Community News Update - November 10, 2023

Dear Community,

Yesterday (November 9th) marked the 85th anniversary of the Kristallnacht pogroms in Germany. These attacks on Jewish people and Jewish-owned businesses were an early manifestation of the violence that would eventually lead to the state-sanctioned murder of over 6 million Jews throughout Europe.

In 2023, it is troubling to see the targeting of Jewish businesses here in Toronto. Some portray these attacks as acts in defense of the lives of innocent Palestinian civilians. They are not. Let me be clear, I condemn any and all intimidation, targeting, and harassment of Jewish people and businesses in Toronto and anywhere in the world. These acts of antisemitism cannot and will not be tolerated.

As I’ve said before, we cannot allow this humanitarian crisis or those who wish to take advantage of it to fan the flames of division and hate. Jewish and Palestinian lives are inextricably linked and violence will not bring any of those impacted by this crisis closer to freedom, peace, and self-determination.

This is a reminder for all that we must try our best to offer, receive, and model community care and compassion as best we can.

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. Let us honour the memory and sacrifice of those who served this country during war. We reflect solemnly on the pain and suffering caused by war and work to prevent violent conflict and and commit to work to prevent violent conflict in the future.

Lest we forget.

Happy Diwali & Bandi Chhor Divas to ALL those in our community and beyond who celebrate.

May this weekend’s celebrations bring joy and abundance to you and yours. May light triumph over darkness and good over evil!

After a disappointing budget put forth by the Ford government earlier this year, with a fall economic statement that was somehow even weaker, I am setting my sights on a better 2024 with public spending that actually works for Ontarians, especially our community here in Toronto—St. Paul’s. But this can’t happen without you – without YOUR voice.

This week, the Ontario government opened pre-budget consultation submissions. As a rare opportunity to take part in the democratic process outside of elections, I strongly encourage you to consider submitting and make your needs known to the government. Whether an organization or individual; whether you’ve faced seemingly endless hospital wait times, sent your children into crumbling schools, or struggled to find affordable housing, your experience matters and can make change!

Learn more here and please reach out with any questions as to how my office can support you by emailing [email protected].

The federal NDP is set to deliver long overdue labour policy with ANTI-SCAB legislation. The legislation will prevent federally regulated employers from bringing in replacement workers during strikes. Thank you to the federal party and labour organizers across the country for your tireless advocacy!

While this legislation is a welcome advancement for workers across the country, Ontario workers DESERVE the same hope. Time and time again, this provincial government has struck down anti-scab legislation brought forth by your ONDP team. The government's message is clear: they don't give a care about workers. Our 16th (16TH!) piece of anti-scab legislation will be debated later this month! Stay tuned…

Read the full press release here!

The Stop Farmer's Market Holiday Boxes are back! See their message below:

It's that time of year again when The Stop Farmer's Market is launching the sale of our amazing Holiday Box! We've sold out both prior times, so get your order in early if you want one this year! This wonderful edition includes 13 incredible and delicious local products. You can purchase a box for yourself and family, or we assure you, they also make great gifts!

Also, this year back by popular demand, there is an option to buy a box for a family in need. Our organization will be handing out donated boxes both through local charities, and to individuals. By purchasing a box you will be helping local business, farmers, and/or a family in need if you choose to. Proceeds from the sales of this limited box will also support The Stop Community Food Center, and also Humewood House.

Boxes are $150 each, and can be picked up at The Stop Wychwood Barns Farmer's Market on either of Saturday December 9, and Saturday December 16. If you would like to confirm yours, simply send us a note to the email below, and we'll reply with full details! Thank you for your continued support of the market, and the community!

Kindly,
The Holiday Box Team

Boxes can be ordered at [email protected]

St. Paul's community, you know as well as I that too many Ontarians can't afford the life-saving treatment they need and deserve. Join Rethink Breast Cancer at Queen's Park for their advocacy day on November 16th. RSVP here before Sunday, November 12th. Support their calls to "Break Through the Bullsh*t" on drug access.

