Nova Scotia artist Jillian McClary donates her paintings to firefighters and their families who are dealing with cancer. McClary, who started painting about four years ago, was asked by a friend to make a painting for an auction in support of a firefighter who passed away. “When I brought the painting to the auction, the firemen and women had a real emotional reaction to the painting,” McClary said. “It sparked a lot of inspiration to give back to the community.” McClary made more paintings that wound up at an auction in New York City in support of another firefighter’s family. She later made the paintings into prints and now donates them to fallen firefighters and their families. “They are able to use them at an auction or hang them at home as a memory,” McClary said. “Show that art can help community and bring connections has been really important.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page