Community News Update - July 28, 2021

Dear community,

Today, Ontario reported 157 new COVID-19 cases, and 4 new deaths. Vaccination rates continue to climb with 67.3% of those eligible (12+) now being fully vaccinated.

Vaccinations continue to be our best bet to protect ourselves against this virus and to overcome what has been a devastating pandemic for all of us. But we can only do it together! For those who have yet to receive their shot and are eligible to, we urge you to do so. If you’re still feeling hesitant, the science continues to show the approved vaccines are extremely safe and effective.

For those facing barriers in getting their shot, we are hosting a pop-up community vaccine clinic this Saturday, from 11am-3pm, at Cy Townsend Park (at the corner of Vaughan and Winona). All those eligible (12+), regardless of postal code, are welcome to receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. If you got a first dose prior to the following dates, you can come by for your follow-up shot of Pfizer.

Pfizer: July 10, 2021

Moderna: July 3, 2021

AstraZeneca: June 5, 2021

No appointment or OHIP card is required.

Special thanks go out to our community partners, Women’s College Hospital and Unison Health and Community Services, for helping us put this together. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

I’d like to take this moment to express my support for Oakwood Hardware, which has become more than just a restaurant, but an integral place of community for Toronto—St. Paul’s. Earlier this week, they asked their guests to practice good faith and only eat indoors if they’re fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, their full-service patio is an option for those still waiting on their first or second dose. Although the pandemic may seem closer each day to being behind us, many people in this city remain vulnerable. Oakwood Hardware’s request is an important way of keeping these people safe while allowing doors to open for small businesses as they recover from a long and devastating pandemic.

So, thank you to them - and all of you for doing your part!

On Monday evening, I was honored to join the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma to celebrate their 100th anniversary of service. They have a long history in our community of Toronto—St. Paul’s and are the reason we still enjoy Casa Loma today. Since 1937, they’ve honoured their commitment to “serving the children of the world” right here at home, and they have certainly made our city, and our community, a better place.

Cheers to 100 more years!

This week also marked the 6-week countdown to school starting back up for our kids. After the past year, I know they can’t wait to be back in the classroom with their friends and teachers again! But with most students going back unvaccinated, a plan is still needed for safe schools this September. I join my colleague and neighbour from Davenport, NDP education critic Marit Stiles, in calling on the Ford government to invest in reduced class sizes, better ventilation, and asymptomatic testing for teachers and students. The time is NOW. The kids in our province have suffered enough through their last school year and we must make sure getting back in the classroom means staying there.

This is around the time of summer when the excitement – and the back-to-back plans that come with it – start to settle down. We hope that you’re able to prioritize a bit of relaxation and self care this week. We can only do our best if we’re at our best, and that means making time to focus on yourself.

Lastly, we’re a few days out from the Peaceful Solidarity Walk: In Honour of the 215+ Children taking place this Sunday, August 1, as organized by Germaine Catchpole of Mnopgwad Preserves. The Indigenous-led event will begin at Santa Chiara Parkette (St. Clair and Dufferin) at 10:30am, before the group walks to Wells Hills Park (St. Clair and Bathurst), starting at 11am, in memory of the many Indigenous children lost through Canada’s residential school system and in solidarity with all Indigenous survivors of this land.

To RSVP or learn more of this important community event, click here.

In Solidarity,

Jill Andrew
Toronto—St. Paul's

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