Here is an updated itinerary of today’s events for World Day to End Extreme Poverty of Canadians, which is also known as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty:

Itinerary

International Day for The Eradication of Poverty 2010

AKA – World Day To End Extreme Poverty

Location: Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada (Water Street and Eagle Street)

Time: 1-7PM;  Main-stage Performers – 5PM

1PM: 2PM Drumming / background music, Hot Food – served from Gazebo location

1-5PM: Info Booths, Street Performers

2PM: Main-stage MC Tom Pearson welcomes – Mayor – introduces the 1st speaker – year of the youth – Greg Carbis (teen) who will read the pledge against poverty followed by “Open Mic” for those speaking out about poverty. Those speaking from experience get 1^st opportunity.

2:45PM: Engagement Interlude –

3PM: “Do The Math” participants speak about their experiences eating a food-bank diet including York Region Media Group’s Era Banner Editor in Chief Debora Kelly, Michael and Christine Way Skinner (and family), Rabbi Martin and Rachel Steinhouse.

3:15PM: Open Mic – Politi-Speak: Public can speak about any ideas to move things politically. Politicians may speak however no electioneering and they must speak about what they do towards eradicating poverty or provide useful information. Regional Councilor John Taylor will bring people up to date on what the Region is doing and where they are headed in regards to poverty reduction measures if any. Guest speakers TBA for York Region Social Audit.

4:15PM: Engagement Interlude – engage politicians, others in ideas…

5:00PM

Open Mic – music/spoken word

Main-stage Performers:

Ninos Kom Tin drummers/singers, Composer/ Singer – Guitarists Glen Marais, Fred Joly, Brenda Bakos, Rappers - Krhyme Syndicate, Hip Hopper- Darius Mirshahi aka Testament &  Spotlight Theatre – Street Performers - Andy Hileaga , Man of 1000 songs, Marcus Schwan (singer songwriter): http://www.myspace.com/marcusschwan’ Awake at 4am (instrumental music, jazzy feel, great walking music): http://www.myspace.com/awakeat4amband, Kathleen (acoustic singer songwriter, folk-country feel): http://www.myspace.com/kathleenmurie…more TBA.

Immediate Release: Oct 12 2010: Contact: 289-221-0928

Event: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

AKA – World Day to End Extreme Poverty

Location: Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada (Water Street and Eagle Street)

Time: 1-7PM;  Main-stage Performers – 5PM

Newmarket, Ontario, Canada -

Expect to smell food, and hear hear music & traditional drumming upon arriving as Newmarket plays host to York Region Ontario’s International Day to Eradicate Poverty this Sunday, October 17th, at Fairy Lake Park from 1 Pm until 7PM with free hot food / soup served up from 1-2pm, information booths, “starving artists” performing path-side, a children’s area, main-stage speakers and performers, and a mic for those wishing to speak out about poverty. The internationally marked event was first recognized by the United Nations in 1992 but was inspired and started by a Frenchman named Joseph Wreneski as World Day to End Extreme Poverty.

Joseph Wresinski was born to immigrant parents in a poor neighbourhood of Angers, France. He grew up in a family which suffered from chronic poverty and social exclusion. In 1946, he was ordained as a priest and served in industrial and rural parishes where, right from the beginning, he related to the most deprived families.

In 1956, he was assigned chaplain to 250 families in an emergency housing camp in Noisy-le-Grand, near Paris. The families lived in quonset (nissan) huts erected in a muddy field. He said about his years in Noisy-le-Grand: “The families in that camp have inspired everything I have undertaken for their liberation. They took hold of me, they lived within me, they carried me forward, they pushed me to found the Movement with them.”

In 1957, Joseph Wresinski and the families of the camp founded the first association which was later to become ATD Fourth World. Responding to the demands of the families and working with them, the soup kitchen and the distribution of old clothes were replaced with a library, kindergarten, chapel and workshop. Joseph Wresinski’s firm purpose was to unite all sections of society with the poorest and most excluded. With this aim he met leaders of state, churches and international bodies from all over the world. He believed that every person he met represented an opportunity for the poorest and was determined that the Movement would remain open to people of all cultures, faiths and races.

His appointment to France’s Economic and Social Council in 1979 was a significant step in his quest for official representation of people in extreme poverty. With the publication of the Wresinski Report in 1987, he succeeded in gaining recognition of people in poverty as partners in society.

