Food Basket Challenge Community Forum

Strategies to Eliminate Poverty / PFS

Did you know Saskatchewan is one of the few provinces that doesn't have a provincial poverty plan? Come join the conversation next Tuesday. The goal of this event is to get perspectives from folks who live in Saskatoon on poverty issues that will be added to voices from communities around the province. Our hope is to encourage a collaboration between government and community in developing a Saskatchewan Poverty Elimination Plan.

Strategies to Eliminate Poverty in Saskatchewan
Tuesday, November 22 at 3:30pm at Mayfair United Church

Songs for Supper 5
November 19th 7PM The Refinery

Left Out In The Cold

Hands Across the Bridge, 2011

Hands Across the Bridge was amazing this year. Though we didn't entirely manage to connect the city across the Broadway Bridge, we did span hand in hand from shore to shore. Thank you so much to the amazing energy being generated by Occupy Saskatoon and of course much love to those who come event after event, year after year to keep the voices of this city's marginalized population from being lost. Let's keep the moral and human rights perspective forefront as we go into this election. Let's make sure that those who live well in our society replenish opportunity in their wake. Let's err on the side of humanism rather than only heartless economic efficiency. All of this too is in our nature. Let's do better.

Richard Wilkinson: How Economic Inequality Harms Societies

http://www.ted.com We feel instinctively that societies with huge income gaps are somehow going wrong. Richard Wilkinson charts the hard data on economic inequality, and shows what gets worse when rich and poor are too far apart: real effects on health, lifespan, even such basic values as trust.

Incredible Parent Directory

Incredible Parent Directory: Resources and Services for Parents, Caregivers and Professionals Within the City of Saskatoon

http://www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/pdf/Incredible_Parent_Directory_All.pdf

SAPC Professors of Poverty / Occupy Saskatoon

Hands Across the Bridge

Hands Across the Bridge / Oct. 21st, 2011 / 5:00 PM / Occupy Saskatoon Tent City at Broadway Bridge

The Saskatoon Anti-Poverty Coalition in solidarity with Occupy Saskatoon is hosting “Hands Across the Bridge” a silent march to acknowledge that economic and social disparity that spans the whole city. We come together as people of all socio-economic levels, and we join hands to combat poverty, to reach across troubled waters that too many people experience because of poverty. Economic and social inequity affect us all – from both the West side and East side of Saskatoon – together we can overcome hardship. 

Join with us to link hands in a show of solidarity - we are the 99!!

Poverty Awareness Week

Saturday Oct. 15th - Poverty Awareness Week Kick-off: Chili lunch, kid's activities and entertainment
St. George's Hall - 222 Ave. M South

Sunday Oct. 16th - Speaking in Faith Communities
Grosvenor Park United Church - 407 Cumberland Ave. South

Monday Oct. 17th - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Wednesday Oct.19 - Poverty Awareness Week / SAPC Community Supper
Saskatoon Friendship Inn - 619 20th St. West

Thursday Oct. 20 - Empowering Voices: An artistic gathering in the core
St.Mary's Parish Hall - 211 Ave. o South

Friday Oct. 21 - Hands Across the Bridge: A silent march to acknowledge that poverty spans the whole city ... join us to link hands in a show of solidarity
Broadway Bridge

Saskatoon Food Basket Challenge

http://www.foodbasketchallenge.com/
The premise of the Food Basket Challenge is simple:

Several high-profile people in Saskatoon will attempt to live off a food basket from the Saskatoon Food Bank for up to one week and share their experiences online.
The Food Basket Challenge is intended to generate awareness and discussion about poverty in our community. The food basket itself is a tool to spark a meaningful and informed community conversation about poverty issues that limit opportunities in our community. During the week-long challenge we will highlight one particular topic related to poverty each day, such as food security, housing, and poverty economics.

FAQS

What is the Food Basket Challenge?

For one week several high-profile people in Saskatoon will attempt to live off a food basket from the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre. Over the week they will share their thoughts and experiences online.

What are you trying to achieve?

The Food Basket Challenge aims to foster a dialogue about poverty in our community and strengthen the relationships between people who possess the lived experience of poverty and those who do not.
We’re not pushing any specific agenda policy. There are multiple strategies to ending poverty – let’s start the conversation.

What will the participants eat?

