Poverty Awareness in York Region

In 2014, it was reported a man had been found dead at the Go parking lot in Newmarket, Ontario. What wasn't reported, was that he had no money, no place to go, and that he had been seen there that night for hours out in the cold by the cabbies that sit at the Go station and by patrolling police officers. Ultimately, he still died... He might have been able to prolong his life if he didn't fear prosecution by jumping on a bus as is often  done by those men who are turned out into the cold when no beds are available at the shelters or he has no means to get to one. 
In 2013, I attended the funeral of yet another Newmarket man whose life consisted of a revolving shelter door. He was only 56. Men like him, who for whatever reason are not able to attain a stable roof over their heads and all the accolades that go along with that - like a healthy lifestyle and diet - usually live shorter lives. These men stay in the shelters for the maximum allotted time of 6 weeks and then couch surf  or live on the streets until such time as they can return again. Whilst staying in the shelters, they are of course expelled during the day first thing in the morning and not allowed back in until the evening. This type of lifestyle takes its toll, especially as one gets older. Statistics prove those living under these conditions live considerably shorter lives. Our current safety net system supports this

This man lived in York Region forests with his son...in winter!

I attended a housing consultation workshop in York Region ( hosted by the Region), and although a number of organizations were there  claimed to want to make a difference, I couldn't help but notice how many exist because of marginalized people, and wondered if they all had their motives in the right places?

At the funeral, the presiding Chaplain asked if anyone would like to say anything and a number of people from a local shelter got up and spoke nicely of him. But he didn't go to those places because he wanted to - he hated shelters and community meals - he went because he had to, as he had no choice, because we leave guys like him - guys unable to quite do everything it takes to survive on their own - especially with the minimal income they're expected to try and pull their bootstraps up on, against the backdrop of average rental costs here, to fend for themselves. No " York Region's best kept Secret" Men's Centres here. Subsequently, men like him have to attend these often dangerous shelters, but, make no mistake, they'd rather not.

When I spoke of this man who died far too young, from the pulpit, it was in genuine glowing memory of how he'd look forward to volunteering for our road hockey tourney every year as it was held right near his turf - Main St - where he could be found most any day perched in a doorway watching "his" street and where we literally played the tourney one year - right on Main St. Afterwards, the Salvation Army Chaplain noted aloud how it was nice to hear how these organizations allowed him to volunteer with them, but the reality is he only volunteered for our event. That was the one he chose. In fact most other organizations wouldn't allow him to volunteer as he didn't "qualify", but they sure don't mind asking for testimonials from to solicit sympathy funds for their "causes".
      Video - All these organizations, yet still men die homeless here with no plan to change

Some of the "do-gooders" attending, most of whose organizations don't seem to respond to requests to participate in the annual Oct 17  International Day for the Eradication of Poverty event,  which is a day sanctioned by the U.N. as THE day to speak out against poverty, should be ashamed to call themselves part of the solution.

Part of the solution, is allowing people to have the tools and where-with-all to survive without charitable supports where possible, and with real dignity, and speaking up for their right to do so. The do-gooders want to do good? Come out Oct 17 to Riverwalk Commons and speak up about the lack of affordable housing for these men, programs lack, and income supports, but they're all too busy blindly hosting fundraisers for shelters and giving to food banks to notice men are really dying out there. Slowly and quickly both.

Charity / Nonprofit organizations are mandated to devote 10% of their budgets to social justice advocacy so we would expect to see them all on the only day designed specifically for that reason - Oct 17

Golden Gloves boxer John Fletcher died living here behind a Tim Hortons

I wrote about another long-time street person dying in 2012 here - a former golden glove boxer no less - and not one word written in the media. The year before, an elderly homeless man died of exposure in an abandoned trailer off Davis Drive, this relayed to me by a homeless man who had been drinking with him that night. Again, not one word written.

I certainly have nothing against EMERGENCY shelters when needed, but, sorry, I don't hear about our women dying on our streets, yet you wouldn't know it for all the kerfuffle about the "need' for another women's shelter. Shelters are not homes, and Y.R., with the among lowest rentals / owned housing ratios in the country, needs more permanent housing. We have 7 existing shelters already and of the 7, 6 already accept women in various categories. When the family shelter opened, the other women's shelter use  numbers actually dropped, yet we are still building women another one for $10 Million dollars just in build costs.

But Where will they go afterward?

Where will these women, who will have to come here from across Ontario to fill it, go afterwards?


I've said it before and I'll say it again - and all the stats and reports back me - what York Region needs is more affordable housing - particularly for singles - and especially for its homeless men.
PACCman

Stone Soup Live!

I looked forward to International Day for the Eradication of Poverty this year. Although it's a day when you might hear tales of personal woe and misery, it has also been, for the past few years, an event for providing inspiration and not just free stuff - although the free pumpkins offered this year went a long way. It has also become a day to express messages through music and the arts.

