872 Sheppard Ave. West; Phone: Clinic 416-633-1600 and Pharmacy 416-633-6800On a stretch of Sheppard Ave. West, almost in the epicentre between Wilmington Ave. and Wilson Heights, on the north side, you will find one of the best kept secrets of Downsview. It is an absolute blessing to the neighbourhood. To what am I referring? It’s the M & D Medical Clinic and Pharmacy.The medical clinic is always filled with patients and is open six days a week (closed on Sundays). Dr. Gobrial, who is the physician at the clinic, has a great bedside manner. He has a very attentive ear, is very meticulous at what he does, and really does listen to the concerns and the symptoms of the maladies which afflict his patients.He takes his time, methodically deducing what treatment can help his patients. I speak from experience as I have used the clinic on a number of occasions. I was immensely impressed with the way he actually “listened” and did not try to rush through my appointment.One of the great things about the clinic is that it is attached to a pharmacy. So as soon as you are diagnosed – and if you need medication – the pharmacy attached to the clinic will dispense it for you expeditiously.The pharmacist, Mr. Hany William, also, like Dr. Gobrial, has a very attentive ear. He is very patient and takes his time when he explains how medications work, their side effects, and how they should be administered.When Mr. William was asked why he became a pharmacist, he had a very lucid answer: “My main objective for becoming a pharmacist was to help people. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.” Very well put.While awaiting your prescriptions it might behoove you to also peruse the pharmacy’s product lines. It offers a myriad of good products to purchase, from shampoo and conditioner to facial tissue, deodorant, shaving creams, lips balms and toothbrushes, cough syrups to vitamins or female hygiene products, beverages or chocolate bars and more. Also for those special occasions there are many great greeting cards for just a dollar, what a bargain!If you are visiting the clinic, there is ample parking in the back of the building. You can park in the spots which are labeled “commercial.”Next time you’re in need of a medical clinic or pharmacy, there’s one right in the neighbourhood. You don’t have to go very far, visit M & D Clinic and Pharmacy!The clinic and pharmacy operates during the following days and times: on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., on Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Fridays 9:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and at 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
Community Spotlight: Black Creek Community Farm
By: Giovanna Loureiro and Rhiannon Moller-TrotterBlack Creek Community Farms is a local staple in Downsview. The farm is dedicated to helping the area flourish through organic initiatives and outdoor education.The land used to be occupied by Toronto Urban Farms, which was fully funded by the City of Toronto. Black Creek then took over when funding for Toronto Urban Farms halted, and it is now in its fourth operating season. Black Creek Community Farms is an urban agricultural center that teaches members of the community how to utilize their lands to grow vegetables, and wants to encourage those in the area to use the facilities.Leticia Boahen, who runs the farm, has been a Downsview resident since she was 12 years old. She is constantly promoting agricultural education through farm schools and camps for elementary and high school students, outdoor environmental education and experiences, and many other events and activities.The farm offers a youth internship program that helps the young people gain experience in urban agriculture and teaches them how to start their own farms and engage community members to do the same. The farms offers many festivals, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, and camps that run from January all the way through to November.Be sure to check out their website and the farm itself for more information on how to benefit from healthy initiatives taking place right in Downsview. The farm is an ideal spot for trail walks and picnics, and there is no charge for these opportunities.For more information visit or call:www.blackcreekfarm.ca / (416) 393-6381
RALLY TO SAVE BRANSON URGENT CARE CENTRE TO TAKE PLACE TODAY
Tuesday, May 8, 2017FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TORONTO –May 4, 2017 The Branson Community Action Group and the residents of the Bathurst/Finch community are planning a rally outside the Branson Division of North York General Hospital to protest the imminent closure of the Urgent Care Centre. The rally is to take place: Date: Wednesday May 10thTime: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Where: on the sidewalk in front of the Urgent Care CentreOn the north and south sides of Finch Avenue555 Finch Avenue West, Toronto, ON The Branson Community Action Group (BCAG), a local citizen’s group, believes that the Branson Urgent Care Centre is an extremely important part of this neighbourhood which provides necessary medical services within reasonable walking