Participants will receive a standard food basket from the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre.
Food baskets typically consist of two to three days of food, although in reality many who rely on food baskets must make them last for one or two weeks.
The Challenge is to exist for up to one week using the food provided in the food basket, as well as up to five basic pantry items (flour, sugar, coffee, etc.) and $5.00 to supplement the food basket for the week.
Participants will not eat out or accept free food or drink. To make their food supplies last longer, the participants are welcome to use community meal programs (soup kitchens).

How can people understand poverty after just one week living off a food basket?

Poverty is a complex issue. People cannot understand hunger or poverty by living off a food basket for one week. Challenge participants can go back to their regular lives at any time. People living in poverty don’t have that choice.
We recognize the limitations of this Challenge but hope it will deepen the relationship between those who possess the lived experience of poverty and those who do not.

Who is participating in the Challenge?

For participant bios and information please click here.

Doesn’t this Challenge take food away from the people who really need it?

No – funds have been donated for the specific purpose of replenishing the food used in the Challenge.

Who is organizing this?

The Food Basket Challenge is organized by multiple groups and individuals. This multi-agency campaign is not intended to highlight the mandate of any one organization or act as an opportunity for fundraising.

Photo Voice Conclusion

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” (Dr. Wayne Dyer)
Nadia, 2006

The reality is—I am disabled. I am a woman. I live in poverty, my voice is not heard. The truth is—my spirit has risen above this.

There are times, though, when people or situations come along to remind me of what I am and try to put me back in my place.

You cannot understand how I feel by studying books, by taking courses. You can only understand how I feel by crawling into my skin and living my life.

You Have to Be Strong
Mary Jane*, 2006

The concrete fence is about the strength people have to have living on assistance. You have to be strong in order to fight for justice. In order to be on welfare, you have to be strong. It’s surprising how strong you have to be, cause if you’re not, you’ll go under.

Happy Times
Moe S.*, 2006

I have come from a lot of different places behind me and I try to live every moment as much as I can. This is one of my happy times. The school is a real important place in our family. It really brought us home. And our events are so much like a family get-together. It is really important to me to have that.

“Don’t let go of hope. Hope gives you the strength to keep going when you feel like giving up.”
Nadia, 2006

I hate winter. It’s cold, it’s dreary, it’s colourless, it isolates me. And yet, sometimes, it presents such a day of undeniable beauty. I look for these kinds of days in my life. I hang onto them. They keep me going through my winter. 

 http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/saskatoon_intro.html

Photo Voice IX

A Black Mould
Dawn McGraw*, 2006

I have black mould in my basement. I have tried to clean it regularly with bleach. It keeps coming back; it’s spreading. I have told them this is not healthy for my children. I have a very damp basement so I am not surprised. My house is very old. My landlord takes forever to come in and fix things—things that are a danger and put my children at risk.

My Journey
Virginia Beebe, 2006

This is like a path, a journey—the journey I have been on since I became a teen parent. Always searching for ways to break out of that box, break out of that system, and to be who I was inside and not what everyone would tell me I was. 

Self Portrait
Virginia Beebe, 2006

I am in a transition period. I am going to convocate from university soon. I do not believe I could be sitting here today without the support network that I experienced at my high school, Nutana Collegiate. They approached with a wraparound philosophy to give every opportunity to that child to open that door, and to support them when they walk through that door. They have been key to my story.

http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/saskatoon_intro.html

Up and Out of Poverty

Friday, August 26 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm

PAVED Arts 424 20 St W, Saskatoon

A profound evening of theatre - created by those who live in poverty
… and you!!

This unique, interactive theatre experience is the result of a creative process involving local residents. The goal of the production is to generate discussion and thought about the complex realities of poverty in Saskatoon.

(admission is free, all are welcome)

Petrina

Carmen

Photovoice Continued ...

My Bike is My Car
Genevieve Jones*, 2006

I cycle from about April to October as the weather allows and when I feel well enough to do so. I walk often, but this also takes better shoes that I cannot afford. Bus money is very limited. I hope Saskatoon soon passes at least a trial bus pass for a minimal amount for people in poverty, like Regina this past year.

A Heavy Load
Elaine Gamble, 2006

I saw this couple struggling with their stuff from the Food Bank. I really felt for these people. I have a vehicle. I can drive where I need to go. But there is a strength for them. Even though they don’t have a vehicle and they’re in poverty, they’re doing something. They are going to the Food Bank. They are walking to bring their stuff back. And this gentleman stopped four or five times in that little stretch, so you know that what he was carrying was heavy.