I got the text somewhere in the aft of the day of, that the pumpkins had arrived and where did I want them? The 2 pm call caught me in between locations, having already been at Riverwalk
Commons Lions Hall earlier dropping off a first load of equipment and supplies for the outdoor event. Luckily for me, the town staffer I interrupted while eating his lunch, agreed to allow us a small area to store it as we retreated to get more, including the sound equipment. Typically, this day is very hectic but this year, with everything in place early, and enough low budget promotion to attract some people and voices and talent, I was pretty sure we were in for a good one.

The first inkling of what was to come, came hours before the event's official start as I waited for the sound man and volunteers to arrive noticing various people wandering by the dozens of pumpkins adorning the stage, wondering what they were for? I'd then moved our sign over, as well as info about the event, as a focal point, within view of passersby facing Timothy Street, and explained the Int Day to others who'd inquire while offering a pumpkin should they want one.

One couple who'd wandered by by chance were thankful, but, ironically, homeless, and thus had nowhere to put a pumpkin. They were invited back for the after 7pm start too.

When asked, I'd been telling people the pumpkins were free but that we'd accept a donation if they were able. One man who looked as if he'd seen a few shelters in his day, and now lived nearby, approached, asking about them and looking sheepish upon my explanation, having approached, likely, after overhearing me say they were free. Sensing his hesitation I interjected, " Go ahead, take one ".... "Seriously?", he said. " Go for it. That's what they are for!" I replied. I then took the opportunity to tell him about the event. That is was a day to hear voices speaking out about poverty, and that the night would end with some great entertainment with an open stage should he know anyone who sang or played guitar. He returned later to take part, dancing and even singing some Elvis onstage with me. He felt welcome and a part of the community methinks.That was what it was about too. Inclusion.

Formerly Homeless poet meets anti-homelessness advocate

The pumpkins themselves arrived because of the need to want to help. Annette Brown a long time PACC supporter and community development worker and volunteer passed away and her last passion was making sure kids had pumpkins. She'd noticed while living and working communities in Newmarket and Georgina, that some kids / families, without cars especially, as transit was not as great, would go without pumpkins at Halloween so they'd arrange it so they did and also coordinate neighbourhood pumpkin carving parties. In mentioning this to Newmarket Food Pantry Director, Joe Sponga I had no idea he's arrange a crate load for distribution but every one went!

Mike Thornhill Youth Award Winner Jason Baulch

PACC Vice-Chair Dan Philion finds some warmth

The event featured some powerful testimonials, such as the poems read aloud by book of poetry Author David L Rogers whose poems from his book, "The Dark Road", reflect real life experiences, and act as therapy to those with addictions and suffer depression... and from displaced Farmer and former Markham mayoral candidate, Sam Orrico who's story may finally be seeing some light due to the attention we've been able to draw to his dilemma - as he's once again being moved without means. JAZZled youth COO Wendy  Marais spoke about youth scholarship and sponsorship opportunities as well, and we handed out the Mike Thornhill Youth Leader Award to 2014 winner Jason Baulch, Author Ivan Prokupchuk spoke from a seniors perspective while JustFlow's Justin Harris felt inspired to speak from a personal youth viewpoint. I touched on a few disability issues on behalf of PACC Vice Chair Danny Philion also attending in the crowd but not comfortable speaking on stage - Did I mention we had no ramp? Gulp - raising the issue about those in wheelchairs now being able to go out past 10 pm - in part due to our lobbying - was a point I wanted to make, and so did, as it's important to let people know about the wins we have in order to offer some kind of hope that through communication and inclusion we can create better systems that treat people more fairly, and with more dignity. Meantime Dan has $117 dollars left mid month to get him through including needing groceries.

Mixed Bag

Regional Councilor John Taylor likely squirmed a bit as I broached the wheel trans subject and then dwelled on the transit strike which affected Dan's community for 4 months through Xmas and let the town's Deputy Mayor know that was not forgotten. But added also that he was but one person and council vote and not solely accountable for the strike's handling. I also expressed disappointment in the lack of media around various poverty issues, but particularly during the transit strike, feeling the dilemma people were facing was not covered with much sense of urgency, or the devastation it caused some. And I would have said more, but wanted to try and get focus on some positive ideas and thoughts for 2014, like Walk & Roll, a march of sorts in the works for spring 2015 to draw attention to poverty issues in York Region.

Intense performance

The part I look forward to more and more each year for the The International Day is the addition of more music and arts, and this year in particular, with a focus on youth and the addition of hip hop slotted to end the night off with. It is just a great fit to the theme and encourages rappers and spoken word artists and hip hoppers to express themselves in what is already a natural forum for them to speak out in - already in theme even!

