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FIFA World Cup 2026 & Your Wallet: How to Cash In Right Now

  The biggest sporting event in history is happening right now in Canada. Here's what it means for your money — whether you own property, rent, or just want to watch. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Canadian soil on June 12 — and whether you've been following the matches or not, this tournament is already leaving a mark on Canadian wallets. Toronto and Vancouver are hosting games through July 19, and the economic ripple effects are very real: in hotels, short-term rentals, restaurants, and yes, your tax return. If you're a homeowner — especially in Toronto or the GTA — there's still time to benefit. And if you're simply a Canadian taxpayer, it's worth knowing exactly what this tournament is costing us, and what we're getting back. Here's everything you need to know about the FIFA World Cup and your money. The Big Picture: What This Tournament Is Worth to Canada FIFA projects that hosting the World Cup will contribute up to CAD $3.8 billion in eco...

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A Symbol of Hope: Tiny Christmas Tree Amidst Church Ruins in Lebanon

 

In the southern Lebanese town of Dardghaya, amidst the ruins of the 18th-century St. George Melkite Catholic Church, a tiny Christmas tree now stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. The church, devastated by an Israeli airstrike in October, once served as a vibrant community center. 

Georges Elia, a 40-year-old municipal worker and churchgoer, took it upon himself to bring some normalcy to the holiday season. "This year, Christmas is arriving with sadness for us, but we didn't want it to be a sad one for the town's residents and its church," Elia said. 

The modest tree, shorter than Elia himself, is decorated with a shining garland and a star. Despite the lack of lights and a traditional Nativity scene due to the war's destruction, the tree stands tall among the fallen stones and shattered pews. "But, of course, Christ is born in our hearts, lit with our love for him," Elia added.

The church's priest, Father Maurice el Khoury, who has served for 11 years, conducts Sunday Mass in a small underground room that once housed visiting bishops. "This room is more like the cave where Jesus was born," he said, reminding families of the true essence of the holiday season.

The community's faith remains unshaken, and despite the staggering financial toll of the damage, estimated at nearly $3 million, they continue to celebrate Christmas with hope and love.



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