As photographers in this project, we made a commitment to treat people with respect, and not use their pictures without permission. We have blurred the images of the people to protect their privacy, but we wanted to share this picture of poverty in our city.

A Safe Place to Live
Smith*, 2006

I live in the Saskatoon Housing Coalition which has three apartments and a group home for people who have mental illness. I am fortunate living at the Housing Coalition. I’ve been there sixteen years. They need lots of buildings because there is a long waiting list for people with psychiatric problems who want to live there.

We are dead centre in the inner city where there’s crime, because that’s all we could afford. Guys have been beaten up because it’s not a safe area. Inside the buildings we’re very safe. They shouldn’t put them all in the high-crime area.

http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/saskatoon_intro.html

Photovoice Cont.

Comfortable Shoes/Scared For My Life
Lynn*, 2006

If I want to go out at night, I walk. Most people do not want their mother/ daughter/sister/wife walking in the streets after dark, but it is okay for women in poverty.

Getting to the Bus Stop
Butterfly Russell*, 2006

This is outside my apartment block and I stuck my cane in there because I wanted that to be part of the picture. Unfortunately I can’t afford to run a car and so I have to walk up to the bus stop all year round. And in weather conditions like that, the bus stop may as well be two miles away because I feel that I can’t get there. I am scared of falling. I just wish that I had a car.

Povertymobile
Dawn McGraw*, 2006

Why this is considered a luxury is beyond me—my car, a.k.a. ‘The Povertymobile.’ It is really hard to afford a car. I have been lucky and have had no major problems with it, other than a brake cylinder. I have had to do the tires, but one at a time. I don’t have a proper spare and my front passenger tire is as bald as bald can be.

It slides all over in the winter. It’s not safe and very difficult to maintain, in addition to being a gas guzzler. Lots of times I go nowhere at all because I can’t afford the gas. Heck, I can’t even afford a car wash.

http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/saskatoon_intro.html

Photovoice Cont.- Part VI

Feed or Bleed
Lynn*, 2006

The choice is clear. If I don’t eat – no one will know. If I don’t buy sanitary supplies – everyone will know. I already use $110 toward extra rent money needed, out of the $210 that I have to live on.

The Right To Food
Mary Jane*, 2006

If you know your Human Rights Code, you can use that, ’cause the Human Rights Code says that the government has to provide an adequate amount of money for food, clothing, and shelter. Go to the line for yourself. Get some support. And if you have to, get a lawyer, ’cause there are lawyers that will take you on. Go to them. It’s hard and sometimes you feel like crap. But you’ve got rights. You’ve got to go for it. Don’t give up. That’s the only way things are going to change.

Fifty Miles Away
Butterfly Russell*, 2006

These are all the things that I can get for nothing at the library—the tapes, the books, the movies. But the bus fare costs me $4.50 and I am living on a budget of $6 a day. It feels like the library might as well be fifty miles away when you don’t have enough money for bus fare to get there. I sit on the Get on the Bus Coalition. We’re trying to make some changes so that people who are on assistance will be able to get a discounted bus pass for $15.

http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/saskatoon_intro.html

Photovoice - Cont. Part V

Feed or Bleed
Lynn*, 2006

The choice is clear. If I don’t eat – no one will know. If I don’t buy sanitary supplies – everyone will know. I already use $110 toward extra rent money needed, out of the $210 that I have to live on.

The Right To Food
Mary Jane*, 2006

If you know your Human Rights Code, you can use that, ’cause the Human Rights Code says that the government has to provide an adequate amount of money for food, clothing, and shelter. Go to the line for yourself. Get some support. And if you have to, get a lawyer, ’cause there are lawyers that will take you on. Go to them. It’s hard and sometimes you feel like crap. But you’ve got rights. You’ve got to go for it. Don’t give up. That’s the only way things are going to change.

Fifty Miles Away
Butterfly Russell*, 2006

These are all the things that I can get for nothing at the library—the tapes, the books, the movies. But the bus fare costs me $4.50 and I am living on a budget of $6 a day. It feels like the library might as well be fifty miles away when you don’t have enough money for bus fare to get there. I sit on the Get on the Bus Coalition. We’re trying to make some changes so that people who are on assistance will be able to get a discounted bus pass for $15.

http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/saskatoon_intro.html

Photovoice - Cont. Part IV

Suicide Prevention
Lynn*, 2006

I live alone and often suffer from depression and yet I am not allowed enough money to feed and care for my ‘antidepressant.’ If I commit suicide, who will take care of her?