Passion from JustFlow

Maurice Weeks AJ Music

With hip hop roots coming from poverty it seemed a natural fit, and these young talented vocalists, including from walk-ons who happened by and had heard ' the scene", as well as from the Just Flow and Arthur Jr Music Family crews really gave it their all. These guys -  and GAL! - with female MC, Newmarket, now by way of Aurora's own Dean Wild of Stay Blessed Productions, were way passionate and also appreciative of being a part of such an important event, and, I got the sense anyway, of being included by the town if you will too. There's that word again - Inclusion.

And some of these performers represent the very faces of poverty in York Region, or the voices or hearts, and they may not be what a stereotypical face of poverty would be considered to be - but they are most certainly representative. Local Music Producer and Performer Maurice Weeks from AJM is one example of a local phenom talent as well as JustFlow who develop young talent as well. Their song Politics was a perfect fit for the show!


I was really impressed and some performances brought to mind words of wisdom from another event I'd worked a judging panel on with Canadian Idol's Farley Flex. At the end of that event, Flex had taken time to talk with the contest performers and flat out told some of them they sounded like American rappers

" But you're not even American. Be yourself. Tell your own story. It's those that stand out from the rest who will make it, not those who sound like everyone else."

Farley Flex, former Canadian Idol Judge

Spence

Jackie Playter plays middle person

Great advice. And these youths showed more class than some of our politicians who I take it were mostly too busy to attend, with only Councilors Taylor, Sponga and Tom Veigh showing up. I guess they are taking their cue from the mayor who hasn't seen fit to show up in several years, opting for a Photo op at car dealership instead in 2013 and who knows in 2014. In Mayor Tony Van Bynen's defense, he used to come out, until I got very critical one year, sort of ambushing him with negative comments about how the region / town was doing on the issue. Perhaps a less abrasive approach would be more affective to get him to the table in earnest, and, to that end, look to the future for just that - or with a new mayor - whichever plays out.

Jeanine with Wendy Marais from Jazzled.

Council hopefuls also showed they cared enough about all our residents by braving the cool air including Newmarket mayor candidates, always supportive " Elvis" Dorian Baxter, as well as Chris Campbell, School Trustee and anti-bullying advocate candidate, Bessie Vlasic, Council hopefuls Doug Crosse as well as Wasim Jarrah who seems to have a community conscience, and Regional Councilor hopeful, Darryl Wolk who has pledged support on the issue for some years, as well. Ward 2 Newmarket council candidate Bill Kukulewich was granted an opportunity to speak into the open stage mic as his platform impressively includes a 7 point plan to eliminate homelessness, even offering to put up his salary to offset some of its cost if elected!

Die hard supporters Mary & Linda

In between, people got a chance to chat and it was great to have so many come up and say " We've met on face book but not live" and "maybe our politics aren't so far apart", or " I really appreciate what you're doing" etc..It was great to also see many of the town's leading residents attending, such as Jackie Playter who volunteers relentlessly and sits on a number of boards, as well as supportive business owners such as Olga and Glenn from CanadaT.com on Main St. who want to sponsors shirts now for next year, having now caught the meaning and spirit of this great event through attending.

Does Councilor Taylor ever take a bad picture!?

You see, when you get off the computers and go meet people in person, wonderful things can happen. Common ground is not that hard to see if inclusive in our decision making towards this - and any issue (and in our boardrooms) - you allow yourselves to look for it. If we are, we will make much more real headway. If only in small incremental ways to start, that is fine, so long as we move forward in unison as best we can toward a common goal. Speaking of computers and common goals, the event's volunteer school youths also saved the day with their knowledge of technology to access our back beat sounds, while getting valuable experience and meeting some industry people. Just a great event and day overall in so many ways.


The biggest scandal to rock this year's show was during a youthful performance towards the end when the enthusiastic performer decided to smash a few pumpkins, agreeing mid-rap to clean it up afterward which they did! In my day we'd have stuck it to the man! Ha. Respect. Another Word of The Day.

The only regrets for 2014 I have, are not spending more time having and nurturing conversations between hosting duties and making intros,  

"I never got to meet that politician wanting to end homelessness...I'm homeless!" Farmer Sam, 

Food bank Director and Councilor Joe Sponga with Yappers

and the lack of representatives from most local charities, churches, and non profits, especially after they have been pushing for more " collaboration" and "sustainable systems', yet stayed away from a forum allowing face to face interaction with "clients" within a productive environment, and resist having grass roots committee members. And we sure could have used someone organizing / dishing out some free hot food like in years past too. We do thank Deli House Catering for use of their hot chocolate dispenser though!