On 17 October 1987, in the presence of 100,000 people from every social background and continent, Joseph Wresinski unveiled a commemorative stone in the Trocadero Human Rights Plaza in Paris. On this marble, his call is engraved: “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.”

Since then the commemorative stone has become a rallying point for people from all walks of life.

October 17th was declared “International Day for the Eradication of Poverty” by the United Nations in 1992. In several countries, on the 17th of each month, people gather to acknowledge the lives and efforts of those living in extreme poverty, and to renew their commitment to join them in their struggle.

Since the York Region event has been held, from 2005, it has evolved from a soapbox and a microphone for performers and speakers to envelope beautiful Fairy Lake Park in Newmarket, and now includes an opportunity for singers, composers, musicians and other performers to play original works on a stage and at the same time keep the message of ending poverty alive beyond just October 17th.

In 2008 Newmarket town council approved, officially endorsing the day, and agreed to a permanent marker on site at Fairy Lake Park with regional council representative John Taylor unveiling the plaque in 2009 – with its own commemorative rock – representative of the stone statue in France – along with Mayor Van Bynen.

2010’s York Region event will again offer free hot fresh food and some information booths including information from the Legal Clinic of York Region, The Housing Help Centre, York Region Food Network, Ninos Kom Tin ( aboriginal), Make Poverty History, Poverty Action for Change Coalition, and others with it’s most expanding element being in the arts segments.

This year the event is allowing “starving musicians” to line the paths surrounding the event to add to the atmosphere and split anything raised with the organizers to help pay for the event. A main-stage is also part of the events features , not only used for the speakers but also for an “ Open Mic” session for performers doing pieces relating to poverty followed by Feature Acts including : Ninos Kom Tin drummers/singers, Composer/ Singer – Guitarists Glen Marais, Fred Joly, Brenda Bakos, Rappers - Krhyme Syndicate, Hip Hopper- Darius Mirshahi aka Testament &  Spotlight Theatre presents cuts from RENT. Other performers wishing to come up must check in at the main-stage.

For more info call  289-221-0928

Or visit

www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved

http://www.oct17.org/event.php?id_rubrique=133&id_secteur_virtuel=210&lang=en&annee=2010

http://www.facebook.com/?tid=1294928952652&sk=messages#!/event.php?eid=155474907810283

Itinerary

International Day for The Eradication of Poverty 2010

AKA – World Day To End Extreme Poverty

1PM – 2PM Drumming / background music, Hot Food – served from Gazebo location

1-5PM Info Booths, Street Performers

2PM – Main-stage MC Tom Pearson welcomes – Mayor – introduces the 1st speaker – year of the youth – Greg Carbis (teen) who will read the pledge against poverty followed by “Open Mic” for those speaking out about poverty. Those speaking from experience get 1^st opportunity.

2:45: Engagement Interlude –

3PM “Do The Math” participants speak about their experiences eating a food-bank diet including York Region Media Group’s Debora Kelly.

3:15 Open Mic – Politi-Speak : Anyone who wishes to speak about any ideas to move things politically. Politicians may speak however no electioneering allowed and they must speak about what they would like to do towards eradicating poverty. Regional Councilor John Taylor will bring people up to date on what the Region has done thus far and where they are looking to go in regards to poverty related.

4:15PM: Engagement Interlude – engage politicians, others in ideas…

5:00: PM

Open Mic – music/spoken word

Main-stage Performers:

Ninos Kom Tin drummers/singers; Composer/ Singer – Guitarists Glen Marais, Fred Joly, Brenda Bakos;  Rappers - Krhyme Syndicate;  Hip Hopper- Darius Mirshahi aka Testament &  Spotlight Theatre..more TBA.

Friends, Countrymen,
Lend Me Your
Voices!

On World Day To

END EXTREME POVERTY!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2010, 1 – 7 PM

Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

• 1-2 PM – Free Hot Food

• 1-5 PM – Info Booths, Guest Speakers, Open Mic, Kids Area

• 5 PM – Feature Performers including Singer-Songwriters

GLENN MARAIS

FRED JOLY

BRENDA BAKOS

Rappers KRHYME SYNDICATE

Hip Hop Artist TESTAMENT

YOU!!

Tired of Seeing People Go Hungry!?
Tired of Going Hungry?!
Join Voices World-Wide on October 17th
Help End Poverty Now!
Join Host PACC (Poverty Action for Change Coalition) Chair Tom Pearson and guests including anti-poverty advocates,
faith leaders, poverty victims, entertainers, and politicians and help end poverty now!

