Poverty Awareness in York Region

Seems 'tis the season for all things poverty lately and the most recent thing being a report released by York University, which was researched by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness and the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. Like anything report (follow the money) related it has truth mixed with supposition and ideology and conclusion finding solutions based on those, so you get what you get which is a mixed bag.

On one hand, it points out the obvious, on the other, it's solutions are slanted towards creating a two tiered rental market, or even three or four, with the end result being landlords creating slums and exclusive areas. And it's actual definition of 'affordable" housing I also have issue with, although they do use the term " at risk of " a fair number of times to confuse one would suppose, leading me to believe they are really branding this point home for some reason. To me, second suite apartments are not affordable either, whereas to them, they are.

Formerly Homeless. With supports, now a Poet

Some bullet points I took from the report, to highlight some previous rants of mine that I'm often maligned for locally by those on the peripherals, include the fact that about 75% of all those using shelters are single men age 26 and over. I ask, of the 7 existing full time shelters in York Region that we have, how many full time beds do we house these homeless men in - bearing in mind a population of 1.1 million people? Guess?.....try one shelter with 26 beds. Instead, 75% of our shelters house women - so the national numbers show we've obviously missed the mark in York Region. I've chirped it for years, but it's certainly nice to get some more supportive stats to back me. Meanwhile Y.R. boasts the least amount of rental housing  / owned houses ratios in the country and rates among the lowest percentile of occupancy availability rates in all of Canada already. Housing is but one element for what ails anyway, especially if they plan to roll out everything based on current broken models, and, in the case of rent subsidies, an experimental one.

YR Councilor given another chance

For example Dan Philion has subsidized housing and is confined to a wheelchair with limited mobility. In winter he suffers more-so and is naturally less mobile outside his home, but even if he wishes to, it is always a stress. Is the snow shoveled? Can I afford it? Do I have the energy today - but they'll charge me for cancelling a fare? Each trip out is calculated in worth vs value. Each month he begins it knowing he has only $100 plus dollars for after bills disposable income, regardless if he managed to earn more money somehow, as they simply adjust his check amount - first should he make "too much", then also adjust his apartment rental amount, either way he can't get ahead, and having trouble writing makes it more unlikely for him to try and get through it all anyway. None of their
solutions eliminate or address this reality, and it is a loophole that needs correcting, adjustments if you will, and believe it is within the resolve and power of the current Ontario government and York Region to make such adjustments, and should do so.


Out of desperation, Dan, who is also Vice-Chair of the Poverty Action for Change Coalition of York Region, the group responsible for bringing York Region its first ever social audit in 2011, "Behind The Masks", has spearheaded an idea for a type of march, to be held in the spring of 2015, to draw attention to the plight of those already housed but living lives of misery. Dan hopes others afflicted by similar circumstances propelled by poverty, and individuals or groups who support their right to a better existence, will come out.

Oct 17 event drew awareness

Says Dan, when informed of the recent 1% raise for those on O.D.S.P., announced by the Ontario government to be added on his check,

" 1%, are they serious? What are we supposed to do with that? That's 3 bus rides."

And with that being the catalyst, the idea for an event that would raise awareness to his / this issue began, the end result being  

Stroll and Roll for freedom.



Dan is tired of living like he's just existing, and says he didn't ask to live in a wheelchair and to have limited abilities and adds why shouldn't he have more money? Good question Dan, especially from many of the same group who voted themselves 30% raises not so long ago... And he's not shy, asking for a 50%  increase in his monthly disability support check, up from the current ceiling of about $1200 per individual. The hope action event will start at one destination - tentatively the York Region headquarters on Yonge St - and would peacefully roll and stroll down Yonge St, ending at the M.P.P.'s office in Aurora where the Liberal M.P.P. Chris Ballard would greet us and agree to take something to parliament on behalf. Something tangible. TBD& A'd.

Dan Philon wants a life!

Dan feels he deserves to live each day, not worrying about if he'll have enough to last the month and feeling a real pinch from mid month on. We believe he also has a right. A penny pincher as is, he doesn't smoke and has an occasional beer, mostly at home if he does unable to afford much more than cheap karaoke night out once in awhile should he choose to, and even then, his home table-menu then suffers later on in the month.

As we "speak", we're having logo design's looked at so Watch for Stroll and Roll for freedom online and on FaceBook!

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

Seen  outside the YRDSB building before the meeting.

  Today I attended a meeting at the York Region District School Board building for the Quest for Youth initiative, as part of the planning for the November forum.

  When I first got involved, I wasn't sure exactly what it was to be honest but I think I have a much better understanding now. It is a 3 day event that acts as both an educator and a learning tool for some of the worlds educators in the quest for improved student achievement. The Quest for Youth is an educators forum wherein not only Canadians but teachers from around the world come to take part in the various workshops and educational events that are organized.

  There are underlying themes each year, such as last year a focus was on gay and lesbian students and tied to that bullying. The art work depicted for last years event, in which the performance piece included youth artists completing their artwork in a shadow-like form onstage, contained various images - from men embracing to someone hanging himself. Heavy stuff, and not the "usual" one would see everyday in a regular classroom presentation by students I'm sure. But it gives/gave a voice to kids/youth affected by these themes where it would often else-wise be no more than the white elephant in the room, and perhaps some insight for educators on how to identify and more effectively deal with this should they face it in their schools.  

  The purposes of today's meeting however was two-fold. First we were to discuss one part of the event which is a workshop that's to be a real life maze of what a young person may face when accessing the social services and agencies via a scenario we will present them with.  For example we can make one group a homeless family and they have to then go access the needs they may have such as contacting a shelter, welfare, housing etc and the process that it entails. As the "Quest" event takes place at Toronto's Sheraton Hotel I believe, we talked about being able to set up locations in and around the building allowing us to run people around a little as they try to access the various available resources.

  The maze thing has been done before and I'm not convinced of it's value towards really giving someone that feeling of vulnerability and embarrassment that goes with being vulnerable or destitute, but nevertheless I'll do my best to add some elements that give some 'punch" to it.  Hmmm...but what? Perhaps have them call a real agency or shelter to get the feeling?

    A few years ago I tried to push some of the collaborative partners to do a real maze wherein we dress up a real politician and have them apply for food banks etc but to no avail - with someone citing that we shouldn't embarrass them. I don't agree, but whatever! Ha.

Luther Hansraj

  The second part of the meeting was to discuss the performance piece, which as I understand typically happens on the Wednesday of the education forum. This is where art and performance combine to present messages to the attendees en mass.  For this part, I was to meet the performance Producer/Director, Luther Hansraj, a social activist of sorts and a man with 30 years theatre background who also produced last year's well received performance. I'm a creative guy too and actually taught a theatre school class some years back for Spotlight Theatre School as well as performed/produced The Canadian Improv Showcase and have acted lead on-stage in a musical among some things, so I at least have some knowledge as well to add to the live mix, and am excited to work with an experienced stage visionary like Luther on this.

  As we relayed some York Region stories, including about a homeless family and a father and son who'd been homeless and living in the forest in winter, about a youth with mental health issues unable to leave his house but still able to design our road hockey tourney logo, and that our York Region Anti-homelessness programs actually require applicants to make $30,000 a year, he appeared stunned. Eureka! Finally someone who gets it I thought!

  I'm quite enthused about this performance part of the forum, as I feel it could become something very powerful. We've talked of having visuals via pictures and video in addition, and I already have plenty of that, but as a youth angle I'd also like to tie in the annual youth road hockey drive/event we do. Some may know we have run this 9 years now and give an award to a community leader at the same time. We charge kids nothing to play in the all day tourney, and provide hot chocolate & hot dogs for the players free too. We have always had a hard time getting any kind of sustained cooperation with the schools or Board to attract more participants (let alone the media), as we always felt that to be a natural conduit for the event to be announced or even school teams entered representing if on their on time even as this is a March break held affair. This is something we do hope to change via the performance piece through showing the good it instills to these kids.

  I was quite impressed with the  quiet yet motivated Mr. Hansraj who wants to come out into the communities as well, and I look forward to showing him firsthand some of the challenges these kids face and how through road hockey we build foundations for friendships, leadership and self esteem.

  I'll be honest, in the neighbourhood the event was first started, road hockey had become stagnant the last few years with many of the kids moving on out or growing to old to play. All it seems to have taken is another interested dad to instill more interest and suddenly this year a number of new kids are taking to it - but younger. That's okay too, because the last few years we created a mini event for the younger ones too so we welcome it!

  One day recently a little girl(see video above) showed up carrying a branch from a tree as a hockey stick. She stood among the boys who were playing road hockey, which included her older brother and others, so I approached and asked if she'd like to play. She turned shyly from me and indicated no and at that time someone informed me they spoke no English.



  We're looking for people who have artwork or ( background)music to be part of the performance, or to act as work station assistants- so if you can help or would like to know more about the Quest For Youth contact us!

Tom out!

YRNG reports about York Region Council needing an elected Chairperson months after PACC urged action.

    It seems the York Region Media Group is finally getting with the program. Several months after we first began blogging, creating media, and reporting about a need to replace the York Region Chair not only because of the present chairperson Fisch's incompetence but also because an elected chair seems more democratic than having the same guy anointed every year with no challengers. It's just too cozy an arrangement for a guy making over $200,000 a year! The elected Mayor of Toronto doesn't make that much - and meantime Fisch seemingly doesn't think transit drivers should make even $50,000 a year - which is only 1/2 of the average household income in York Region. Pay them a fair wage, give them reasonable working conditions - like breaks - and let's get on with this thing! You can flop around all you want Fisch but your filet is cooked my friend, so I suggest you take the high road and bow out gracefully while you still can.  
Better yet take transit.

  Speaking of cozy arrangements, am I the only one who finds it astoundingly outrageous that an organization purportedly selling products donated free, that most people think are used to build homes for people in need, instead spends over a million dollars in 2011 for "administration costs". Huh? Let me get this straight..they built exactly 0 homes in Newmarket, Aurora or Georgina in 2011 and incurred over $1,000,000 in expenditure costs? On What!? And now "need" to hire professional fundraisers too?

   This U.S. based model corporate connected "charity's" usefulness has gone the way of the dinosaur I'm afraid as it doesn't fit our Canadian ideals or system and it stigmatizes those chosen - as they are expected to be the face in the media mouthing wonderful things about these wonderful people before and as they move in as part of the deal instead of with privacy and dignity - while at school the kids become the "habitat kids" and other labels which can lead to low self esteem and mental health issues.. Because they are vulnerable, the chosen families of course will go along with it all and who could blame them?

  They also build so few homes and include numerous qualifying conditions that should not allow them to market themselves in their numerous commercials as providers of "affordable housing". It's a wonderful sounding buzz phrase, but a misleading one, as it is one usually reserved for real builders of "affordable housing" - in the dozens or hundreds at once - not one or two units per year as they typically might build - and then uses the very people they claim to want to help for publicity campaigns.
Well you can't have it both ways I'm afraid. Sure it helps a few people a year locally, but at what cost?

  Habitat for Humanity York Region's future plans apparently include developing isolated ghetto-like properties by the sounds of it - a number of units per property - "because it makes fiscal sense" according to Habitat's E.D. Nancy Van Kessel - which goes against all the studies about building isolated low income housing projects.  This is exactly what is wrong with charitable solutions often. Since when does fiscal sense trump accepted social housing policy? And since when does York Region in general care about actual fiscal sense anyway? I mean where was "fiscal sense" when York Region Council ordered destroyed a perfectly good shelter a few years back whilst almost simultaneously announcing plans to build a "much needed" single women's shelter?

So Why is H.F.H. seemingly exempt from procedure or scrutiny? Because they are a wonderful charity with great commercials that say they are great so they must be? Or perhaps because they are, as their head office corporate website says, a great brand partner worth 3.1 billion dollars, as much as Starbucks as they write? Corporate charity is not the solution for affordable housing woes in York Region - building units in the dozens or hundreds of units with government funds are what is needed or an alternative like PACC presented which was a private venture offering mixed income owned condos along with some affordable units that the company would qualify tenants to own who normally wouldn't - not some band-aid U.S. modeled feelgoodgroup confusing reality by sounding like they are "providing affordable housing" in York Region, when in actuality most who need affordable housing would not even qualify for a habitat house based on their eligibility requirements. They do a lot of advertising but little actual building anyway from my perspective, and even then it's with conditions for those lucky enough to have enough of the right disabilities, or fit the correct "culture" or 'mold" that they are looking for each time, as often seems to be the case. Smile for the camera!

Tom Taylor, former Newmarket Mayor, and Father of Regional Councilor John, Chairs or sits on the Boards of a number of Y.R. service providing charities including YR Habitat for Humanity, Neighbourhood Network and Inn From the Cold.

  It all reminds me of these "Champions" some groups trot out each year from various sources who praise the organizations and charities they've accessed up and down meantime behind the scenes they're often getting extras like jobs, food, fees, and free goodies that bribe them enough to be the media 'face". In one case the face of the family shelter one year got up and said how she'd been homeless with her kids in Toronto and ended up in our Y.R. shelters, then Y.R.'s assisted housing, and that she loved her new life and job and now volunteered in the community she loved. Awww it was a wonderful speech. Teared me up. She left out the part about having a husband when this all went down who had lived with her right up until that very day ( now years on from her dilemma) as best I knew, as she'd introduced me to him when she moved in and I'd seem him often around - but who wasn't anywhere to be seen or mentioned on this day - coming across like a distraught single mom who'd gone through terrible ordeal all alone. Oh and volunteering? She'd looked me in the eyes previously at her own community hall and said "Fuck em" when dropping out the week we were to put on a puppet show for the kids in her neighbourhood - because there weren't enough other volunteers she'd said. I appealed to her that some just couldn't make it that night, but she wasn't interested. To say I was stunned would have been an understatement. We never saw her back to help again as I suppose she was busy with her new "career". The 'career" she referred to her in her speech was given to her by housing not long after she was moved in - while many others should have been considered before her - as it was a (part-time) tenants position and many qualified residents had lived there a number of years before her arrival. Not bad for someone who went homeless in Toronto! I sat quietly throughout her speech, although I may have shaken my head a few times in disbelief but I wasn't going to spoil their party and besides the food was great ...and the tour wonderful and programs sounded just wonderful too! Ha!

   Still, it's a sad state of affairs that vulnerable people are used to legitimize groups that upon further examination - including the recent social audit done on York Region - that many of these groups are failing and in some cases rewarded time and again for programs or services that are poorly run or useless or not user friendly. And it is them who seem always left out - the majority - the ones not the chosen "champions" - that we need to look out for because our society and especially York Region seems to prefer  pretty stories instead of reality, and consequently keeps rewarding the same offenders with funds. I wonder if somewhere in here a conspiracy exists ....and the various boards with seemingly many of the same people involved is a good place to start.

Kristine Carbis on the scooter along with a number of people involved with Y.R.'s 1st ever social audit Behind The Masks  hiding her face with the report in this photo as she seeks no recognition for her immeasurable efforts

  You want a "Champion"- look no further than P.A.C.C.'s own Kristine Carbis who not only represents her community by sitting on a unique tenant reference group providing input to the Region to best manage housing tenant issues but has also tirelessly (and quietly) volunteered in her community (association) for years and is the one distributing food and goods to those in need, organizing her community events and Christmas Parties, connecting people to resources and schools, assisting with numerous projects to help end the affects of poverty in her community such as sitting for several years on the board for a P.A.C.C. assisted group we helped start - Operation Sparrow - which provides low income kids access to recreation and transportation at no cost, as well as assist the Put the Food in The Budget Campaign, Do the Math campaign, the P.A.C.C. hosted I.S.A.R.C.(York Region) Social Audit, Oct 17 Int Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and the annual Friendly Neighbourhood Youth Roadhockey Challenge she also helps organize both with P.A.C.C. and within her community to make sure a team is formed and everyone can get there. Currently she is quietly presenting to the Y.R. District School Board people to help them better understand dignified approaches to dealing with those who come from lower income homes' and why seemingly simple assignments might be an issue for others - such as access to libraries, computers, printers, embarrassment and such. And she's done so the last few years with use of a cane, then scooter, due to her deteriorating physical condition. Her biggest regret? Not getting chosen to be on the York Region Disabilities Committee - another controlled YR entity. She wasn't given a reason why not. Probably because she'd speak her mind for the rights of everyone and not quietly vote yes to everything without question.
  Now there's a real champion.

