Community News Update - November 8, 2023

Dear Community,

The day Viola Desmond took a seat, she took a stand!

Her resistance would allow for countless Black folks, especially Black women, to be seen and heard today. Although we are still often fighting for the respect we deserve, we stand today stronger because of Viola’s legacy.

I watch her on my wall every day and strive to walk unapologetically as she had with even an *ounce* of the determination, integrity, and audacity she demonstrated. Click here to learn about #ViolaDemondDay, and for those who qualify for TMU’s Viola Desmond student bursaries APPLY TODAY.

In 2022, it was my deepest honour to have TMU’s Viola Desmond Alumni Award named after me. You can see last year’s recipients here.

Community, after three long months, the TVO strike is OVER!

To each and every person who stood on the picket line fighting for what you deserve - THANK YOU! This is a chance to catch up on 10+ YEARS of wage freezes and contract work. I am inspired by their commitment to better. This is a win for them and ALL of us!

Read more here!

You’re invited to the 5th annual Humewood House Scholarship Fundraiser. 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.

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.

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. See below for more information.

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 CHANCE TO APPLY!

Exhibit your art at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario!
The Youth Arts Program celebrates the incredible artistic talents of young Ontarians aged 12-18. Each year, youth from across the province are invited to display their works of art throughout the Legislative Building, showcasing their creativity and diverse artistic abilities.

Online applications are accepted from October 10th to November 8th, 2023 – apply TODAY!

As we approach the colder months, this is a good 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,