I had to get an abortion here in NS a few months ago, and as a young individual who absolutely could not tell my parents, I was understandably terrified. However, what I found was that Nova Scotia has a GREAT abortion set up. It's super-easy to self-refer to the Women's Choice Clinic, and set up the necessary appointments and everything (the wait time is minimal). When they call you, it's a blocked number so no one around you get suspicious. It's all run by women, and everyone is so nice. At no point did anyone try to convince me against getting an abortion, and all the nurses and doctors were so nice.

The actual day-of process was smooth, the waiting rooms have couches, colouring books, snacks and music playing. There are lots of other women there going through the same thing, and honestly it's a very supportive atmosphere. You can opt to have pain killers and an anti-anxiety med to calm you down. Afterwards you are given a popsicle (& more snacks) and you go to a recovery room until you are ready to go. You are also referred to a psychologist if you feel you need it (not mandatory). Not only was the entire process free, but easy as well. The full process for me took less than two hours, from 8-9:30am. I was the first of my group to go, so it may have been a bit longer for others, but very efficient altogether. Literally the only downside was that music was also playing in the surgery room, and now "Brown Eyed Girl" is forever tainted. (But honestly not really because not one part of this experience was traumatic or scary because of the care taken for the women.)

I'm so happy Nova Scotia has such accessible abortions, and such a wonderful set-up to support women. 10 out of 10 best hospital experience ever, please don't be afraid of feel ashamed. <3
—Young, Sometimes Dumb, But Well Taken Care Of

Among the contentious debate in the United States concerning women’s right to choose, I found myself in the midst of making my own choice: To continue with an unplanned pregnancy, or to access Halifax’s abortion services. I chose the latter. Naturally, I was scared of the process, and scared about the judgement that I could face from pro-life medical practitioners.

All I can say is thank god for the staff at the clinic. They were nothing short of miracle workers, and made a really, really shitty situation into an empowering, validating experience. They helped me to understand that it is OK—and well within my right—to say that it is not my time to be a parent. They allowed me to cry, and they understood that while I was confident in my choice, I was still harbouring guilt over having to make it. I did not experience ANY judgment towards my choice, and felt nothing but a sense of deep personal respect.

To the one nurse in particular (you know who you are), please know that you are a beacon of hope in an otherwise traumatic situation. You held my hand and wiped tears of emotional and physical discomfort from my face, all while telling me that I was doing the right thing for me. I will never forget the kindness you showed me, and I hope you know that you and your colleagues are making a huge difference in the lives of women in Halifax.
—The PhD Candidate

On Tuesday morning I had a bad fall on the edge of Victoria Park. I fell into the boxes for The Coast and Metro, they both went over and the base of one came up and made a serious gash in my leg. I want to thank the young man who came to my assistance, he helped me up and was quite concerned. I had no idea how badly I was injured until 37 staples later. Many thanks to the young man who rushed to help me.
—On the mend 😊

To the lady who stopped and helped me (around Oxford/Vienna/Berlin Streets) with some hand injuries after a bad fall Saturday night, thank you for helping me get home and assisting with the bleeding. (I ended up getting stitches at the ER.) I appreciate your kindness!!
—Street Faller

THANK YOU SO MUCH, PAM! For finding and returning my nerdy Star Wars wallet, still with cash.
—Dumby Who Left His Wallet On The Back Of His Truck

Thank you, "Susan in Halifax," for finding and reporting my credit card lost! You saved me from quite the hassle! I hope some good karma comes your way! —WK

On Friday, I was waiting in line in uniform with my work partner at a well loved, local coffee shop. As it came time to tap my card and pay, a very kind stranger placed his hand out and insisted on purchasing our drinks. I informed him that I was actually buying beans for my own machine, too, and that he did not have to make such a generous gesture. He continued to insist and thanked us greatly for all that we do. We do not frequently get recognition in my profession unless people need our services (and I hope you never do). Although I thanked him profusely in store, I would like to extend my gratitude and express how happy recognition made me and my coworkers feel. Thank you sir in the grey plaid shirt.
—Emergency services workers everywhere

It took me a while to get around to this, but I want to say thank you. Thank you to all the kind people who stopped when my car broke down on the corner of Woodlawn Road and Mount Edward Road in Dartmouth a few weeks ago. Although I had it under control and was just waiting for a tow truck, at least two strangers pulled over to make sure I was OK. I appreciate it. It just shows that humanity does still exist, between all the stares and rude looks of passer-bys. Thank you and I hope your days all go well.
—Stranded with a missing tire

When you saw a lady approaching the bus, slipping on the icy sidewalk, you stopped without hesitation and went out to help her. You could have driven away and let her catch the next bus, but you did not. Thank you for reminding me there are good people in this world. I wish there were more people like you.
—Bus passenger in awe of your goodness

HUGE thanks to the kind folks who helped me when I fell off my bike and got a concussion last Tuesday by Coburg Road. Y'all helped me up, called the ambulance and got my bike in a safe place while I was being taken care of. Also thanks to the kindest of EMTs: You two could not have made me feel more comfortable and not like a complete fool. I wish I could buy you all a cup of coffee!
—Silly girl who from now on will always wear a helmet