Poverty Awareness in York Region

Make Poverty History on Oct 17 2009 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

For Editorial: PACC and MPH along with community partners including the York Region Food Network host York Region’s event for Oct 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty also known as World Day to End Extreme Poverty - at Fairy Lake Park in Newmarket,Ont Canada. This day was created to give a voice to those in poverty. Come out and support a worldwide movement – last year over 116 million people stood up at once against poverty - to set a world record and the stand-up action hopes to do the same this year. York Region’s representative event features free hot &cold healthy foods while supplies last, a permanent park rock/plaque dedication, information booths, ‘Do The Math” action centre, entertainment, and Speakers including:


Single Mom (and breast cancer survivor) “Donna”, and her young son, who are homeless victims of toxic mold poisoning, now scrambling to find a safe, affordable place to move into in York Region.

‘Steve’ who survived an intense rehab program and now just survives, ‘Amira” persecuted for being a Christian in another country, she cannot even find volunteer work here assisting women – even with a masters degree, ”Cindy’ a community developer who does the grassroots work in her lower income community – without pay! Sam - a long time immigrant and displaced farmer now living out a nightmare and hoping (for help) to fend off another winter of having to beg disability support for heat costs… and other powerful real voices!

More Speakers include Host (PACC and MPHYR’s) Tom Pearson, York Region Alliance to End Homelessness’ Jane Wedlock, YR Legal Clinic Director Dennis Bailey, Regional Councilor John Taylor, Newmarket Mayor Tony Van Bynen, MP Lois Brown, Simon Strelchik recently nominated Thornhill Federal NDP Candidate , Director of the York Region Food Network – Joan Stonehocker, Sarey Caplan Community Development Coordinator with the CMHA YR, Rev Robin Wardlaw &, senior YR resident & Author Ivan Prokopchuk.

The stage & microphone will also be made available during an “Open Mic” whereby anyone wishing to speak out about poverty may do so. Similarly during the entertainment portion attendees will be offered an opportunity to “sing out’ against poverty. Instrumentalists & hand drummers welcome as well and accompanying c.d.’s can be played.

Feature Entertainment includes – Schtik Jagger, Guitarist Freedom Chuck, Single Mom and former street performer singer Brenda Bakos, Singer Stephanie Rudd, Youth Singer Gregory Carbis, “Spotlight Theatre’ present scenes from R.E.N.T., Singer / guitar Johnny Ellis from the band ‘Clean Fill Wanted”, Craig Machlachlan Canada’s ‘marijuana comic” tackles poverty, original poverty inspired works by Singer/songwriter writer Fred Joly & Youth Singer/songwriter sensation Kelly Moniz …. and …YOU!.

“Stand up” count at 3pm.You may see more or register to stand up on Oct 17 should you be unable to attend at:

PACC (get involved) or Make Poverty History

Time: 1-5PM – Free Healthy Food – 1- 2:30 – Opening Ceremonies, Keynote Speakers and Stand-Up Count – 3:00

Open Mic 3:05 - Entertainment 3:30 – 5

Location: Fairy Lake Park Amphitheatre, Newmarket, Ont (S of Water and Eagle St)

Date: Sat Oct 17 Contact: 289-221-0928 or TP.ENTERTAINMENT@hotmail.com