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Week
of Action Against Poverty 2011 |
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The keynote activity, Walk in Our Shoes, received over 5000 blog hits,
produced much media attention and resulted in a booklet of experiences
that will be released to the public. The business community stepped up their participation this year. Twelve
businesses distributed the red ribbons made by People First. These
distributors were joined by 2 social service agencies (Pinecrest, KACL)
and 2 justice services (Court House, LAO/NCLC).
The Cornerstone held events daily during the week. Keystone Lock
& Safe committed $5000 in goods and services to the first Kenora
build for Habitat. The Fellowship Centre was the second largest
recipient of reported activities (120 prs of socks, 78 winter wear sets,
3 meals catering . Other participants included KACL, NWHU, TD Bank,
Challenge Club, NDP, Nechee Centre, Court House, TOPS and the Kenora
Women’s Action Network. Four private citizens and their families took
specific actions that benefited their favourite charities (Fellowship,
Triple Play, Minto Family Resource Centre) or individuals (restaurant
meal coupons distribution to street people). In another strategy, one
organization (KACL) organized a joint winterwear drive with other local
agencies (LOWDH, KPCFS). As has become customary, the Kenora Ministerial Association, opened the
week with their “Prayers from the Pulpit” project.
Community congregations raised poverty issues through sermon, and
prayers. Other presentations
were made to Calvary Pentecostal Church Bible Study Group and Notre
Dame’s St. Vincent Du Paul Society. Schools (Valleyview, Pope John Paul and Advocating to our political leaders and community members was undertaken
by four local groups. The
Four Directions Aboriginal Toastmasters Group featured three separate
presentations on the impact of poverty locally. The Kenora Seniors
Coalition put their telephone tree to action focusing on medical issues
felt by low-income citizens and the NWHU presented on Food Security
Awareness to City Council. KACL spoke publicly on the inadequacies of
disability pensions. The City confirmed their commitment to advocate for
affordable housing at OGRA and Kenora District Services Board joined the
Ontario Works staff in collecting donations for Jubilee Church of
God’s work with the impoverished. “Dreaming of Home”, the
fourth edition of Homeless in Kenora by Making Kenora Home was released
at HoJo’s. Shirley Hanslip
contributed her musical stylings and poetry to the book launch. The
venue was decorated with themed art depictions of dream homes by
students from Pope John Paul II. Their posters were later featured at
the Area Legal Aid and Northwest Community Legal Clinic offices.
Although attendance of the event was small, the booklet has
already been “sold out” of its initial run. Kenora Patricia Child
& Family Services provided editors and publishing for the first 75
copies. Music filtered through the community. Act Global Act Local (part 2)
featured 16 different performances at two locations (Haps, Cornerstone)
held simultaneously on the Friday evening. Over $2,000 was raised to
benefit the Fellowship Centre. The final fundraising dinner scheduled by
the Cornerstone was cancelled due to weather. Other musical fundraisers
included Jam Nite and the Recycled Teenagers at the Cornerstone. Beyond facilitating the Week of Action, book launch and Walk in Our Shoes
project, Making Kenora Home held their traditional pancake brunch
(Fellowship Centre) and participated in the charity button drive
(Winterfest) to benefit the Kenora build. Media coverage was excellent. Local
media ( Daily Miner & News, Two hundred and twenty five (225) donned red for “Wear Red Day”.
Participants included St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, Ontario Works, LAO/NWCLC
and Community Support Services. The
Kenora Metis Warmth and Wellness Group held a week long Knit-A-Thon that
produced 44 fresh units of winter wear for the emergency shelter.
Another 34 units were added from their stock and distributed to those in
need. Each unit contained mitts, hats and scarves. The NWCLC/LAO and
NWHU held fundraising luncheons for local food banks. The Kenora
Women’s Action Network sold soup at the Cornerstone to raise monies
for crisis food vouchers ($200).
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KENORA’S
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