Please meet this month’s cover feature, Leanne Sexton!

Something remarkable is blooming in Mount Albert. Lavender fields sway in the summer breeze, rescued animals roam freely, and handmade hearts dangle from trees. This is The Giving Place—a sanctuary born not from wealth or ease, but from heartbreak, hope, and a vision that refused to fade.

For founder Leanne, life’s unraveling became the beginning of everything. A newly divorced mother of three, pregnant and on early bed rest, she found herself stripped of stability. From that stillness, a dream emerged: to create a place where people could give and receive without pressure. A place rooted in purpose. That dream began with Touch a Heart, a grassroots charity that started with a call to Blue Door Shelter, and a simple Facebook post. Families transitioning out of shelters needed basic essentials—and the community responded in droves. Touch a Heart helped over a thousand families. But Leanne’s vision didn’t stop there. She began writing a book, and dreamed of a property—wild, peaceful, and filled with meaning.

Soon after creating a vision board with her dreams, Leanne’s book became an international bestseller, her charity had surpassed its goals, and then… she found the property. At first she just wanted to know what it would feel like to walk the land of something she might be able to afford one day. But it was sold, under offer, and out of reach… until a month later, when the deal fell through. “I packed up my baby, drove five hours from my grandma’s cottage, and walked around the pond. The land was wild, untouched… but I felt its energy. It felt like mine.” She was thankful for her visit, not expecting anything more. But that evening, the call came. The executor of the property made a promise to the previous owner, her best friend, who had passed away from cancer: only sell it to someone who sees its beauty and promises to make it beautiful again. Leanne was the only one who did. And just like that, her vision board became real life.

Today, The Giving Place spans 8.5 acres of untouched charm. Over 3,400 lavender plants bloom each summer. Bees pollinate wildflowers. Chickens, pigs, and other rescued animals roam happily. Events like A Night of 1000 Candles, Lavender Festival, and Farm-to-Fork Dinners now bring people together for connection, healing, and joy. There’s also a farm boutique filled with handcrafted items, all made with love, with proceeds supporting rescued animals and The Giving Garden Haven, which grows organic food for families in need.

But ask Leanne what the real heart of The Giving Place is, and she’ll say the people. “Everyone who visits here—whether to volunteer, attend an event, or just walk the land—says the same thing: ‘It feels different here.’ I believe it’s because this place was built from love. From community. From intention. And because people don’t just want to see something beautiful—they want to be part of it.” #goodneighbour

A BIG Neighbour thank you to our July Cover Feature 💛👏💫

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, Myles is joined by Dave Lowes, Supervisor of Events & Mulock Park at the Town of Newmarket.

Together, they dive into the exciting world of community events, from bringing people together through festivals and celebrations to creating spaces that connect history, nature, and culture. Dave shares how these initiatives are shaping the future of the town.

This conversation is full of behind-the-scenes insight into what it takes to create meaningful community experiences and the impact these projects have on residents of all ages.

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, Myles is joined by Erin Cerenzia, President of the Newmarket Historical Society and a dedicated champion for preserving local history and culture.

Erin shares her passion for uncovering the stories that shaped Newmarket, highlighting the town’s fascinating historical connections and the importance of keeping those stories alive for future generations. Together, she and Myles dive into the rich heritage of the community, exploring how the past continues to influence the present and why local history plays such a vital role in building identity and belonging.

If you’ve ever been curious about the people, places, and events that shaped Newmarket into what it is today, this episode offers an insightful and inspiring journey into the town’s history.