Poverty Awareness in York Region

Last meeting was great! We had it outdoors at Fairy Lake Park and were able to envision how Oct 17 - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty will could look. We discussed the idea of moving the stage to be more open and welcoming to walkers-by and participants and had some good suggestions. We discussed more signage for this year and received donations to help put things together. We also heard from several organizations interested in having an info booth at the event. On a further update Glen Marais has agreed to play Oct 17 as well! Glen will be performing in Africa assisting efforts to make changes and is a welcome addition with an original song n that encompasses our theme. The performing/arts portion will also host some art pieces this year and likely a photo-display so looking to be a unique event and a short doc on poverty as well!


Also mentioned was the fact that the official stand-up count is slated for Sept 17,18,19 this year to coincide with the UN heads meeting in order to put pressure on world leaders to attend to poverty. We agreed that we would have a stand-up event on location at Fairy Lake Park on Sept 17 at 7PM . We can also have a short meeting at the same time for anyone wishing to help organize.Those that cannot make it can still be counted towards a new worlds record for those standing against poverty by pledging online and vowing to stand while pledging.The link is on our website should you need.

We also named a new program that PACC has rolled out in cooperation with YRDSB which we named - PACC to School - what we did was distribute about 100 backpacks stuffed with supplies, calculators etc through PACC going into the communities and delivering them via a neighbourhood BBQ! Hey how can you beat that! As well Operation Sparrow's Spotlight Theatre school also performed in one of the communities and we hope to expand this next year!

We will be looking to call a meeting for organizers - anyone from all organizations attached to poverty- interested in collaborating as well on the Oct 17 committee - likely next week so watch for announcements.

We are meeting with MP Wilfred from R Hill (East Beaver creek) on Wed morning at 10:00 am if anyone is interested to attend with me. We are asking for federal support on several key fronts (campaign 2000)

Sept 14 - YR transit - info session re: mobility transit - we plan to attend this the more the merrier! Let's put an end to "stupid rules" especially when it affects the lives of those with no choice!..to give you an example someone wishing to attend with me WEd cannot because there are no vehivcles available at that time..good thing(and no wonder) she's not going to work!

All 4 now..
tom Out

www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved