Community News Update - December 4, 2023

Dear Community,

"A government that votes down an anti-corruption law cannot be trusted."

With an RCMP criminal investigation underway, this government voted AGAINST tighter ethics and accountability laws for members at Queen's Park today. Back in November your ONDP Opposition team put forth the Cleaning Up Corruption Act that would have implemented the Auditor General and Integrity Commissioner recommendations to strengthen our province's integrity laws.

By voting NO, they've sent a clear message. They have NO intention of restoring the public's trust in this government even after every. single. scandal.

Ontarians, we won't forget it. You deserve a government that acts with integrity and with your interests at heart. Full stop.

Read the full ONDP press release here.

This past Friday, I attended the Meighen Health Centre Winter Wonderland. What a way to kick of December's holiday festivities! Hats off to ALL the organizers and performers, and of course to Meighen Health Centre staff for ALL you do for your residents and the wider community!

On Saturday, our St. Paul's holiday spirit was out on full display! I began my day at the Midtown Holiday Bazaar. The wonderful Emilia created the beautiful piece of art you see below. Hats of to Montgomery Place, Sprint Seniors Supportive Housing, partners and friends for another successful bazaar!

Also Saturday, I visited the St. Michael and All Angels Christmas Market.

A special shout out to local vendors Sweet Adaline, Meet Paper and Elizabeth's Cards! Check them out for some fabulous holiday gift ideas.

If you're in need of some gorgeous holiday cards, check out Elizabeth! Her cards are beautifully hand-designed and made with love for ANY occasion.

1 card for $2.75
3 cards for $5

Interested? Contact Elizabeth at 437-227-0602.

Last but certainly not least, I joined Hillcrest Village BIA for their Holiday Celebration on St. Clair W.

THANK YOU to the whole BIA team for organizing! As we head into the holidays, this is a reminder to always SHOP LOCAL when you can. Community, we have SO many amazing local businesses here in St. Paul's. After years of economic struggle due to the pandemic, they need our support more than ever!

Calling all poets of St. Paul's and beyond! The Legislative Assembly of Ontario is seeking nominees for the next Poet Laureate of Ontario. The role was created in 2019 in honour of the late Gord Downie.

The application is open until January 15, 2024. Click here for more information.

Saturday, December 9th at 3 PM join the AppleTree Group for some Midtown Merriment in June Rowlands Park! Their holiday community tree decorating event is back for the first time since 2019.

Bring your favourite holiday ornament and join them for a cup-o-cheer at the park garden. Click here for more information.

Sunday, December 10 from 11 AM to 5 PM, the Disability Collective and Wagner-Green Centre for Access and Inclusion are hosting the Disability Holiday Market at Artscape Wychwood Barns (601 Christie St).

The Disability Holiday Market features work created by disabled artists and celebrates the diversity of the holiday season in Toronto. The event includes:

Artist and community vendors
Community card making station
Cozy corner
Holiday photo booth

Visit the link for more information!

Until December 15th, support the Weston Mount Dennis Service Provider's Network Winter Coat Drive!

The items needed are brand new or gently used winter coats and winter gear.

Items can be dropped off at the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre at 2017 Weston Rd. For more information, contact 416-241-9898.

December 17th! St. Matthew’s United Church & the TOGOGOS present a Christmas Goodies and Crafts Fair from noon to 3 PM at St. Matthew's United Church (729 St Clair Ave W).

Join them in the church parlour of seasonal baked goods, boxes of organic chocolates, cozy handmade quilts and knitted items, special note cards, stocking stuffers, and more!

The Stop's Holiday Boxes are back!

Now's your chance to preorder a wonderful holiday gift box with 13 specialty items perfect for the holiday season! The boxes will be available for pick up at the market itself on Saturday, December 9th and December 16th between 9 AM and 1 PM. Community members who are unable to travel can arrange delivery at the email below. All proceeds will support the Stop Community Food Centre, your local market, and your community!

To reserve a box today and for more info email the [email protected].

National Initiative for Eating Disorders is hosting a free virtual webinar on December 6th from 6:30 - 8 PM EST - "Navigating Family Dynamics: Handling Holidays While Supporting Loved Ones With Eating Disorders".

Visit the link for more information and to register.

In Ontario, 1,400 people on average are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant while thousands more are in need of a life-changing tissue donation. They are our friends, neighbours, colleagues, and, in some cases, members of our own families.

When you register as a possible organ and tissue donor, you have the potential to change the story for someone in need.

One donor can help over 80 people get back to life.

Register your consent to become an organ and tissue donor after your death and tell your family so they can help honour your wishes.

Did You Know?

Any Ontario resident who is 16 years or older and has an Ontario health card is eligible to register as an organ and tissue donor
Everyone has the potential to be an organ and/or tissue donor, regardless of age or health.
People from every major religion have donated. Many religions support donation or respect and individual’s choice.
The first and foremost concern for health care professionals is to save lives. Only when a life cannot be saved does organ and tissue donation become an option.
It takes two minutes to register or check your status at www.beadonor.ca. You can also register in person at any ServiceOntario location.

More information about the donation process, who can register, and the importance of speaking to family can be found online at www.beadonor.ca.

This is a reminder to get up-to-date on your COVID-19 boosters. The XBB 1.5 updated boosters are NOW available. I got mine and I encourage you to join me!

Consult this page for information about where you can get vaccinated.

Each year across Ontario, thousands of lives are lost to overdoses. We need every level of government to prioritize implementing harm reduction strategies to combat these senseless deaths, and you can help.

As many of you know, Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, and these kits are FREE with training at participating pharmacies across the city. Together, we can prevent unnecessary deaths and work toward a more compassionate society that is safe safe for everyone.

Find a pharmacy with Naloxone kits near you, and make sure you can recognize the signs of an overdose.

In solidarity,

Dr. Jill Andrew