Poverty Awareness in York Region

Winter shelters closed now. Men in Y.R. use 26 beds in a pop of 1,000,000

Oct 17 is International Day for The Eradication of Poverty. Join us for York Region's representative 2014  event at Newmarket's Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Dr., outside The Lions Hall, simultaneously being held alongside  events around the world to draw attention to those in poverty at home and abroad.

The Newmarket Day will feature an
"Open Mic", offering opportunities to those with messages about poverty to share them. The first part of the 7-10pm running evening will include some personal stories from lived experience or those who have witnessed it, followed by a focus on world poverty.

Speakers to include PACC Chair Tom Pearson, Displaced Farmer Sam Orrico, Bill Kukulewich, long time tenant's and income rights advocate as well as Council

candidate who unveils his 7 point plan to END HOMELESSNESS!

Speakers and performance artists wishing to participate can contact us here and join the event on Facebook.

Fri Oct 17 support an end to poverty - Award winning one minute video

Booked in also is Poet, David Rogers, who will be available for signings / sales of his book of poems, "The Dark Road", which acts as a type of therapy for those fighting addictions / mental health issues, including depression. David's true to life experiences are replicated through his poetry, resonating and cutting through to many so afflicted. Signed Books are $15. 50% sales to PACC.

Mike Thornhill youth award winner Jason Baulch will also receive his recognition award and serves as an example of youth and positive action as well Jazzled Youth COO Wendy Marais will also make some information available about new youth initiatives and educational scholarship opportunities.


The plight of displaced Markham Farmer Sam Orrico will also be highlighted including words from Sam, also a victim of several house fires.

Reggae-country- rock sensations, The Yappers, are also slated in the mix thus far, as well as some Hip Hop and sounds by the amazing Just Flow and AJM Fam, as well a number of politicians and concerned residents will attend, making for an eclectic, stimulating, yet rockin' evening - with time in between for a mix and exchange of knowledge, information and ideas related to poverty issues.

For 2014, in memory of a special PACC member, community volunteer and community worker with C.M.H.A., Annette Brown, who passed unexpectedly recently, we will be handing out pumpkins at the event to keep her spirit / drive to make sure all kids get a pumpkin!
The following day on Oct 18 a celebration in Annette's honour is also planned.

The Int Day has been marked in Newmarket over 12 years now, and was originally designed 23 years ago, when launched in Paris France in front of the U.N. building, by a man of cloth who came from poverty and who wanted to make a difference, culminating with millions standing at once setting a world record for doing so in 2011! He has made a difference. You can too!

Come out and lend an ear or voice on Oct 17 2014!