The Yappers rock the stage @Riverwalk Commons

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was actually the first official event ever at Riverwalk Commons aside from the grand opening in 2011. Next year, Oct 17 happens on a Saturday and we shall endeavour to make it the best ever, with more elements and performances, and maybe expand the arts part of it even more with the Newmarket Arts Festival seemingly running during the same time frame in the same area of town.

Dean Wild, left, breaks from the stage with her dog

Who knows!? Maybe we'll get an inclusive town council that will come out and shout to the world how proud they are of this event too and show it the respect it deserves like they do the Newmarket Jazz + Festival...Hey! We can use the photo op! Our entire budget was $500. What was theirs?  And, after all, there should be no doubt as to which date is more important in the world.

More event photos here courtesy of Glenn Rodger Events Photography. Show elements provided by TPE Productions.

The @PACCMan Report

Chris Campbell and Wasim Jarrah

Tom Vegh, Councilor and Habitat for Humanity York Region

Doug Crosse with Bessie Vlasic...Who knew he was funny?

The help!

Local Home Boy

Poverty makes for strange bed fellows..Thank-you very Much!

And an End Of Night Good Time had by all!

It looks like we may have to either postpone or - egads - cancel the annual free Friendly Neighbourhood Youth Road hockey Challenge for 2013 or at least post-pone it.
 
Why?

Well we had a little last minute expense to take care of namely some fencing that I know isn't in our budget.
Yea..$225 a foot worth..to cross over playing areas of roughly 100 feet.

Oops they just informed me it was a small overlook - it's actually $2.25 a sq foot. Big Diff!!

Frankly I'm tired of trying to have this event carried without any support from the town to help promote or fund it. Geez they had no problem dishing out to an unknown out of town outfit for an ice hockey event supposedly for the homeless. Us? We get fencing, insurance, and location woes starting from the time they developed the new Riverwalk Commons area where our costs suddenly almost doubled in a year.

I guess activities for kids don't mean enough to enough people anymore. Boy oh boy where did all our priorities go so wrong?

I'll keep you posted. But things look to be a go for Mar 16!

 I've noticed this "trend' of "training" opportunities" or 'employment opportunities" for people with disabilities or low income and, besides the fact the government is trying to mandatorize labour for those on disabilities regardless of education or skills, the use of 'charity" businesses that use free or cheaper labour (sometimes they pay them with food) is outrageous.

Do these programs really help or take away from paid work?

Under disguise of "helpful programs"programs' like the Inn from the Cold Catering "company" should be banned in its present model as it is not part of their mandate to begin with, let alone another way to make money from the poor via having them "learn" how to make sandwiches and the like under the disguise of teaching them a skilll from which I suppose they say they would now be able to get a job from. Meantime this business gets free labour? Hello!.

But wait you say they are doing a wonderful thing training people how to cater. Bull crap. Most jobs do that anyway at entry level, but at least you'd get PAID a wage then! One local struggling young man I know who works for a catering company was promised full time hours - something hard to get these days - but as yet the place hasn't been able to afford him enough to do so, and the kid walks to work - over 4 miles - ashamed to tell the boss he can't afford it.We don't need homeless shelters preparing food we need them for shelter emergencies only, which should be RARE, not the accepted status quo.

A friend of mine has a catering company and I'm sure he's not thrilled to lose anymore business to competition than he has to in an all ready tough market. Tough to say no to the poor shelter people, and great way to make your business appear "caring" by using such a catering "service". What a farce.

They likely got the idea from a visit I made to Montreal some years back that had a gourmet restaurant tucked in an old church in a poor part of town - Resto Pop - which uses high end discarded catered food as well as a CERTIFIED CHEF in house who teaches culinary skills. These meals are then sold for change to low income and shelter dwellers out of this converted church. And when I say change I mean 50 cents -$2 for a meal etc. and the workers were paid FULL WAGES. This was the model I spoke of when I raised the idea here at the square-table on Poverty in 2006 or so with Belinda Stronach et al, who are seemingly connected to shelters here now through the new "shrine" for single women to be filled by women from outside York Region when it opens in order to fill it, but learned long ago they are all about photo-ops and appearances than reality or caring, or if they are, are rather naive which I doubt.Unless of course the current course of governmental poverty reduction efforts continues and we will afford our aging low income single women to join their male counterparts on the streets - literally- and it will no longer be a manufactured notion as a pressing "need". A that point her Belinda House shrine is going to seem much needed!Yet by just giving people a little more to work with they could avoid being homeless most often - but they don't support that. Hmmm.Too dignified a solution I suppose.