distances to a community with a high concentration of seniors, disabled, new Canadian residents and families of limited income.The members of the Branson Community Action Group feel that closure of the Urgent Care Centre would cause a great hardship in the community that might lead to avoidable deaths due to a lack of easy access to urgent and emergency medical care. Collectively the Branson Community Action Group strongly advocates that the Urgent Care Centre should remain open to serve the community to ensure that the community has access to health care. The Branson Community Action Group feels it is important to postpone the closure of the Urgent Care Centre to at least November of 2017 to allow a reasonable amount of time for public consultation on the matter. It is the hope of the members of the Branson Community Action Group and the affected community that, with proper public consultation, an alternative solution to providing the medical needs of this area can be found.Contact:Kenneth Schafer, Co-chairperson, Branson Community Action GroupEmail: drkschafer@rogers.com Tel: 416 618 4114
Highway of Heroes Living Tribute Honours Canada’s Military this Earth Day
Over one thousand trees to be planted at Downsview Park on April 23TORONTO, Ont. – Canadians who have served in the Armed Forces will be honoured with 2,000 new trees to be planted at Downsview Park’s annual Earth Day celebration. Contributions to the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute on behalf of TD Bank Group (TD) and Maple Leaves Forever will also be announced.As part of Earth Day celebrations on April 23, 2017, the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute will enlist the help of volunteers to honour the Canadian men and women who both served and gave their lives for their country. Volunteers will witness a special ceremony, hosted by Ziya Tong of Discovery’s flagship program, Daily Planet, and will also feature a special performance by JUNO Award winning group, The Trews, who will perform the hit song, Highway of Heroes.“With the 150th anniversary of Canada just around the corner, we’re doing something special to recognize Canada’s fallen soldiers in conjunction with Earth Day,” says Mark Cullen, Canada’s gardening Guru and Chairman of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute. “This is a perfect opportunity for people to take part in a great cause while also getting outside to enjoy the spring weather.”“The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute honours Canada’s fallen soldiers by creating a living reminder of the world they gave their lives to protect,” says Karen Clarke-Whistler, TD, Chief Environment Officer. “We’re proud to be supporting such an important event as part of the TD Common Ground Project, which is helping to connect people across Canada in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.”“We are proud to once again provide support for the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute,” says Ken Jewett, founder of Maple Leaves Forever, a founding partner of the Living Tribute. “This additional contribution was made specifically to honour the three gentlemen whose vision made this campaign come to life – Mark Cullen, Michael de Pencier and Tony DiGiovanni.”The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute is creating a living, breathing memorial along the Highway 401 corridor between Trenton and Toronto — known as the Highway of Heroes. The campaign will see 2,000,000 trees planted to honour Canadians who have served in the armed forces, 117,000 of which will be planted directly on the highway – one for each Canadian that has fallen in war since Confederation.The Earth Day event will take place on April 23 from 10:45 a.m. to 4.p.m at Downsview Park with the ceremony starting at 10:45 sharp.The day will also feature;
- Military focused story telling session
- Birds of Prey demos
- Campfire and busker
- Information booths
- People Mover rides
- Face painting, glitter tattoo booth and more.
This planting is being undertaken in partnership with Downsview Park and in collaboration with TD, Maple Leaves Forever and Michael Levitt, Member of Parliament – York Centre.Available for interviews:
- Mark Cullen, Chairman, Highway of Heroes Living Tribute
- MP Michael Levitt
About Highway of HeroesWhen is a tree more than just a tree? The answer is when the tree is part of a memorial to honour Canada’s fallen heroes. The mission of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute is simple: To honour Canada’s military contributions by planting 2,000,000 trees, 117,000 of which will be for each Canadian that has fallen in war since Confederation. The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute is made possible by contributions provided by Mark’s Choice, Landscape Ontario, TD, Maple Leaves Forever, the Garden Club of Toronto and donations from Canadians from coast to coast.To learn more, visit www.hohtribute.ca
Daniel G. Lovell | Special AssistantMichael Levitt, MP | York CentreOffice: 660 Wilson Ave, North York ON M3K1E1T: 416.638.3700F: 416.941.2421 |
Stay in the Neighbourhood: check out our list of cool things to do in Downsview!
