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

Contact: 289-221-0928 www.povertyacc.com “Making York Region the Best Place to Raise all Families”

For Immediate Release – Wednesday April 21 2010

RE: Editorial – ISARC – Social Audit

York Region’s contribution to the ISARC social audit; a process using a collaboration of faiths and local host community groups every 5-6 years across Ontario; included Y.R. last Tuesday for the 1^st time since they began in 1986. The event was an unadulterated success by any standards with testimonials from 24 individuals living in poverty from across York Region addressing the Rapporteurs, with many others willing. Overflow and participants’ additional video statements were also recorded to be utilized by local host organization, PACC for future media and documentary purposes.

From the outset, the planning team rigorously adhered to providing an atmosphere and set-up that allowed those who participated (or not), to do so with dignity in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere – and one that left attendees leaving with a positive feeling. To that end, York Region uniquely added “Greeters”, who simply made people feel welcome while waiting to speak or just dropping in. Initial feedback enthusiastically points to this having being accomplished. As attendees arrived, the Greeters, some with direct experience, welcomed people in by accompanying them in and to the tables of food and refreshments and to a seat if waiting and as the day got rolling at both locations, conversations naturally occurred among attendees – and with the other elements of information / advice being available, a kids playroom, music and an an atmosphere that created a “safe’ environment to share – they did. Many hung out as long as possible offering help anyway they could.

Said Bruce Voogd, Coordinator Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition, who attended all day in Newmarket,

“You guys did a great job. You could really sense a positive vibe in the room.”

Julie Mark, a Markham  resident / participant, felt something as well.

“For once I felt empowered, that someone is paying attention to what it’s like for people such as me to live in these types of situations. The “one-liner” I have been saying since yesterday is this “I’ve finally come out of the poverty closet”. After telling it all (my story) yesterday, I am not ashamed now to tell people I come in contact with how I live, and why I live that way. It’s not as if I chose to be disabled! Or (sic) chose to be unemployed. So why should I feel bad about it as if it is a dirty secret?”

With a who’s who list for Rapporteurs – Daisy Wai in the south location as well as John Rogers and Charles Beer in the north, United Way York Region CEO Danieli Zanotti facilitating the municipal politicians focus group – and with having additionally attracted more than 25 agencies and 14 politicians to participate, the well planned audit was bound to have a shot at succeeding.

The afternoon sessions were very productive, with participation levels from the agencies / frontline workers warranting a second focus group added; and with plenty of facilitating talent on hand to keep the focus, it worked well. Each group of agencies identified key barriers they faced, with sessions recorded by ‘recorders”. Emerging themes from those discussions will be identified and listed the final report. Ditto for the politician’s sessions – also vigourous – but also very encouraging and a feat to have such a grouping of willing municipal players.

Said Tom Pearson in concluding address to the event at the ‘traditional” after- dinner,

“As many of you likely know I’ve attended many of these types of events… and frankly we are choosy these days about which forums to enter or encourage people to step forward for. But this one I believe could really make a difference and I’m proud to have been a part of it. This was a truly collaborative team that included agencies, individuals, and those with poverty experience and it was great to be able to sit back and watch everyone go to it so we could concentrate on making this special….I’m not used to that…and Yvonne was great to work with.”

The end of day dinner was featured insights and reflections around the table from organizers and Rapporteurs, each having been moved by their experience; and of course this is the hope that the influence of what everyone witnessed affects them beyond the forum, so others feel and hear their reflections in their everyday and professional lives through their actions, attitudes, and words.

Dinner ended with original songs about poverty by Fred Joly who also earlier provided atmospheric acoustics and song throughout the morning…his melodic, feeling pieces – coming from experience – proved the finale that provided the perfect exclamation on the day.

Fred’s performances will be made available upcoming via our weblink.

A local report prepared using the audit input collected by Co-Convenors Tom Pearson, Chairman of the Poverty Action for Change Coalition (PACC) and Yvonne Kelly, Program Coordinator of the York Region Food Network will be drawn up to be released to the media at a date in the near future,.

Watch for clips / postings on the poverty action for change website at www.povertyacc.com.

More info Contact: 289-221-0928 or 1-866-454-9736 – ex 205