I was speaking with another person at a business who had needed their yard cleaned up of refuse etc and was able to get a quote for about 1/4 of anyone else's. How can they do it? They use people with certain mental health disabilities on ODSP and don't pay the workers but they use it as an 'activity" or " program" for them or if they do get paid it's token. Often they have care and control of these "workers" who also live in residents. Make no mistake these "charities" are making money on them and / or saving it using them under the guise of " volunteers"when often these 'volunteers" are hungry as is and just happy to be warm and eat and if they get thrown a few bones it keeps them coming back enough that they can claim their "program" is a success. yea a success at keeping people attached to them instead of breaking free.I know men without who'da loved the job but how can he compete with almost free?

Free labour at local charities often pays them in food instead of money

As government steers a course toward forced labour on the disabled our local papers write that our social service 'professionals" think the review is going in the right direction
(I personally don't think it needs an overhaul whatsoever just a few tweaks like giving people more to work with to start with). Which professionals were these? The ones who's livelihoods depend on keeping people mired in poverty or come to their "programs" or rely on the free / cheap poor labour to conduct their "charity" business?

People who can already seek out work DO and don't need a hand or forced incentive pushing them to do it, but what will happen is " volunteering" will begin to cut into the paying jobs in hard more than it already has while working businesses who have to compete with real world overheads and don't have the sympathy card to play for funding from government bodies or the public so lest we get to cozy with this charities for all solution don't forget who the labour force will be made up of!

Tom Pearson

This Wed Oct 17 is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. It is a day marked around the world as THE ONE to speak out for those marginalized by poverty. It was started by Joseph Wrtezinski, a man of religion in Paris France, who had grown up in abject poverty. Millions worldwide now gather on this day.

2012 to be held at Newmarket's Riverwalk Commons stage

In York Region, or Newmarket rather, we hold an annual event which includes information on world and localized poverty and affords opportunities for aspiring people to speak out via various means such as performance artists who play original or otherwise related pieces...A Beatles love song may fit the bill, whatever the song or performance means to someone could also be explained prior to the singing of a song. Although original material is preferred. For example, if someone knew of someone marginalized and a particular song was a favourite of or its lyrics reminded them then explain that and why and a little about that person or situation beforehand.

The day's events are kicked off at 2pm with the reading of the pledge against poverty and some opening words from PACC Chair Tom Pearson. The mic / stage is then open for anyone wishing to speak. Ambient performers /drummers permitted.Indoors will be lined with information booths, tables/seating, and include ambient music with DJ / Open stage Host Funnyman Dan Philion. Indoor and outdoor areas available until 8PM.

4pm - Free Hot food and nourishment is usually part of the equation as well to entice people to come out in the usually cold weather and this year the lords prayer will be read into play as well to commemorate the service churches give to aid those in poverty. Fresh hot soup, bread, maybe some fruit bars with coffee and away we go. At least this year we have a nearby indoor facility as well to keep everyone warm need be. And bathrooms for that matter, as each year the former location at Fairy Lake would seemingly close down just before Oct 17. Lets just say that was a deal breaker for some. Ha.

Open Mic - 2-6:30 pm - Main Stage performers 6:30

The local event in 2012 is being held at Newmarket's Riverwalk Commons and as well inside the Newmarket Community Centre's Lions Club Hall and will feature a gaggle of information tables such as Make Poverty History, aboriginal crafts, presentation by Options for Homes CEO Mike Labbe at 3pm, Freedom 95 a group of senior food bank volunteers pushing for an end to food-banks,  Legal Clinic of York Region, Housing Help Center including the distribution of free (Talk2one messaging) phone #'s and ID clinic, Y.R. Food Network, PACC, some projected media, live Performance Artists and most of all an open mic on the main stage for anyone wishing to communicate via whatever their art - be it spoken word or miming or improvisation or what have you. Indoor opportunities as well for performers.

4:30pm Tribute to Youth - Quest for Youth show producer Luther Mansraj..also youth singers including!

5:00pm Outdoors - Open Stage continues main stage - open mic / jam musicians included / booths indoors / hot food & drink continues

6pm - Videos - Indoors

6:30pm - Main Stage Performers to 7:30 or 8pm.

Includes - Author / Poet David L Rogers (The Dark Road), more youthful singers, Schtik Jagger, Hip Hop Artist Test of Test Logik, Singer guitar sensations Lucky Jackson from England, Joe from The Dangles,  Fred Joly, Aboriginal Drumming by Kim, Street sensation Singer/guitar/picker Daniel, & Select previous Open Stage Performers!

Mcguinty Mannequin cross Ontario tour in Aurora

Recently I traveled to Toronto in anticipation of the screening of the Put Food in the Budget campaign's "Premier Mcguinty mannequin tour". The campaign, of which I'd been an attending and participating member of, is a cross Ontario group lead by educated and experienced leaders and involving those with lived low income experience. The thing I'd liked about the group, besides the fact the ideas we
came up with were usually well executed, was that they included those with experience and actually used their input - unlike other groups or forums or participation events I've been to where they go through the motions but never actually use participants' viewpoints or input, just the appearances of doing so. Something like the Ontario government did with its poverty reduction strategy hearings. I call it pandering. Then they use those who they are purported to be helping as their mouthpieces to attract attention and / or to show worthiness for continued funding from associated groups - like charities do to vulnerable people when they get them to do their bidding through 'testimonials' after which they get rewarded usually.