Read their their message below:

People in the breast cancer community continue to share their experiences with us about the countless delays and hoops they have to jump through to get access to the treatments they need.

We know it takes many people standing together for the same cause to create real change. So, we’re calling on YOU to help us. If you can’t join us in Toronto on November 16th, there are things you can do right now from the comfort of your home wherever you are, like:

Send your federal or provincial elected representative a letter for support using our template (here) that can be personalized. Feel free to include your own story!
Amplify Rethink’s #BreakThroughtheBS posts on social media (Instagram, Facebook, X)
Share your own BS on social media tagging @rethinkbreastcancer and #BreakThroughtheBS — the more people talk about the realities of navigating cancer, the more we can amplify and show decision makers why change needs to happen.

Your ONDP team has been working to make life-saving cancer drugs FREE and will continue to support this call.

Read more about this ongoing fight!

Humewood House is raising funds for their scholarship for young mothers in the community. Thank you ALL for this important work! Please see their message below:

The Humewood Community Scholarship Fund provides direct assistance to young mothers, in preparing for a better future for themselves and their children. With the generous support of this community over the past four years, 13 young mothers have received scholarships of $1,000 each to pursue post-secondary education at accredited colleges and universities. A fourteenth young mom will receive a scholarship of $1,000 pending the confirmation of her application to a post-secondary institution in the Spring of 2024.

Five years ago, 3 neighbours in the Humewood-St. Clair community started this scholarship fundraiser for young women who use the impressive range of parenting and educational services offered at Humewood House Campus, now part of the Abiona Centre for Infant & Early Mental Health.

The fundraising campaign for 2023 has now officially started and will continue until January 15, 2024. 100% of funds raised go to the scholarship recipients. This year’s fundraising goal is $5,000 and a donation of any amount is appreciated. Donations of $20 and over will receive a tax receipt.

To make a donation, and for information on the fundraiser, testimonials and the types of programs that the graduates are enrolled in, please CLICK HERE.

Thank you in advance for the community’s continued support of this initiative. Special thanks to MPP Jill Andrew, City Councillor Josh Matlow, and St. Matthew’s for their help in sharing information about The Humewood House Community Scholarship Fund.

Community! Check out this incredible opportunity to support young artists. Youth Alliance for Intersectional Justice is hosting an incredible art exhibit November 18 & 19 from 12-3pm at 192 Spadina Ave! See their message below:

Join YAIJ for this unique celebration of visual and performance art by and for neurodiverse youth!

Check out visual artist Andre Lopez, performance artist Nathan Baya, spoken word artist Jadyn Hardie-Bardy, Violinist Jane, and more!

You'll be treated to an art exhibit, live music and dance performances, presentations, and interactive art sessions. You can stop by on Saturday Nov 18th or Sunday Nov 19th or both days (we have different performers and activities on each day).

Learn from young artists, experience the beauty of self-advocacy, and connect with community partners supporting YAIJ youth!

Tickets are on sale HERE.

The Christie Gardens Annual Holiday Gift Sale is back! Saturday, November 18th from 10:30 AM to 2 PM at the Christie Gardens Auditorium (600 Melita Crescent).

Funds raised will support the resident social programs and activities at Christie Gardens.

BAM Collective is recruiting volunteers! See their message below:

Are you passionate about creating positive change and empowering community members in your community? BAM Collective, Ontario's first youth-led collective, is looking for dedicated individuals like you to join our team. We have exciting volunteer opportunities waiting for you! You can find the application via the linktree in our bio. Please share widely and apply by November 24th 2023. 🌈

Last week, I was at North Toronto Collegiate Institute to listen in on a presentation about organ and tissue donation. Thank you to ALL the guest speakers, Trillium Gift of Life Network & Ms. Blackmore for having me in your class!

The gift of life is the most important gift you could ever give. Register to be a donor TODAY at https://beadonor.ca/ or do so in person at your nearest Service Ontario.

The ONDP will continue to advocate for an opt-out organ donation system. Read more about this ongoing fight here.

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,