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

York Region Food Network, Krasman Centre, Legal Clinic of York Region, Citizens for Affordable Housing, Housing Help Centre, Make Poverty History, Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF)

w w w. p o v e r t y a c c . c o m

As a prelude to the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17, 2010) , the official stand-up-against-poverty count is slated for September 17th – 19th, 2010, to coincide with the United Nations meeting in order to put pressure on world leaders to attend to poverty. Since the world leaders will meet on September 20th – 22nd, the following event will happen on September 17th – 19th:

When world leaders gather at the United Nations for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Review Summit in September, the voices of their citizens will follow them, telling them, loudly and clearly:
“We will no longer stay seated or silent in the face of poverty and the broken promises to end it!’

Poverty Action for Change Coalition (PACC) agreed that they would have a stand-up-against-poverty event on location at Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, on September 17th at 7PM . They can also have a short meeting at the same time for anyone wishing to help organize this event.

For those who cannot attend the official stand-up-against-poverty count event, people can still be counted towards a new world record for those standing against poverty by pledging online and vowing to stand while pledging. So you can stand up at home or at the park or wherever as long as you report it in (on September 17th – 19th). The link is on the website of Poverty Action for Change Coalition should you need it: http://www.povertyacc.com/GetInvolved.

Poverty Action for Change Coalition will be looking to call a meeting for organizers – anyone from all organizations attached to poverty – interested in collaborating as well on the committee of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

By the way, the Poverty Action for Change Coalition (PACC)  also named (and now delivered) a new program that they have rolled out in cooperation with the York Region District School Board, which they named “PACC to School”. Poverty Action for Change Coalition Chair, Tom Pearson, said, “what PACC did – distributed about 100 backpacks stuffed with supplies, calculators and other school supplies in the communities, and delivered them via a neighbourhood BBQ! Hey, how can you beat that!” As well Operation Sparrow‘s Spotlight Theatre School also performed in one of the communities, and they hoped to expand Operation Sparrow’s Spotlight Theatre School next year!

CONTACT:

PACC (Poverty Action For Change Coalition)
Mailing address
21 Dunlop St. Suite
200 Richmond Hill, ON,
L4C-2M6

Phone: 905-836-7931
Toll Free: 1-888-365-5226

Media only call: 289-221-0928

Both Poverty Action for Change Coalition (P.A.C.C.) and Make Poverty History (York Region Chapter, Ontario, Canada) have been hosting an annual event alongside events held world-wide on October 17th, which is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, for the past five years – last year, those attending helped set a new world record for those standing at one time against poverty. They hope to do even better on October 17, 2010 at Fairy Lake Park in Newmarket, Ontario!

Participants are wanted as York Region’s  growing event of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty would like to grow even more this year by adding information booths, activity area for kids, path-side singers/performers and the inclusion of some native cultural history representation. They also hope to have more talent/art/media displayed this year as well. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty event also typically attracts politicians, concerned residents, anti-poverty advocates, those living in poverty and random passersby!

Poverty Action for Change Coalition would also like to strike up a collaborative committee made up of concerned residents and organizations to help shape the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty event this year and help plan and execute it.

As Poverty Action for Change Coalition receives no government funding, they will look to accept donations to help pay their costs and think a donation of  a minimum of $50 per booth(payable to P.A.C.C.) is reasonable for those interested to set up a display – considering Poverty Action for Change Coalition  fights not only for the rights of low incomers but also lobbies for funding directly and indirectly for numerous groups and non-profits. Spots will be made available only to those groups assisting in those lives of people in poverty or marginalized by low income.

Please let Poverty Action for Change Coalition know how you would like to assist!

Contact info for Poverty Action for Change Coalition:
Mailing address
21 Dunlop St. Suite
200 Richmond Hill, ON,
L4C-2M6

Phone: 905-836-7931
Toll Free: 1-888-365-5226

Media only call: 289-221-0928

Please mark your calendar for Sunday, October 17, 2010 as the International Day for Eradication of Poverty at Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada This remarkable event is growing each year!! Book your organization’s info booth… while they last! (Contact: 289-221-0928).