Eyes on Toronto

Programs and ideas are best generated from the community on out, and particularly when dealing with a community barely surviving. They will know barriers for people as they themselves have often experienced it or know someone who has. That's why their input is THE MOST critical part of any plan and is exactly why the Put Food in the Budget campaign completely missed the mark by producing a movie that excluded using excerpts from all the communiteis who submitted video footage. They used people to further their cause( and name) by doing the bidding in communities to promote the mannequin campaign and went around with "him" introducing him to community members and taping interactions with "him". In our case we gave video footage of everything from Mcguinty visiting a community dinner to seniors telling him off, to a kid with mental health issues speaking off camera with the mannequin "listening" to a community movie. We even had footgage of him helping at a foodbank as well as bike riding all of which could have been played with music layed underneath but nothing.

PFIB campaign fights for more social assistance from the Ontario budget

" Mike," I'd said to the movements director Balkwill, " This is embarrassing. You're supposed to be about inclusiveness, surely you could have and should have included at least 5 or 10 seconds from everyone!". I wasn't the only one, some had traveled from as far as Thunderbay to see no northern inclusion. Very disappointing. Mike was understanding and said he'd bring it to the "committee" and that some technical issues had been involved.

"Committee?" I thought I was going to be part of the editing process? Did this committee have anyone of experience on it? Because if they had, this never would have happened." In addition I have produced and hosted a number of shows for TV and some film work too, as well as went to school for tv and film production so figured my professional experience could be utilized too. Guess not. I left without watching it and disillusioned.Was I being bamboozled again by another pandering do-gooder outfit that really didn't care about the "cause"?

"Do The Math" one of the actions we helped PFIB campaign implement

For 4 years I chaired a program (and helped start) called Operation Sparrow  It is likely the most user friendly and dignified model of programs distribution out there having now distributed 10's of thousands of dollars worth of karate, theatre school, art and other activities alongside "regular" kids with no special labels or "programs".

It was so successfully set up BECAUSE it contained some members of the COMMITTEE with lived experience, and they had to be listened too as I was chair. It runs today with its constitution firmly in place and hundreds of kids take part annually. Recently access to skates became part of it, allowing kids to skate and maybe play hockey.


To the credit of the Put Food in The Budget Campaign - they are going to revise the advocacy video to include York Region and some other suggested changes.  Also a time factor had come into play and they needed to have something to show that day.  They've always been a good group in the past and we have open discussions where they actually seek out input from those coming from lived experience and seemingly use it.

Let this be a lesson learned - to err is human - once per.

Help spread the word on Oct 17, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

As you may be aware, October 17 is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The internationally marked and United Nations acclaimed day features gatherings world-wide to draw attention to poverty and advocate on behalf.

Special Newmarket Ontario PACC Event

For the past 8 years a public event has been held in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada featuring guest speakers, information booths, music / art related to poverty, and most important a microphone for speaking about poverty related issues – particularly those directly affected. In 2012 the location will be shifting north of Fairy Lake to the new Riverwalk Commons, which has both an outdoor stage/area and indoor hall. Traditionally it includes serving up a free meal and hot soup to attendees / passersby.

P.A.C.C., which also acts as the York Region Make Poverty History chapter, has hosted this event in the past along with community partners providing assistance through donations of food service, food, materials, cash donations, or payment through hosting a booth ($100 single - $175 double) at the event. PACC receives no government funding and relies on donations and cooperative partners to ensure this event is held. For 2012 we’d like to see more participation from community groups related to poverty - as the event is a vital tool for advocacy.

This year we hope to attract some additional speakers and booths to help generate fodder for discussion, and to attract and engage politicians through forums including low income home-owner developer presenters and movie / media presentations.

Past participants have included The York Region Food Network, Alliance to end Homelessness, Blue Door Shelters, Canadian Mental Health Y.R., Legal Clinic of York Region, Operation Sparrow, Krasman Centre, Ninos Kom Tin, Talk-2-One messaging systems, Housing Help Centre YR, various churches, performers, poets, politicians, and others.

Should this interest your organization to participate or join our organizing committee, please let us know. You can view more on Oct 17 past years’ highlights via www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved.