The weekend is a great time to spend with the family but it’s also a nice excuse to get out of the house and enjoy what Downsview has to offer!We’ve created a list of awesome things to do in the community that is sure to keep your family happy:
- Go for a relaxing picnic and/or walk in Downsview Park
- Partake in an adventure at Escape Games Canada
- Smell the fresh air at Earl Bales Park
- Enjoy an all-you eat meal at Mandarin North York
- Have a pizza party at Boston Pizza Yonge-Impasse
- Do your spring shopping at Yorkgate Mall
- Enjoy a latte while playing board games at Mystery Room Board Game Café
- Test your target practice at the Archers Arena
- Get a strike (or two!) at Playtime Bowl
- Challenge your body at True North Climbing
- Take the children to Kidnetix
Spring Cleaning? Donate your Gently-Used Clothing and Small Appliances to Just-A-Second Shop!
Not-for-profit organizations are often undervalued and as a result underfunded, but they are so important! Why, you ask? Because their work is very significant to the community or group of people they serve. Instead of maximizing profits, which means maximizing revenues while minimizing costs, they are more concerned with ensuring the revenue is greater than costs. The focus is instead on the people and not the profits. People who dedicate their lives to helping others need to be recognized and celebrated.One example of a non-profit in the Dowsview area is: The Jewish Family and Child Services run thrift shop called Just-A-Second Shop. They are opened six days a week and offers new and gently used clothing and small household items at very reasonable prices. All proceeds are used to focus on sending children in the community to Jewish day and overnight camps -among other things. The shop is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers and employees who are happy to help.If you are planning some spring cleaning and have gently-used clothing and/or small household items in good condition, Just-A-Second Shop would be happy to take them off your hands. By donating you are helping people in need in the community. If you have questions about donating you can call 416.638.7800 x 6999. You can also drop off the items you’d like to donate at any of the bright yellow drop-off boxes located at the store and the following locations: Sherman Campus, 4600 Bathurst Street; Beth Tzedec Synagogue, 1700 Bathurst Street (NE side of the parking lot), Beth Tikvah Synagogue, 3080 Bayview Avenue; and, Associated Hebrew School, 300 Atkinson Avenue, Thornhill.For more information: Call, 416 633 9898 or visit 4117 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M3H 3P4Hours: Monday to Wednesday - 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday - 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Jewish Holidays.
Keep Our Power Rally and March
On April 8th Keep Hydro Public is joining Libby Keenan and many other residents from across the Province to demand for: Affordable, Accountable, and Publicly owned electricity!Our ask is simple: No more rebates. STOP THE SALE OF HYDRO ONE!The Ontario Liberal Government sold about 30% of Hydro One without a mandate. Just last week the Liberal MPPs also voted to continue the sale of Hydro One shares. Privatization of public utility has been disastrous for the Province. Private Power costs more than Public Power. Let’s unite and tell the Liberal Government: we want to Keep Our Power, We want to Keep Hydro Public.WHEN: Saturday April 8 @ 1:00 p.m. WHERE: Assemble at Hydro One Headquarters (483 Bay St) between 11am to 1pm, then march to Queen’s Park at 1:00pm.
If you need further information please contact Doly Begum at doly@keephydropublic.ca or 647-998-3659 (cell).
Humans of Downsview
“People focus on the past, the past haunts the area. When people are from somewhere else, like Quebec, and they hear about Jane and Finch, they have a bad idea about it because they only see what it used to be. Sometimes I come home from work at one o’clock or two o’clock at night, and I go home so easy, so freely, I don’t really see hoodlums much. Big media needs to focus on what is present right now. Bigger establishments are too scared to come to the area, but it’s a family community, and very diverse. There are people here that want to spend money but they have to go far out of town to buy what they want, because big stores only see the past and don’t want to come help us build a future.” – Vincent, Security Guard.