Don't forget to vote for PACC's finalist video One Paycheck Away before Jan 20!

Tom Pearson Out!!

Saturday November 19th 2011 at Fairy Lake.


Video produced by TP. It's absolutely hilarious. He plays about 20 different recognized characters in a 60 Minutes style presentation. Some tough opinions but funny nevertheless.


Occupy Newmarket Video

We are calling for a PACC meeting next week Wed 12:30 pm at Mulock Village Community Hall (Needler Cres at Maciver in Newmarket Ontario).


Agenda will include - Poverty Free Ontario intro - possibly replace Put food in the budget campaign as action plan group for PACC.

Youth Road Hockey Tournament - PACC event follow up.

Elections plans of attack - including organize / assist possible debate on social issues - to this end Canadians for Democracy (?) - a local group is meeting on Thursday April 7 at the Chocolate Cafe at 7-8pm ( Newmarket Giant Tiger plaza ); perhaps solicit some supporters to organize a debate involving social issues if anyone wanted to attend.

House of Hope update!

Tom Pearson
http://www.povertyacc.com/

Our next meeting to organize for the Road hockey event will be Wed Feb 23 at 1:00pm at Cafe Hesed which is on Main st S near water st East side. We will be needing to look at organizing the various areas - registration, scorekeeper, runners, info desk, set up, techies, refs, etc. I will need any info , logos, possible sponsors, cheques, etc at that time as our brochure and poster spots are filling up very fast.


Good news is I've created a relationship with some Main Street businesses and events (music etc) are to happen at the same time as the road hockey inside cafes on the street and Brad Jones Karate to do a tour / demo as well.

The Toronto Sun gave us some pre-event publicity calling our event a great idea and even mentioning the date / location.

2011 Pre-Event Write-up Toronto Sun
http://www.torontosun.com/news/columnists/joe_warmington/2011/02/21/17357591.html

Geez, we've done alright for one week and no$ budget yet.

Tom Pearson
http://www.povertyacc.com/

Reminder there is a PACC - roadhockey mostly - meeting Friday 12:30pm at Mulock village community hall on Maciver Blvd...planniing for event on Mainstreet ..and should we have an opening faceoff party the night before at a location downtown?..Im thinking yes...

Also..please check CBC radio tomorrow morning between 8:30 am and 9:30 am for our story featuring " the House of Hope"..our attempt to bring attention to the plight and lack of places for vulnerable people to live..great interviews with the guys..It will also air on TV - likely around 5 o'clock he'll let me know exactly and I'll let u know. CBC channel 6 for most..reporter Jermaine Hylton.

Sorry about the short reminder notice..next PACC meeting Thursday Feb 03 at 7pm at 351 Crowder ( North of Mulock Off Leslie) apt building behind Country Style Donuts..in the party room someone to let people in, refreshments..Community Hosts Neil / John.

Agenda includes:

Welcome / intros
Update put Food in the Budget campaign - next steps - possible action - Valentines - pick your politician and send away a loving message!

Introducing - new campaign - endorsed by Social Planning Network of Ontario - Poverty Free Ontario campaign

Update / next steps on "The House of Hope" - volunteers needed to visit potential building at Green lane on Friday

Talk2one phone message system for those without - FREE phone #'s/messaging 24/7..we have some to distribute!


Youth Road hockey tourney - what up? Downtown application results?..next steps.

New business

Tom
http://www.povertyacc.com/

Congrats! York Region officially received the PACC hosted social audit, Behind the Masks, to be used / sent to all municipalities for use as well as appropriate provincial bodies/ministers. They also agreed to adopt it's recomendations - including the $100 healthy food supplement thanks to you all supporting it! You can access a copy at http://www.povertyacc.com/

An update - Homeless father son - Father Edward started work full time last monday - through someone PACC places guys with occasionally not these non-existent newspaper written job offers( solar panel was courses not jobs , no phone #'s Tim hortons owner, and rest were future job offers) the newspapers wrote of - and well over minimum wage as well1..He is elated to be part of life/society/community again and although his son still has no home (all offers for Damien were out of town( newmarket hi home) or temporary solutions, or would not sign rental agreement). Dad can now realistically rent an apartment( if available) so they can live there together like they want!..And from there hopefully lead a normal life again thanks to you all! They are also very grateful... and stay tuned for an event to say thanks to everyone!