Thank-you,
Tom Pearson – povertyacc@gmail.com – 289-221-0928
Chairman, Poverty Action for Change Coalition

Location for July 1st P.A.C.C. BBQ fundraiser

Hi people!...! On July 1st Myers Costumes on (237) Main S is holding an open stage for entertainment and youth Art Mural contest and have allowed P.A.C.C. to sell BBQ stuff and drinks from their MAIN ST location Canada Day. The elderly owner has been repeatedly tagged with Graffiti and the hope is a beautiful mural will end that as the town makes her remove it at her expense, and lets just say costumes are mostly seasonal.

Wall has been whited over most of the graffiti ready for youth Artists Canada Day!

Funds raised can go towards our International Day for the Eradication of Poverty which will hopefully be held this year at Newmarket new Riverwalk Commons location off Main St and cost us more.We hope to attract a number of related organizations this year to help defer the costs and we'll iron an invitation and letter out as such in the next meeting.

We're looking for volunteers to take 2 hour shifts - perhaps people planning to go to Canada Day celebrations already - to help pull this July 1st fundraiser off. Anyone who can supply anything needed also let us know!
A symposium hosted by Regional Councilor John Taylor was held last night that used the very nonprofit company (Options for Homes) as one of the presenters of affordable housing options (ownership) that we'd proposed as an option long ago, but were ignored. We got no invite from Taylor to this as I only heard about it when the Era banner called for an opinion. What's up with that? Didn't we produce Y.R.'s social audit and list that as an idea for more affordable housing? Just saying.

Last meeting we more or less got updated on the road hockey event and the like and discussed some of the various action oriented things we're involved in such as 2012 Quest for Youth with the YRDSB among others, and for which a luncheon is being held to discuss further a Nov event that this year focuses on youth and mental health issues.If you'd like to attend and participate let us know! Last year's Quest event included a stage production and ideas are at discussion stage so input is still essential!

Speaking of road hockey, we may have to add another age category! Recently I organized a neighbourhood clean up afterwards a road hockey game broke out! More and more our "barrel" of fun is catching on with an honour system that all kids are to return the equipment. Here's a sneak peek at what our road hockey program can do. The little girl in the video showed up one day and kind of stood between the play in the way. I asked if she wanted to play but she turned away. I learned she - nor her older brother - spoke English.
The next time she showed up she showed up with a branch from a tree, holding it like the hockey players were, well sort of, ha and I replaced it with a real one while showing her how to hold it properly! This program uses the tools available to keep kids safe and close-by and integrates kids from various backgrounds as equals and who have no other playground area to speak of after toddler age. Enjoy.

Unrelated directly - but perhaps indirectly for those interested to get out and meet someone, friends, or take a mental health break!.. ha I am hosting a live entertainment event called American Bandstand Night tomorrow night in Newmarket and singles or couples are welcome!

Tom Pearson
www.povertyacc.com

                                             Went to a BBQ and a hockey game broke out!

  Recently I began to notice a Dad and son playing road hockey in Newmarket's Mulock Village near the community hall as I was in and out one day and then the next time some more kids had joined in the fray I noticed. I remember thinking it was nice to see another "dad" out in the community getting real with the kids and, in this case, seemingly enjoying it too - but then again what red blooded Canadian boy of any age 4 or 40 doesn't enjoy some road hockey now and then? Especially when your kid had the talent and attitude of his from what I saw. You know I joined them! Ha!

  I thought not much more about it until P.A.C.C. sponsored a free movie night in the community and at the same time gave out some free stuff to those who came. I find this a dignified way to hand out free stuff in a way that doesn't stigmatize as it's presented as just extra stuff  we need to get rid of. I try to make people feel as if they are doing us a favour by taking the free items such as soaps, conditioners, cereal, bags, diapers, formula etc..but I know by the way it all goes that people really appreciate it.

  Movie night we showed The Muppets Movie and I happen to meet this Dad and we talked a bit and I mentioned I had some nets available to any kids in the community as well as sticks in a barrel all i ask is that things are put back. He seemed a good guy and as I say his son seemed to have a natural talent for hockey and likely all sports. I was like that too as a kid. Ask my mom, ha, as I had champion trophies from numerous sports including hockey, road hockey, tennis, soccer, track etc so I can spot it and this kid has it.

  It got me thinking about the award we give out, the Mike Thornhill Memorial award given out of the annual road hockey tourney to one 'worthy" youth, was originally an education award, but now morphed into a cheque  used at the parents' discretion and which coincidentally we will be awarding at Deli House Catering hall on June 22 at 5pm should anyone wish to attend. The thinking was that if a kid wanted to use the money to play ice hockey they should be able to... but back to the kid....as I told his dad, this kid has natural talent, but hockey is expensive and shift work dad isn't a C.E.O. quite yet so it's tough. It got me thinking about the younger kids playing and maybe another award so a younger kid could play ice hockey.