Little Pickles and Punkin
Smith*, 2006

I tried for seven years to change the pet policy so I could have a cat. And they would not allow it. They felt if the mentally ill had cats, they would run around the neighbourhood and end up at the SPCA. You have all these stereotypes. I complained and I tried and tried. A few years later they phoned me up and said that I could have a guinea pig. I would have preferred to have a cat but that’s what I was allowed to have. They’re a lot of fun.

The Empty Shopping Cart
Butterfly Russell*, 2006

To me the empty shopping cart is symbolic. A shopping cart should be full of groceries and have a little kid bouncing up and down in the seat. But for many, every time they look at a grocery cart they feel guilty because they don’t have enough money to fill it up with groceries. And the other thing I think when I look at a grocery cart is, ‘Thank God I’m not the one who’s got all my worldly possessions in it.’ Or I could be wandering up and down back alleys picking up pop bottles. So the shopping cart has a lot of meanings.

http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/saskatoon_intro.html

Photovoice - Cont. Part III

“Feeling good about yourself is essential to feeling good about life, but sometimes people are forced to do things that take away from their self-respect.”
Nadia, 2006

One day I saw someone approach this garbage can, take out a discarded bag and eat the garbage inside. I was shocked, and embarrassed for the person. I had never seen anyone eat from a garbage can before. I live in poverty but I have not yet been hungry enough or desperate enough to eat from a garbage can. I thought about how quickly and easily a person’s life circumstances can change to where any one of us could be forced to find our lunch in this way. There are people in the world who, every day, are forced to do such a thing. How good is that for one’s self-respect? 

All I Want for Christmas is to Participate
Lynn*, 2006

I’m not able to buy a present for a niece or nephew and I also don’t get any presents because people don’t want to make me feel bad or obligated to buy something for them.

Bad Weather
Elaine Gamble, 2006

This is a picture of me driving out to my reserve to try to get financial aid because my power and my rent was due. My husband lost his job and we’re having a really hard financial time. I had to take my kids on the highway in this kind of weather because if I didn’t, my power was going to get cut off and I wasn’t going to have a place to live with my children. It was a gamble to go out because I wasn’t guaranteed anything, and, in fact, I didn’t receive anything.

http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/saskatoon_intro.html

Photovoice - Continued

http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/saskatoon_intro.html

Vacation?!
Genevieve Jones*, 2006

Places like this—McNally Robinson, the public libraries, the Mendel and other art galleries, the University Geology Building—are my usual vacation spots. And closer to home when I'm not feeling well. Out of city, or province, or country are not things I have money for, unless I choose not to eat properly, or make other such sacrifices. 

Closets/Emptiness
Dawn McGraw*, 2006

This is my son’s closet. My kids don’t have a lot of clothes and certainly not expensive clothes. What’s there is all too small for him. It’s just empty, like the hearts of our children sometimes.

The closets have no doors. Too many tenants in the past have damaged the doors, so now tenants are not allowed to have them.

TV and a Phone
Mary Jane*, 2006

If you are on assistance, a phone is a luxury, a TV is a luxury. And if you have cable TV, it is an extreme luxury. Your TV provides you with entertainment. You can’t afford to go out to a movie.

The only way I got a phone was I was in a relationship where I was in danger, so I had to have some way of calling for help.

http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/saskatoon_intro.html

Photovoice: Looking Out/Looking In: Women, Poverty and Public Policy

http://www.pwhce.ca/photovoice/saskatoon_intro.html

Being in Poverty Hurts!
Genevieve Jones*, 2006

The pain and stress affect all areas of one’s life. It is often acted out in destructive ways including: inability to trust and build support—friends or community programs, etc.—through addictions, child abuse of all kinds, and/or spouse abuse.

A Photovoice Project
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
2006

It’s Like You’re Handicapped
Elaine Gamble, 2006

This is a picture of my daughter’s prosthetic limb. It helps her overcome her limitations. When you’re living in poverty it is like you are handicapped because there are so many restrictions, so many limitations.

Someone can go in the store and buy a magazine or a shirt that they need for their kid. They can go ahead and buy it, but you can’t, because you have to think about other things. You have to think, ‘Well, if I buy that, then I can’t pay my phone bill. If I buy that, then I can’t get this for my kid.’ You’re always shortchanging. Sometimes my daughter needs something at school—a book fair or school function. She can’t go or participate because I had to buy Pampers or wipes for the baby instead.

In the words of the women who participated...

