A few weeks ago I had the privilege to travel down to San Francisco to attend PocaFest, an annual gathering of the People’s Organization for Community Acupuncture. Poca is an International Cooperative whose mission is to expand accessibility of affordable community based acupuncture. Hemma has been a member since opening, and was the first POCA clinic in Canada. In 2007 when we opened there were fewer than 20 Community Acupuncture clinics operating in North America. Today there are more than 200. Last year these clinics gave more than a million treatments combined — 1 Million affordable acupuncture treatments! Hemma’s goal, from the beginning, has been to create an accessible centre where people could find healing and community. Attending PocaFest was an amazing reminder of how we are part of a much larger community of like-minded businesses and care-providers, helping to make our world a better place, one person at a time, one community at a time. My experience in San Francisco reminds me of the important role each of us can play in making our world a more caring, loving, supportive place, one person at a time, that together adds up to millions upon millions! I am constantly moved by the spirit of love and caring that each of you share with us and one another every day at Hemma! Thanks for caring, and thanks for sharing your generous spirits! If you are interested in learning more about this international COOP and how to become a member, go to POCA
–Michael