PACC Chair Tom Pearson and V.C. Kristine Carbis, as well as YR Food Network's Programs Coordinator Yvonne Kelly represented York Region at the provincial " Put the Food in the Budget' campaign all day strategy session last Friday in Toronto.The sessions looked at short and long-term next steps and also featured workshops including one by myself focusing on maximizing your media as well as other fine-tune strategic focused workshops.

Some "next steps"ideas for PFIB seemed pre-approved - such as a campaign that would involve sending valentines to those politicians (primary (Mcguinty etc and secondary provincial targets) directly related to the future upcoming elections that include a message on it. This, like the " eat the poverty diet" execise that " Do the Math" evolved to, have both been done before however there seemed some support for such a " stunt". Valentines anyone!?

Also discussed was the emergence of a new poverty reduction campaign, a Social Planning Network of Ontario (a supporter/booster of PFIB) initiative called Poverty Free Ontario, so stay tuned for more!..Meantime enjoy this powerful pictorial laid to the music provided by fundraiser Seagully for the recent event. It is very powerful. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEEyOrVh6G8

Tom Pearson

Howdy..hope all is well..here are some reminder dates for upcoming...in addition to that some musician connected to Mcartney, Clapton etc apparently wants to put on a benefit on Sunday at Club Orleans in Newmarket for Edward and Damian 4pm on...will let u know more...Musician also interested to perhaps do a bigger one out at the possible new "house" to raise money for a place for them (all )to live affordable.


They are doing fairly well despite Edward dislocating his shoulder the other day and having their stash of cans stolen today..Oh wait..you thought they had cozy jobs and places to live now? ha..Solar panel offer was for a course - with a cost and the tim hortons offer in the paper I have not been given a name/# for..and the "envelope full of cash" donated was $60 dollars ( I was present)..

Upcoming -

Tonight

Tues Jan 18 - present to BIA - downtown Association for moving road hockey event - bodies welcome but not neccessary. Present prosal to committee at 7PM. Tom to present - Ask- To hold the Friendly Neighbourhood World Youth Road hockey Challenge on Mainstreet Sat Jan 19 from 10:am - 4:30 PM...Oh...did I say WORLD..gulp..that' proposal's for the PACC meeting agenda

Wed Jan 19 - BODIES NEEDED - YR headquarters building Yonge St Newmarket - PACC and friends present Social Audit" Behind The Masks" to Region - 2PM - 3PM Hall" A" - followed by photo op in the YR building foyer for anyone wishing especially those who helped with and participated with the ISARC Social audits!

Next PACC Meeting Thursday Jan 20 meeting at Tom Taylor Place (1st apt south of Newmarket Magna Centre) 7 PM - 8:30pm..come to front doors to be let in. We'll have refreshments and perhaps some extra foodstuff/toiletries should anyone need.

..and check our our new blog/look linked from our website and includes links to the PACC Channel our video station.

Tom
http://www.povertyacc.com/

Important Dates upcoming


Howdy all! lots going on....

Tuesday Jan 18 2011 - possibly present to BIA - downtown association for moving the annual road hockey event - bodies welcome, location time tba.

Wednesday Jan 19 2011 - YR headquarters building Yonge St Newmarket - social audit to region - 2pm - Hall A

The next PACC meeting will be on Thursday Jan 20 2011 at Tom Taylor Place (1st apt south of Newmarket Magna Centre) 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Come to front doors to be let in.

Tom

Wow...where to begin..the story in the YRMG's papers has certainly generated a tremendous amount of ....well..interest, compassion, offers, outrage, ideas, discussion, honesty, awareness, exposure.... and many calls from (outraged) people outside the usual voices representing possibly another bridge we've crossed, through compassion, as it seems to have touched across fences. Many have asked how they could volunteer and I'm steering them to support the opening up of a place where these guys can live longer term with some supports to step out of the margins. Especially now while the fire is hot.

