodles.
https://t.co/sfbu3lvj1x pic.twitter.com/pDjMiVsjrF
— wash your hAndys (@_rallycap) March 26, 2020
Don’t miss this roundup of inspiring acts of kindness during the coronavirus outbreak.
P.K. Subban, hockey player
Watching someone else put in a sweat sesh counts as a workout, right? In any case, it’s been fun to see how pro athletes like NHL’er P.K. Subban have been keeping fit while in self-isolation. Whether he’s spinning or attempting to master the subtle art of TikTok, Subban’s refreshingly positive outlook is sure to put a smile on your face, and maybe even motivate you to get moving.
Next, check out 30+ ways to make the most of your time spent in self-isolation.