The following news was a press release from EndPoverty 2015 millennium campaign:

AHEAD OF G-8, NEW ANALYSIS REVEALS AFRICAN COUNTRIES TOP LIST OF 20 COUNTRIES MAKING MOST OVERALL PROGRESS ON MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS Report by the Overseas Development Institute and UN Millennium Campaign Reveals Many of the Poorest Countries are Making Most Progress on Millennium Development Goals

June 22, 2010 — As G-8 and G-20 leaders prepare to gather in Canada, new analysis issued by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and the United Nations Millennium Campaign finds that, in absolute terms, many of the world’s poorest countries are making the most overall progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – the set of promises world leaders made to significantly reduce extreme poverty, illiteracy and disease by 2015. Particularly relevant for G-8 countries are the findings which underline the importance of open trade and effective and timely aid in driving this success. For poor countries, political leadership, accountability and adequate budgetary allocations for the Goals are cited as key criteria to drive sustained progress.

Eleven of the 20 countries making the most absolute progress on the MDGs are amongst the poorest countries in Africa; half of African countries are on track to meet the target of halving poverty by 2015.

The analysis also finds that most low and middle income countries are making progress on most of the key MDG indicators.

“This study decisively establishes with hard evidence that much of the negative reporting on progress on the Millennium Development Goals is misleading,” said Salil Shetty, Director of the United Nations Millennium Campaign. “Instead of lamenting that Africa might miss the MDG targets, we should be celebrating the real changes that have happened in the lives of millions of poor people, not least because of the unified effort between governments and citizens, supported by donors. The leaders and tax-payers of G-8 countries must now keep their aid commitments, with the confidence that their investment is making a tangible and large scale difference.”

“This study seeks to broaden the debate about MDG progress. The first findings show that progress is taking place, sometimes in unexpected places,” said Overseas Development Institute Director Dr. Alison Evans. “In a world where support for development is under increasing scrutiny, we hope that this work will contribute to a broader appreciation of how we assess progress to date.”

The new analysis contrasts national-level progress in absolute terms, as distinct from progress relative to global MDG targets. Absolute progress measures overall progress countries have made and relative progress measures how close they have come to specific MDG targets. Progress in absolute terms at the national level gives a fuller picture of the reality on the ground because performance against MDG targets hides significant differences between countries at the starting point (baseline year 1990), as well as differences in performance between countries since the MDGs were adopted in 2000. Both measures are needed to tell the full story of progress, particularly in low income countries.

The top 20 countries in absolute terms are:

Benin
Bangladesh
Mali
Honduras
Ethiopia
Mauritania
Gambia
Ghana
Malawi
China
Viet Nam
Burkina Faso
Uganda
Rwanda
Nepal
Nicaragua
India
Guatemala
Cambodia
Togo

The analysis focused on progress on Goal 1, which seeks to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; Goal 4, to reduce child mortality; and Goal 5, to improve maternal health – all issues on the agenda of this week’s G-8. Amongst the findings:

• The largest number of reductions of deaths of children under the age of five occurred in regions with the highest initial levels of such deaths, such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

• Even though the Goal of reducing maternal mortality has seen the least progress, access to maternal health services has improved in 80 percent of countries.

• Countries making the most relative progress tend to be middle income countries, such as Ecuador, China, Thailand, Brazil and Egypt.

The report identified a number of additional factors that contribute to progress on the MDGs: poor countries must have consistent leadership committed over an extended period of time to reducing poverty. They must make the public sector accountable to citizens and empower local governments and communities. Furthermore, they must prioritize investment in human development and budgets for health and education.

The research was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UN Millennium Campaign. The analysis is based on the MDG database, with the exception of income poverty data for Africa, which are based on the ReSAKSS database. The data on equity – the distribution of progress within a country – are based on household Demographic Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster surveys. Where the available data permit, countries have been compared over the same time period against average annual rates of progress, irrespective of population size.

The analysis previews a fuller report to be released later this year, reviewing development progress over the past two decades, and a detailed score card on MDG performance.

Spokespeople available for interview:

UN Millennium Campaign
Salil Shetty, Director
Falu Njie, Deputy Director for Policy

Overseas Development Institute
Alison Evans, Director
Liesbet Steer, Senior Research Associate

Media Contacts:
Kara Alaimo United Nations Millennium Campaign
+1 212-906-6399
Kara.Alaimo@undp.org

Gareth Thomas Overseas Development Institute
+44 (0)20 7922 0431
g.thomas@odi.org.uk