At the end of the day most of the numerous calls received have been positive with generous offers from everything from blankets, to a room, to a loft, to a future job, to someone calling a union rep for them, to food, a place on their couch...but as yet what they really need - a place for them both together but I think something may be in the works..stay tuned! Meantime I taped this interview and YRMG will likely get awarded although the report is not completely factual.

The guys are somewhat embarrassed by the attention and by nature humble so I appreciate those coming across them don't pepper them with questions etc as if they want to share with anyone they will.

In other news, we are looking at Thursday eve for our next PACC meeting - likely 6:30 - 8:pm location to be determined.

Agenda will include: March Break Youth Road hockey tourney

Social audit presentation to Region - Jan 19 - idea to also hold a "release" in foyer following as many people as possible attend.

Do The Math strategy update - Provincial Poverty Strategy day in Toronto - Jan 28 - transportation / food paid..

PACC possible participation in new centre for low income dwellings at green Lane and Leslie Sts former crosslinks building and has been used as a type of group home / residence over the years. Edward wants to help make it happen and live there ultimately as well!

I will not be around tomorrow as i will be attending a provincial put food in the Budget campaign meeting..focussing on the next steps of "Do the Math"....Kristine will be happy to assist anyone while gone!

Tom out!
http://www.povertyacc.com/

Correction on the address for todays 1pm meeting location - 919 Bray Circle - left (w) off Leslie N of Davis Dr Newmarket behind No Frills plaza (keep right).


Nov 15 Road Trip to Green Barns evening Put Food in the Budget - " Do The Math" rally attached...Appearance by YR's own " Schtick Jagger" as well!

Nov 18 is the ISARC leaders lunch/event - $40 for those wishing to attend. No funds for avail for this that I'm aware of....Dec 1 ISARC provincial audit launch at Queens Park.

Also...We have an opportunity to reward a couple families at xmas with some presents/goodies...if you are or you know of a family that could use some assistance with gifts etc this year - AND WHO MISSED THE Charity SIGN UPS let us know asap..

tom

http://www.povertyacc.com/

We have been moving the PACC meeting locations around as of late to allow opportunities for different communities to attend - especially those who have a tough time getting away.


If you'd like to host a PACC meeting in your community (hall) please let us know!

Next in BRAY CIRCLE - community hall 191 Bray ( N of Leslie St & Davis Dr behind No Frills) at 1PM - 2:30PM.if u need a ride let us know!

Also...next Monday Nov 15 - Road Trip to Toronto - Put Food in the Budget Campaign's Rally - Ontario-wide " Do The Mathers"( see attached)...fun day out and see the "Green Barns" in Toronto a place they grow food indoors and community food access awareness campaigns..RIDES are available but we must know who's coming!

Last call for PACCer for becoming non-profit Operation Sparrow Board member...I will be stepping down and we want someone who can relate to these families situations on the board as the current board( meets once per month) as it sits, lacks that crucial element to continue to operate with full dignity and respect or families..Let me know..

Tom Pearson

www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved

Howdy! Hope all’s well!...lots to inform about so please read below

1st up a big thanks to http://www.sweetloveable.com/today-is-world-day-to-end-extreme-poverty-of-canadians-update/ for the pics posted thus far http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2259567360&v=photos&ref=ts

Anyone else with any.. please submit.

Apparently this journalist (link below) is anti-native and speaking in Aurora…shall we attend? Anyone wish to? http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/statica/2010/10/activism-communiqué-call-action-anti-native-journalist-christie-blatc

Nov 15– Field Trip - Put Food In the Budget / Do The Math Rally!! – Join groups from across Ontario at the Green Barns Toronto – rides arranged..possibly a bus for those attending! See attached…anyone wishing to perform a song!!..let me know!

ISARC Provincial - Nov 18 religious leaders forum / or isarc - $40 for those wishing to attend.

Dec 1st Queens Park ISARC Provincial audit book launch at Queens Park Media Centre – morning – contains excerpts from YR’s audit!