Low income women are often subject to scrutiny and surveillance by others. In this project we were behind the lens, not under the lens.

We looked in at our own experiences and out at the world from our own perspectives.

We look out for all the obstacles that come from living in poverty and we look for all the good things that keep us going.

We encourage people in communities to look out for each other, by developing just policies and treating everyone with dignity and respect.

We are looking for change and hoping to make a difference.

Our goal in this project is to use our words and photographs to raise public awareness and influence public policies to reduce poverty and improve the conditions of women’s lives.

Waiting by the Phone
Lynn*, 2006

Surviving below the poverty line means being isolated from loved ones in good times and bad. I do not have any money to put toward long distance calls. I cannot reciprocate; I just get calls when other people feel like calling.

Saskatoon Photovoice Photographers*
Butterfly Russell*                         Mary Jane*
Dawn McGraw*                            Moe S.*
Elaine Gamble                             Nadia
Genevieve Jones*                         Smith
Lynn*                                          Virginia Beebe
*Some of the women have chosen pseudonyms to protect their anonymity.

Saskatoon Photovoice Committee
Vanessa Charles, Saskatoon Antipoverty Coalition
Debbie Frost, National Antipoverty Organization
Kathryn Green, University of Saskatchewan, Department of Community Health & Epidemiology
Lorraine Marquis, Saskatoon Health Region, Social Work Department
Carolyn Rogers, Saskatoon Antipoverty Coalition
Kay Willson, Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence

This project is sponsored by the Saskatoon Antipoverty Coalition & the Prairie Women’s Health Centre of Excellence

You Oughta Know: Canada's Income Gap | Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

You Oughta Know: Income Shares in Canada

View more presentations from Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

You Oughta Know: Canada's Income Gap | Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

Garrett Witchekan Memorial Walk

Dear Sir / Madam,

My name is Christine Witchekan. This is my story.

I am on the road to healing. My son Garrett Wilson Witchekan committed suicide June 30t, 2007. In an effort to bring healing to myself and my family I am organizing a walk from Rosthern to One Arrow Reserve. This will be a 20 mile endeavor. This is my second healing walk. The first I accomplished on June 30t, 2009. It really helped me let go of past pain and feel like I was doing something meaningful for myself and other parents who are victims of suicide.

This is my goal and plan.

I would like to have a walk as a Tribute to Garrett Witchekan. This walk is a healing walk which celebrates Garrett's life and also would be a community event to bring awareness and try to demystify the heartache and pain of families who deal with suicide. At the end of the walk I would like to hold a community BBQ or Feast to celebrate.

My plan is to walk and push a wheelchair, while my sons Brandon and Marlin and granddaughters Tessa and Sakura, take turns riding in the wheelchair. The wheel chair symbolizes a need for help, support and community. Therefore, I would need 2 wheelchairs in case a blow out or technical problems arise. I would also need a van to travel with us to ensure our safety and be there for breaks, food, water and medical assistance, if needed.

I desire to have 40 t-shirts made-up, which I have designed. These t-shirts would be worn by the walking team and those who are involved in supporting this initiative.

My dream is to help parents that have lost their kids to suicide. Hopefully I will raise money to give to families who need support in this way. I know that this is going to help me and my kids to heal. I'm very excited about this celebration and memorial wak. I have my heart and mind set on accomplishing this and will do it with or without support. Please consider supporting me in this effort.

I will need support financially and In-kind. A list of what I think I need is as follows:
Van and gas
2 wheel chairs
First aid kit, sandwiches, water and tea in the van (refreshments for walk)
40 t-shirts
Administrative support – postage; flyers/advertising; sign for van; paper work or legal fees for Memorial Fund
Community BBQ or Feast )food, drink and grill fee)

I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. Could you please let me know by June 20, 2011. My goal is to do this Tribute Walk on June 30th, 2011. This will be the 4th Anniversary of my son, Garrett's death.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Christine Witchekan Ph: 974 2203 / 880 7851

Throwaways

Underheard in New York

Mashable: Underheard in New York

The Big Sleep Out by The Big Issue

The Big Issue

The Poverty Challenge

http://www.thepovertychallenge.org/

The Poverty Challenge is an intensive one-day summit on poverty for high school students in the Kingston area. Students attending the Challenge will have the chance to:
Experience poverty as it is by assuming the role of a person living in poverty in Kingston with particular challenges and responsibilities.
For example, you are a single mother of 3. After losing your job, you are evicted from your apartment. Your challenges are to feed your family, find alternative housing, and seek a job or support from Ontario Works.