Striking York University Food Service Workers Win $15 and Fairness
Alia Karim and David Bush
On Monday March 6th, striking York University food service workers, represented by Unite Here Local 75, voted to accept their new contract. The workers went on strike for and won a $15/hour starting wage and fair working conditions. Their victory paves the way for workers right across the province to achieve $15 and fairness.The workers won major improvements to their contract in the nearly three week strike. They will see an immediate bump in their starting wage from $12.21 per hour to $13.21, which will apply retroactively back to last September. There will be a further wage increase this coming September and by the end of the first year of the contract, the starting wage for all workers will be $15.The workers won improvements in contract language which will protect union work and breaks. They also achieved a significant victory by getting Aramark to fully cover the dental plan, which the company has never done for any of its workers in North America. By the end of the contract, all workers, both full-time and part-time, will be on the health and dental plan.The 160 Aramark food service workers at York University had been preparing for this round of contract negotiations since last year. The low pay, bullying, racial discrimination by management, and the poor working conditions bred widespread discontent amongst the workers. They built up the confidence to take on a powerful multinational corporation and the York University administration by marching on their boss, holding demonstrations, and organizing mass meetings with other food service workers across the GTA. Through months of organizing, the workers in the union were able to produce a 100 per cent strike ratification vote.On February 2, the food service workers walked off the job on a one-day strike, shutting down all Aramark locations at York University. The workers marched on campus, held multiple rallies, and demonstrated their strength to the employer and the administration.Workers then went on indefinite strike on February 16. They held a picket line at the main gate and organized two marches on campus a day. During York's reading week, which was on the second week of the strike, the union organized a week of actions downtown targeting the company. They were joined by the striking food service workers from UofT Scarborough (who are still on strike).
Something to Prove: Samuel Boakye's Story - Part 2
Continued from last month's edition of the Downsview Advocate, we conclude the story of Samuel Boakye's transition from a disinterested, tough-guy student into a caring and ambitious adult.--When half a year of boarding school in Ghana saw no strong improvement in Samuel's attitude or grades, he was sent to live at the large house shared by his two uncles and their families. His father did not enroll him in school, so Samuel spent his time helping out with household chores, socializing with his family, and exploring Ghana.During his long walks through the city and countryside, Samuel began to really think about his future, and what sort of man he would become. It was at this time, that Samuel overheard a conversation between his father and his uncles. His father had brought Samuel's report card from boarding school and the three were discussing the next steps of Samuel's education. Samuel's father was exasperated with his son, but what was most painful to hear was that his father had simply accepted that his son would not amount to anything. Even worse, he seemed to find humour in it.Throughout his youth, Samuel always found it important to be popular and respected by his peers. Why didn't the opinion of his family matter? But that day it finally did, and it hit him like a sledge hammer.He did not confront them, but rather he made a silent promise to himself that when he was sent once again to school, that he would prove them all wrong and succeed. In his own words, he was finally going to "try".While that conversation between his father and uncles helped awaken a desire to show the world that he could succeed in school, it was another event altogether that made him appreciate the opportunities of his own life.One evening, Samuel decided to take a bottle of Irish Cream from his uncle's liquor cabinet without asking for permission, and shared it with a friend. The next day, Samuel overheard his uncle looking for the bottle to serve to guests that had visited the home, but Samuel remained silent on the matter.The very next morning, Samuel was awoken by his uncle who in turn accused him of stealing the bottle and threatened to tell the whole family. Not wanting that embarrassment, Samuel confessed.As punishment, Samuel was taken to the lumber yards of his uncle's business and put to work for the next two weeks without pay or special treatment. So there he worked, day after day in the sweltering summer heat, while sleeping away the nights in a small hotel room full of insects."Working there, I realized the blessings of my own life. Of course, I knew what I had before but it never really dawned on me." Samuel reflected. "The guys there worked hard labour for $50 a month and actually appreciated the opportunity to work to feed their families."Samuel eventually returned to Canada as a new person. He fulfilled his promise and is now completing his studies at the University of Toronto. He continues to work in the field of youth mentorship, turning the lessons he learned in his youth into a great strength to push young people to succeed.Samuel's story proves that it is easy for us, as adults, to forget the pressures youth face. It can even be easier to look at a younger person in the midst of their struggles and confusion, and to simply write them off as future fallen adults."I know what it means to be in the dark and to be naive and to not know what are you doing until the point of near self-destruction." says Samuel, "It is so sad to see a young person die because they had no chance to change."