Poverty Awareness in York Region

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – York Region 2008
The day started with a flurry of last minute supplies being sought – a magic marker for signs, soft drinks, press kit materials, batteries and other items that needed to be picked up as well as members (and their kids) needing a lift to the Newmarket Town office location.
After unloading our newly purchased supplies along with everything else we’d need – from bristle- board, to information on PACC and Make Poverty History, as well as the pledge sheets and donation jars, I began to set up our exhibitors tables in the foyer while awaiting the arrival of volunteers. Most had been waiting for their kids or coming from school so it was tough to get anyone before 4 pm.

A photo exhibit presented by the York Region Alliance to End Homelessness was already in place in the town building’s foyer so that was okay, however a wedding was being held in council chambers where the speakers for the event were slated to be and the press conference was to happen - but with a late arriving bride - at 3:30 PM we still awaited anxiously!... and there still needed to be sound equipment set up!
Newmarket Councilor Larry Blight, who had not only committed his time but also his sound equipment for the event waited coolly, assuring me he could have it all set up in no time. True to word, just as I began to panic internally, the councilor quickly had everything in place shortly after the wedding party’s 3:35 pm departure which put me somewhat at ease. The Newmarket office staff also worked like clock-work - even having time to check different lighting scenarios for the chambers. They were outstanding.
Meantime I was scurrying out into the foyer and trying to greet and assign volunteers areas of duty whilst continuing to set up our exhibitor tables and pointing others to theirs. There was the Sandgate Women’s Shelters needing direction to their table, and then The Inventors Workshop group showed up carrying numerous inventions. The reason they were invited is we had managed to negotiate with them that low income kids could participate for free in workshops that show them how to develop their inventions, patent/protect them, and take them to market. They even include participants in setting up a company! Designed by a man who spent many years teaching gifted kids we think this type of opportunity for youths is a great fit!