Next!!..This sent us by a local NDP organizer – “Richmond Hill and Thornhill NDP are hosting a fund raising reception with Andrea Horwath as guest speaker on Nov. 16. at the McConaghie Centre charging $25 a ticket with many people donating more. I have several people who have donated and cannot attend and they have expressed their desire to sponsor some tickets for people on fixed incomes. There is no one more deserving than those who give their time and energies to PACC. I have 2 tickets for you and I would really be pleased if you could attend. There will be a speech by Andrea, but then she will mingle with the crowd and everyone will have an opportunity for a personal talk with her. Please contact me if you can come.” I contacted him and said we are non-partisan (neutral) but may wish to attend as I feel they are showing gratitude for PACC keeping the onus on government in their absence (of representation). It’s a compliment we all share…anyone want to go?

Do the Math – next meeting Dec 15th 1:30pm at Penrose -

Request for board members – Operation Sparrow – anyone interested to sit on the board of Operation Sparrow (www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved)? Let me know..great opportunity for experience .

Request for PACC as recipient organization from Spotlight Theatre School for all our work in the community – any objections?

More pics from Oct 17 on the PACC face book page http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2259567360&v=photos&ref=ts as well as our website www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved

Next PACC meeting Wed Nov 10 at 1pm…location to be announced!

Make Poverty History YR and PACC will be holding a stand-up station on Fri Sept 17 at Fairy Lake Park Pavilion in Newmarket at 7 to 7:15 pm. Join millions worldwide standing at once and pledging against poverty either at our station or ...create your own!!

This is our chance to make a difference.

Stand Up and Make Poverty History.

The countdown to Stand Up 2010 has begun! On September 17, 18 and 19 join with millions of people around the world and help us make 2010 the year our leaders can no longer ignore our calls to end poverty at home and abroad.


Stand Up events and actions can be as big or as small as you would like them to be. They can be quick and easy to plan or they can be bigger events that require more planning. The choice is yours!

Whether big or small, Stand Up events and actions are meant to raise awareness of poverty, show support for ending poverty and bring as many voices together so that we make the biggest noise possible.

Where to Stand Up? You can Stand Up anywhere! You could Stand Up: at the office; on campus; at your school; with your faith group; at home with your family and friends; online (Facebook, Twitter); at a local event or concert.

Check out our new Organizers toolkit for more ideas on how you can participate in Stand Up 2010. Register your event by August 31st and receive a free resource kit!

Leaders will no longer be able to ignore our voices when millions of voices have come together and the noise, as Archbishop Desmond Tutu famously said, “will be deafening. Politicians will have to listen.”

Stand Up is our chance to do that. But we need your help.

Stand Up. Take Action. Make Poverty History. September 17, 18 or 19.

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

Next PACC meeting Thursday Aug 5...6:45 - 7:45 PM Fairy Lake Park Pavilion Newmarket!


Hello everyone hope the summer's going well as can be!

Our next meeting is as listed above...we decided to meet at Fairy lake so we can get a good look/see feel as to the shaping of this years Oct 17 event which we will discuss and visualize!

Also on our agenda is holding a 'stand-up" meeting / MPH event for Sept 16,17,or 18

Discuss attending the YR transit info session

Do The Math update - Ontario wide strategy - we are to come up with a wish list of local "celebs" to have live a poverty diet for 5 days and shadow someone.

Social Audit update - to be released September via news conference - those who participated can participate in the media conference at any level they wish - anonymous helper, speaker, or just be available to speak to the media whichever level people want.

• new news and updates - Tom
• schools yrdsb activity - kristine
• new funds pledged - Tom
• Operation sparrow update - childrens art classes still avail starts Oct, Aurora Karate spots still available immediately
• web update

Hope to see you there!

Tom

After a lot of discussion at the global level, Stand Up has been moved to September 17, 18 and 19th 2010 this year. This is because there is a huge UN meeting in New York around the Millennium Development Goals from September 20 - 22nd. Stand Up was moved to the weekend just before the Summit so that we can put last minute pressure on world leaders before they head to New York for the UN meeting.

We've got some info posted on our new MPH website at www.makepovertyhistory.ca/standup.

We encourage people to stand-up or organize a "stand-up" event near you on any of those September dates. We will of course still be hosting Oct 17 Int Day for the Eradication of Poverty at Fairy Lake Park in Newmarket.

Tom Pearson
Chair, Make Poverty History YR,
P.A.C.C.
http://www.povertyacc.com/