“CHFA NOW 2025 was a powerful reminder of what makes our industry extraordinary.” These are the words used by Lynsey Walker, vice president, marketing and communications, for the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), to describe the industry conference and trade show that took place September 18 to 21.

Not everyone in our industry knew Brenda Parkes. She was one of those people who didn’t crave attention, who worked quietly behind the scenes, and who worked best in one-on-one situations to make everyone around her better. She just wanted to help improve the lives of those she worked with or came in touch with. For this reason, I’d say Brenda was very much the living embodiment of the spirit of the natural health industry.