BY: CHEIKH BALDE

For this edition of the Humans of Downsview, we highlight a person who makes a difference, Esther Carenza.

Esther Carenza is a determined woman who never stops advocating for children.

During a crisis, there are people who are indispensable and always seem to be there to help, Esther Carenza is one of them. Recently a woman was seriously hit by a car close to York University. Esther Carenza came on the scene and did whatever she could to assist the distraught and badly injured woman until secured by paramedics.

During the pandemic, Esther Carenza and the Children’s Holiday Get Together had to think outside the box to make things happen. Her team could not take part in door-to-door knocking and meeting parents and children. Children are struggling with isolation and fear that has overtaken the community. In fact, the suicide and eating disorder rates of children are skyrocketing, exacerbating physical and mental health challenges. But, Esther Carenza is trying to brighten up the children.

The marvellous professor Laurence Harris from York University and previous Director for the Centre of Vision Research and affiliation with the Canadian Space Agency will engage the children in a lecture series on outer space, Mars and the moon, followed by a question and answer period at 7:00 p.m. on November 18, 2021.

The Children’s Holiday Get Together and Other Events will have a dance performance by Jessica Mannara, Founder of D'Air Dance Collective, with a dance competition for a dance scholarship to an underserved child with a passion for dance.

The talented Peter Mathers, Ella Fareda, Ray and Dillon performed delightful music for the Children’s Holiday Get Together and Other Events.

The new feature this year is Dr. Amy Botta, a postdoctorate from a children’s hospital, who will do cool science experiments.

What extraordinary events! Ms. Esther Carenza is trying to change the world for the better. If you are interested in the lecture series, send an e-mail to childrenhgt@gmail.com.