Volunteer Dan looks on as metal is hauled away separate from the other refuse on neighbourhood clean up Day. The method brings funds into a community chest while helping a local business and follows with a community building exercise by cooperative participants cleaning up in and around the area followed by a BBQ!

  The next time I saw them was at the neighbourhood BBQ and cleanup we organize and within that we had a penalty shots contest for the kids ( won by the wiz kid) and later it all continued as dad's kid and youths alike joined in on the fray. Through simple road hockey we were introducing these kids and families came out of the houses and talked adding to a great atmosphere. .By the end of the hockey game the kids were calling me Gretzky ( the kids only 6 how the heck does he know!) and hound me every time they see me now to play! What have I created!!?



  "You know you're kid has a natural talent for sports eh?" I said to him.

  " I know" he replied, " You're not the first to say it a lacrosse coach mentioned it as well"

  " He has a natural talent which you cannot teach. It's just too bad ice hockey is so expensive because he could actually go somewhere. I think as he's a natural."

  I mean for 6 years old and no coaching he was phenomenal and a great disposition and willingness to learn/listen. The kid impressed me that much.Too bad I thought. It really made me think about how much untapped talent goes wasted or undeveloped because of finances. Here was a kid with talent who if his parents were wealthy could likely play rep hockey. Instead.....
                                                           
  Then yesterday I hear my name being called from the familiar spot on the street. It's raining out but there's dad, who admittedly has little interest or talent in sports, out there in the rain die-harding it with his boy with the goal pads on.

  
"Have you ever heard of the Salvation Army Junior Hockey League?

  " No" I said.

  " Well remember you were saying we need to get him playing ice hockey? His teacher got him a 'sponsored" position to play in this Salvation Army Junior Hockey League."

  " That's great", I said " it could be good stepping stone. Although I have to be honest I'm a bit skeptical."

  Firstly I'm against charities replacing mainstream opportunities for kids to play alongside their everyday peers and of religions getting into the business of distributing programs and sports (and camps) as 80% of all the money for their programs(Salvation Army Church) actually comes from ...(Drum roll here) the government!!

  My experience hearing from people dealing with the Salvation Army has not always been good, with some coming away feeling as if they were not treated with dignity as they so like to advertise they are about, but still it sounded interesting, as in looking further, indeed it looks as if some kind of league does exist in Richmond Hill with about 250 players, complete with ice times, various age groups and the like so if that gets the kid an opportunity to play and it's a legit league (not just a token) that's great! I'm not too thrilled that they advertise on their website that its a "Christian coaching methods team and league" that follows "Christian teachings" etc, as some people are not happy with religion being used for distributing social programs like the anti-homelessness programs rather than government which provides them ALL the funds to distribute anyway for it( government provides S.A. the money to distribute 80% of all their programs) and I would imagine they back the hockey "programs" too.

  Why not let kids play mainstream ice hockey through a sponsorship system instead need be if that's the case is my thinking, against the best, not some specialized group or religious organization pushing its teachings however well intentioned. I don't think too many Muslim or Sikh kids will sign up there soon let alone atheists. Don't get me wrong I'm all for freedom of religion and even believe in god, but don't feel people should have to go through a church to access things our society and government should provide whether that be enough in a wage to afford your kid playing hockey or a dignified means to obtain a sponsorship - especially if your kid is talented, be that be sports or education, and that my friends is why we have to stop pushing charitable solutions.

  FUNNY COMING FROM ME IN A WAY SINCE I HELPED START AND CHAIRED OPERATION SPARROW FOR 3 YEARS which offers low income kids an opportunity to play activities at no cost. However in that case I had a say in how it was set up and ensured an application process that keeps applicants' dignity in place, and eliminated the need for embarrassing face to face meetings while allowing for kids to participate in programs alongside regular participants of the host activities such as karate, ball hockey, dance, art and theatre schools with no one the wiser and without the the forfeit of personal information beyond dignified need. I even insisted taxis be set up for those who need them so nio barrier could be used to stop kids from participating. But these were all negotiated with the private sector and cost no-one anything! Not a cent of government money spent in my 4 years there, yet we placed hundreds of kids into 10's of thousands of dollars worth of programs.
I also started and now with a committee run an annual road hockey tourney for youths which is free and uses the private sector via sponsors once again to pay its way - although we did take a small community grant one year to assist with costs.

  This all being said at least the kid'll get a chance to hone his skills a bit perhaps in this 'league" and they can't brainwash him in a year on their religion at that age...just maybe dad or mom! Ha!...and who knows maybe some scouts will visit the Sally Anne league and recruit him or some day he can play in his own local community league with his school peers against kids that'll challenge him to be the best sportsman instead of the best church follower. The kid can go to his own church should he choose someday and not by default.

Tom Out!