Navigate the system in a real-world simulation by seeking help from local agencies.
Do your best to succeed by providing the necessary answers, information and documentation. If you are not successful, you must find another way for you and your family to survive.

Become an agent of social change by participating in the Think Tank.
Your experiences during the simulation activity will provide you with insight into a particular social issue. Working with others who experienced the same challenges, you will devise a solution to a specific problem.

Feisty Joy on the Election "Let Them Eat Cake!"

Aliens, Ghetto, Poverty, Volunteering, etc.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/14602305

Homeless Man Uses Albuquerque Dumpster As Address

"Albuquerque authorities arrested a homeless man for failing to notify them that he moved out of the Dumpster he listed as his address."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/05/04/state/n084606D75.DTL#ixzz1LPM2wvqI


http://www.facebook.com/wearevisible

Homeless Woman Busted For Son's Schooling

A homeless woman from Bridgeport who enrolled her 6-year-old son at a Norwalk elementary school has become the first in the city to be charged with stealing more than $15,000 for the cost of her child's education.
http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/120004374.html

This story came to our attention through "We Are Visible." Check them out at http://wearevisible.com/

Canada Without Poverty: First Voice Stories of Poverty

http://www.cwp-csp.ca/Blog/poverty/first-voice-stories-of-poverty

SAPC Steak Night Fundraiser, April 19th

Tim Wise: On White Privilege

To Mark the 45th Annual International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son.

-A Talk By Internationally-Renowned Anti-Racist Author and Educator Tim Wise
...
Followed By a Panel Discussion with Local Representatives on the State of Intercultural Relations in Saskatoon.

“[Wise] is a national treasure.” - Michael Eric Dyson

“One of 25 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World,” - Utne Reader.

“One of the brilliant voices of our time.” - Molefi Kete Asante

DETAILS:
Thursday, March 17
Doors @ 6:30pm | Talk @ 7:00pm
Third Avenue United Church

304 3rd Avenue North

Tickets $10 | $5 Student/Low Income
(No one turned away due to lack of funds)

Little Boxes

Discussion about new Value Village in StoneBridge...phuny!!

 Jibber jabber bruhaha

Seven Days for Rent Control

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201127956581424

Next Year Country - The Trouble With Normal

http://nextyearcountrynews.blogspot.com/2011/03/trouble-with-normal.html#links

Living On A Welfare Diet

In April of 2010 a group of high profile Torontonians attempted to subsist on the offerings of a local food bank to experience the way in which many social assistance recipients eat when money runs out ...

Thanks to Janet Clark for this contribution ...

http://www.thestop.org/press/13-apr-2010

http://www.dothemath.thestop.org/index.php

SAPC Applauds Salvation Army’s Dignity Project

March 3, 2011                                                        For Immediate Release

SAPC Applauds Salvation Army’s Dignity Project

The Saskatoon Anti Poverty Coalition wishes to extend thanks to The Salvation Army's Dignity Project (SalvationArmy.ca/dignity) and its latest report, "Debunking Myths About Poverty in Canada". This work offers an opportunity to better understand public misperceptions of those living on low income. The report brings to light many misguided values and attitudes about poverty that are all too common in our society.

For many reasons many live in poverty and are reliant on a system which provides only minimal support and does nothing but provide the means for a constant struggle in a battle to remain healthy and make ends meet. Social programs that sustain a reliance on only minimal support actually help deny many the opportunities to develop new skills or transition into the workforce. Additionally, an emerging reality is that it is increasingly evident the vast majority of people in poverty are working full-time. They're just not making enough money to be self-sufficient.

The Saskatoon Anti Poverty Coalition welcomes the Salvation Army’s "Dignity Project" for clearly offering an opportunity for people to be receptive to facts and ideas that counter their established way of understanding and perceiving. The "Dignity Project" is a welcome ally in the work against common stereotyping of low-income people and ignoring the complexities of each person’s life.

The ability to comprehend the reality about those living on low income plays an important role in enhancing everyone’s quality of life by encouraging all sectors in society to do their part to ensure a living income, and guarantee individuals and their families have opportunities to plug into networks that support well-being.

A system or network of social support matters, not just the individual bootstrapping themselves out of poverty.

For more information please visit:

SAPC Facebook page:

SAPC Bog:

Or call:

SAPC office: 955-5095 or/

Sydney Bell: 655-5383