Community news Update - December 9, 2022

Dear Community,

The holiday season is fast upon us! With that in mind, I will be winding down my thrice-weekly newsletter to deliver it to you once per week until the House resumes in the New Year, but I will be sure to communicate any urgent details as they arrive!

This week, my office has been hard at work on our Holiday Food Drive in support of The Beeton Cupboard Food Bank! While we're winding down for the weekend, if you have any last donations you'd like to get in by Monday, please reach out! Thank you so much to those of you who have already donated - it means the world to me. Reply to this email or reach out to [email protected] to organize a drop-off!

Folks who have already donated by e-transfer but forgot to include details for a tax receipt should contact [email protected] with their full name and address and the amount they donated.

Over the last year, there has been an unprecedented 42% surge in food bank visits across Ontario, and the concern grows that service providers will be unable to meet this need throughout the holiday season.

In an effort to help mitigate this crisis in our community, from today until December 12, my office will be accepting donations to support our neighbours in need. Folks who wish to donate but are unable to deliver are encouraged to reach out and we will do our best to facilitate collection!

The Beeton Cupboard Food Bank also accepts monetary donations via e-transfer sent to [email protected] with the message "food bank - Jill Andrew Newsletter." A tax receipt will be issued to donors in the New Year - be sure to supply a full name and address when donating.

As I said before: food banks, while vital, cannot and should not be a substitute for systemic change led by a compassionate government. There is no shame in seeking help, but the Ford government should be shamed for forcing so many to the brink of food insecurity.

Thank you for joining with me in making this season even a bit less stressful for our Toronto-St. Paul's residents!

On December 11, Holy Blossom Temple will be hosting "Gifts of Light: Voices of Our Children," the third annual interfaith holiday concert. All proceeds will be in support of Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Toronto. Don't forget to register!

Sunday's concert will feature a special guest performance by none other than: ME! I've been warming up my vocals all week, and I hope to see many of you there!

On Thursday, I joined the CUPE 3906 (McMaster University Unit 1) picket in their fight for a fair contract. A Better Mac starts with better pay! $11k per year cannot cut it - period - especially during an affordability crisis. TAs need to pay their rent!

The McMaster President is currently sitting at a comfortable nearly $400k per year - I'm sure they can afford to pay their workers a decent living wage.

As a former CUPE 3903 (York University) member, I'm proud to support this struggle!

I was honoured to celebrate the first anniversary since the historic passing of the Emancipation Month Act, which declared August the Emancipation Month in Ontario.

I joined the iconic Dewitt Lee III to reflect on the past year and look to a bright future of Black equity and liberation!

I had a fantastic time with friends from Film Ontario, and was thrilled to speak to just how truly important their $3B industry is in our province. This benefit goes beyond the industry itself, and I look forward to working to ensure the film and TV industry continues to thrive!

A heartfelt thank you is in order for the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association! Those who run in when the rest of us would run out - thank you for your service.

On Saturday, December 10, Toronto's first ever cultural district plan (Little Jamaica) will be addressing safe and joyful 2SLGBTQ+ spaces!

The 2SLGBTQ+ Placemaking Presentation & Workshop will be taking place at the Maria Shchuka Library from 1 to 3 PM.

Interested participants should email [email protected] to register.

This Saturday, December 10, Cookie Day returns to the Tollkeeper's Cottage (750 Devenport Road)! Come on down from 12-4PM to shop a selection of delicious, home-baked cookies. Don't forget to visit their gift shop!

All purchases support the not-for-profit and volunteer-driven museum. The organizers ask that attendees wear a mask when shopping.

Sunday, December 18, the Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition returns with its 3rd Annual Cycling Good Cheer event on Yonge Street - look out for Santa!

The Toronto Fire Fighters Toy Drive is on! Donors can contribute at one of the links listed on their site, or deliver a new, unwrapped gift to a fire station in their community.

In Toronto-St. Pauls:

65 Henrick Avenue
20 Balmoral Avenue
555 Oakwood avenue

On Tuesday, December 13 at 4:30, The Yonge St. Clair BIA launches its Gingerbread Festival with the large scale gingerbread unveiling in the lobby of 2 St. Clair West! Come join for free gingerbread kits and more!

Saturday, December 10 brings us the Hillcrest Village Welcome Winter Holiday Event! From 10 AM to 2:30 PM in the Green P parking lot (car park 220 - 789 St Clair Ave West), folks can join in the celebration of the BIA's new seasonal decor. There will also be holiday music, free hot chocolate from Krave, and a dance presentation from St. Clair Dance Collective!

Don't forget: The Davisville Village Enchanted Forest of Lights & Holiday Party returns for another year! The Family Lights Package (which includes a 300 LED light set, battery pack, and family name plaque) can be purchased by Sunday, December 12 and the holiday party commences Saturday, December 17 at 4PM.

Buy your pack before it's too late - I've got mine!

Email [email protected] for more information and to reserve your tree!

In Solidarity, 

Jill Andrew
Toronto-St. Paul's