Poverty Awareness in York Region

At another table I quickly (and haphazardly) placed out pamphlets from various organizations that assist poverty victims, all the while keeping one eye on the clock as it ticked towards its slated 4pm start. Member Donna arrived along with her son and I likely voiced aloud a sigh of relief as I immediately asked if she could cover the check-in station. Our designated pick up person Jean still hadn’t arrived back with other volunteers though, so I was beginning to worry…


Enough is Enough! Tell the Premier what you think about poverty!

4pm hit and people had begun streaming in as the atmosphere took shape with people engaging one another and viewing the exhibits, but with no visible media in sight I thought it okay to delay the opening “conference” slightly. Sometime during this period Jean and company arrived with 4 helpers in tow but by now I was embroiled in the meet and greets and preparing for the opening, and in my haste forgot to point out the camera for use and outdoor signs for placement (directing those who might inadvertently have gone to Fairy Lake last year’s location) to our volunteers! Doh!

At 4:10 we summoned everyone into the council chamber to start and I began by mockingly thanking the ‘sea of press” for coming out (one newspaper had showed despite a wide release). I pointed out that too often we allow the press to decide what is newsworthy, or during an election allow them and the candidates/parties to decide what issues were important - when it should be we, the people. The people are who should decide what is important, not the press or the politicians, and that it is up to all of us to change this. I stressed that point after ranting about the lack of pre-publicity and coverage for our event, and the lack of discussion/coverage about poverty during the election. (Inaudible mutter)

I then began to explain about the significance of Oct 17 and that it was first declared on Oct 17 1987- as World Day to End Extreme Poverty in Paris France with the dedicating of a rock statue, and later recognised by the UN as International Day for The Eradication of Poverty. This, lead to announcing how the local town of Newmarket had embraced the day by declaring it the year previous on the day, and by unveiling this year a permanent plaque which will be placed on a particular rock in Fairy Lake Park as a constant reminder of those less fortunate. I pointed to Mayor Van Bynen of Newmarket and councilor Sponga as examples of supporters to Oct 17 and poverty reduction and inclusiveness efforts and that MPP frank Klees has been proactive at the Square Table on Poverty. I also pointed out the need for governments and organizations alike to work more cooperatively instead of in “silos” and mentioned how Oct 17 had become a day of getting commitment and engagement between groups, individuals and some politicians - that some politicians, but not all, needed prodding to get them involved and Oct 17 can serve as that starting point.

Regional Councilor Taylor who has been an ongoing support on poverty issues was on hand to do the unveiling of the plaque in lieu of the Mayor being out of town. He also had encouraging words to speak and told of also his feelings having lived around 3rd worlders earlier in his life, and of his experiences with Habitat for Humanity and beyond. Councilor Taylor has also been a participant of our Square Table on Poverty in York Region and supporter to our community initiatives.

After the councilor and I unveiled the plaque, the podium gave way to Jane Wedlock of the York Region Alliance to End Homelessness to introduce the Photo Exhibit – HIDDEN IN….PLAIN SIGHT….Living Homeless in York Region. Jane too mentioned the need for more cooperative efforts in the fight towards poverty reduction and stressed a need for more affordable housing.

At that point I invited people to enjoy the exhibits during an “open mic” and/or “blog” time scheduled, and if no-one wanted to speak right away we had music set up to lull attendees as they milled through the photo exhibits and tables of exhibits - but there was no such lull! Right from the start of the “open mic” sessions there was no shortage of speakers willing to speak up/out! From a displaced immigrant farmer, to a homeless artist, to mothers in dire straights and failing health, to a newcomer experiencing poverty here as he settles, to dental care sufferers, seniors, youths – and others. The unique set up allowed that the voices from the mic were also broadcast into the foyer so even the table workers and booth attendees were always involved. The voices invigorated many and I believe re-instilled in some the importance of caring about all our residents.

Several such voices almost brought me to tears, but acted instead as a jolting reminder to me that this was why I got involved with PACC and Make Poverty History - because of the abhorrent treatment some in our society receive every day. It reminded and shamed me that we, as a society, have made it such that a person would have to come and speak out like this to save their and their children’s futures - if not their lives. It angered and impassioned me. I said as much on the microphone.

Other Slated speakers included NDP MPP Michael Prue who was raised in Toronto’s notorious Regent Park and who’s words were inspirational, Rev Dorian Baxter – Progressive Canadian party candidate, vocal crusader for human rights and staunch supporter of poverty reduction, Dave Robertson – creator of “talk-2-one” a phone number and messaging system for the homeless, Dennis Bailey – Director of the Legal Clinic of York Region, Community Development Organizer Kristine Carbis, and Reverend Robin Wardlaw who read the stand-up pledge against poverty and offered some encouraging and inspiring words while Caroline drew her usual array of kooky caricatures!

Other features that stood out were Spotlight Theatre School’s singing renditions from RENT and URINE TOWN, as well as a stirring, shivers producing song by 12 year old Greg who also takes part in “Operation Sparrow” - a program started with PACC’s assistance for lower income youths that allows for free participation and transportation to sports and cultural activities such as (Robinson’s) Karate and (Spotlight) Theatre School.

Attendees of note included Conservative MPP Frank Klees who has been a cooperative member of our Square Table on Poverty in York Region, as well as new MP Lois Brown who also reiterated her commitment to the Square Table - just as we’d asked of her at a public debate during the election campaign!

Seventy-three signed the pledge against poverty - down locally from last year - but due to a last minute change of venue, no advertising budget, and reduced natural foot traffic - we are hopeful that the message is getting out!

Many passionate attendees stayed right to the end and we closed out with some very spirited speakers and thank-yous in between some great entertainment including Elvis Priestly (From The Ghetto), Freedom Chuck, and comedy relief from Schtick Jagger (flanked by Wheelchair- Elvis!) designed to lighten the mood at the end of an otherwise somber subjected event….which I do believe worked!...

….You can put me out! On the streets! Put me out! With no sho-o-o-oes on my feet!
…And Put Me Out, Put Me Out, Put Me Out of Mis-er-y!

Recounted by - Tom Pearson
Chair, Poverty Action for Change Coalition
Chair, Make Poverty History – York Region chapter