Poverty Awareness in York Region

Oct 17 2009 saw “nothing but cloud” at the crack of dawn around these parts. It wasn’t until later on that the skies opened up allowing the sun to at least beam down on a crisp, cool day. This marked the 4th Oct 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty event we had now helped organize - 5 if you count the birthday of PACC which kicked off with a media conference on Oct 17 2004. Also known as the World Day to End Extreme Poverty, this 22 year old internationally recognized date is marked around the world. Our local event and online campaign contributed to the new world record of 173 million who stood up on Oct 17 against poverty!

The year after PACC’s inception, the event was held at the York Region Governmental headquarters on Yonge St in Newmarket where speakers and organizers braved the rain while the entertainers sat on milk crates, and played guitar and sang whilst umbrellas covered them...They still haven’t forgiven us....The rally next moved to Fairy Lake Park near Main St Newmarket, where it’s now comfortably becoming the host York Region location.

This year’s version featured a plaque dedication - symbolically attached to a rock – as in the famous Paris rock sculpture dedicated to poverty which reads – The Town of Newmarket officially recognizes Oct 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This permanent placement and reminder about those in poverty is a result of the existence of York Region’s Oct 17 event!

Oct 17 2009 ….In The Beginning…

After a flurry of activity – from solving audio issues to setting up info booths and ensuring power to the coffee and soup areas to posting signs and assigning duties - it seemed we were all good to go! Volunteers seemed to show up just as you needed them – almost like a higher power was delegating!

The info booths were set up including a ‘Stand – Up” pledge signing area and information on the various groups present including the Blue Door Shelters, The York Region Food Network, Poverty Action for Change Coalition (PACC), Make Poverty History & Operation Sparrow

The event opened with a traditional saying of grace, as people enjoyed free fair trade coffee, fresh hot soup, bread, fruit and other healthy goodies, courtesy of the Y.R. Food Network, while grazing and engaging one another. “Live Aid” type music provided the backdrop... Mayor Tony Van Bynen and Regional Councilor John Taylor assisted Host (and acting Chair for both PACC and Make Poverty History Y.R.) Tom Pearson unveil the plaque accompanied by the bird-like vocals of youth Gregory Carbis – winner of the 2009 Mike Thornhill Friendship Award - as his version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” cut through the cold park like a skate across a shiny new sheet of ice.

Host Tom followed with thank-yous and explained the significance and history of the day then introduced our first keynote speakers Donna and her son Cody – victims of chronic illness as a result of poverty and lack of supports, as well as Sam a displaced farmer fighting for heat and to live on the land he lives and farms on and Iri a Canadian newcomer with a Masters degree unable to find even suitable volunteer employment.

Their true to life stories served as powerful food for thought, in between bites, and guest speakers such as Jane Wedlock from the Y.R. Alliance to end Homelessness, Joan Stonehocker the YR Food Networks Executive Director, local author and senior Ivan Prokopchuk, and Director of the Y.R. Legal Clinic and member of the YR Social Planning Council Dennis Bailey to name a few.

After the speakers and before the entertainment, the event allowed for the politicians present to say a few words.We heard from representatives from the Green to NDP to our elected Conservative MP Lois Brown who, after alluding to the fact that most poverty issues would be at a municipal or provincial level, was called on to support more and better world aid by the host and chided by an attendee for a national daycare and engaged. Hey….at least she came!..

The Oct 17 Day ended with an "Open Mic" which featured a blast for the departing MP Lois Brown followed by a talent segment that is catching on more and more each year...This year we had 4 unbelievable original music pieces produced for the event by Fred Joly, Brenda Bakos, and Kelly Moniz, as well as poetry, numerous other performers including a troupe performing parts from RENT (Spotlight Theatre) and stand up comedian – Craig Machlachlan. Singer / guitar player Freedom Chuck also moved the audience with some select cuts while the wacky Schtik Jagger ended the event on a fun note. These songs and artists who have written or performed specifically about poverty will ensure that the messages will live beyond only one day, and help spread the word…to…help….end….poverty….now!

This year we had attendees from all parts of York Region and Toronto and special guest reps from ATD fourth world (based out of France) that stopped in because of hearing about our great event!

Don’t miss out next Oct 17……. it is a powerful experience to be a part of!…...To…Make Poverty History