Community News Update - July 19, 2021

Dear Community,

Today, Ontario reported another 130 new cases of COVID-19 and no new deaths. Along with the new cases, we’ve also seen our full vaccination (2 doses) rate climb to 61% of Ontarians aged 12 and up.

As I spoke about in my last email, we are continuing to see a slowdown in the vaccination rate of folks receiving their first dose. This remains very concerning, especially as we see cases from around the world where COVID-19 is often still spreading aggressively in the unvaccinated population. I say this not to scare anyone but as a reminder of just how important it is that we all do our part and get vaccinated. I would encourage everyone to reach out to those that you’re closest with, and if they’re vaccine-hesitant, encourage them to get their shot.

If you haven’t yet, you can book a vaccination appointment at this link.

I want to take a moment to share an important event that will be happening in our community on August 1^st, in memory of the many children who have been found in unmarked graves at former residential school sites across the country.

The event, Peaceful Solidarity Walk: In Honour of the 215+ Children will be an Indigenous-led walk down St. Clair Ave W, that will begin with folks gathering 10:30AM at the Santa Chiara Parkette (St. Clair West – just east of Dufferin), and at 11AM those in attendance will walk down to Wells Hills Park at St. Clair West – just west of Bathurst.

This event is being organized by Germaine Catchpole, of Mnopgwad Preserves. If you would like to attend, you can see all the details and RSVP here.

Last week, I included in a newsletter the tragic news that Krave Coffee had been damaged significantly by a fire – that appears to have been deliberately set. Well, in better news, I’m happy to share that the community has come together to support a GoFundMe (organized by Leanne Robinson) to support Krave during these trying times. The money raised will be used to cover costs that are not covered by insurance, including wages and the contents of the shop.

If you would like to chip in to this fundraiser, you can click here.

On a happier note, I’m excited to share that the Toronto Musicians Association (TMA) is offering two scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year. These scholarships will be for $500 each, and applications are due by August 15. If you’d like to apply, you’re encouraged to submit an essay-style application of approximately 500 words, along with other documentation.

Full details below:
Eligibility Criteria 

1. Enrolment with a Canadian institution and their music program 
2. Award recipients must be between the ages of 18-30 
3. Letter of recommendation  

Additional Information (required): 

• Full time or part time studies 
• Program name and the institution offering 
• If they are earning their first, second or third degree/diploma/certificate 
• Academic achievements 
• Pressing financial considerations 

Please Note: 

• Applicants may be selected for an interview by committee.  
• Submissions are due Aug.15th to [email protected] 

 
Successful applicants will be notified at the end of August, 2021
 
Coming up this weekend, our Community Food Tables will be continuing, and we’re certainly hoping for better weather! We’re of course looking for volunteers to help on Saturday, if you’re interested you can find your nearest table, and how to register by clicking here.

Finally, I'd like to quickly remind everyone that coming up on Tuesday from 3-7PM at June Rowlands Park there will be the AppleTree Davisville Farmers' Market! It's a great market, and worth checking out if you haven't been!

In Solidarity,
 
Jill Andrew
Toronto—St. Paul's