Sandra Anin was born and raised in the Jane and Finch area. She attended high school at James Cardinal McGuigan, and was actively involved with community arts in the Ghanaian community. As a young black woman, growing up in an area; that had a negative net cast around it, Sandra was exposed to a lot of adversaries and obstacles.
Read moreLocal community clean-up at G Ross Park
A local community cleanup took place at G Ross Park on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Over 35 people took part in this amazing community contribution and approximately 30 bags of garbage were collected from the creek and the surrounding parkland.
Read moreBOOK IT!: Young Readers Week
Whether you like horror, science fiction, or fact-filled encyclopedias, there’s no time like the present to get hooked on some good ol’ books! This year, Young Readers Week takes place from November 15th to the 19th. It is a time to recognize the importance of reading and serves as an opportunity to introduce young children to the joy of reading.
Read moreOne of a kind: The Toronto Black Food Sovereignty Plan passes in City Council
To the joy of many Black Food Justice activists and service providers in Ontario, the Toronto Black Food Sovereignty Plan has just been approved by Toronto City Council. The first of its kind in North America, the plan has been in development for 2 years by grassroots activists and city staff.
Read moreHumans of Downsview: Esther Carenza Makes a Difference!
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.
Read moreLocal Food bank puts Food on the Table in Jane and Finch, Feeds Most Vulnerable During COVID-19
As food insecurity reaches a critical point due to COVID-19, one local food bank in the Jane-Finch area has been working non-stop to provide healthful and consistent food for most vulnerable residents. The Society for the Living Food Bank began in 1988, serving hot lunches to people on Queen St. in Toronto’s downtown area. Since then, they have made connections with North York Harvest Food Bank and Second Harvest, leading to the bustling and thriving food bank operation on the mostly industrial Eddystone Avenue off Jane St. They are one of the few food banks in Toronto’s often food insecure Jane-Finch community.
Read moreCommunity Clean Up At G. Ross Lord Park
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is holding a Community Clean Up at G. Ross Lord Park! They need your help to pick up litter around the community to create a healthier environment, while also learning about the impact that microplastics and litter can have on our watershed. Garbage bags, litter pickers, and gloves will be provided.
Read moreTree Planting, Any Day and Every Day
Every day is a good day for tree planting, especially when you're doing it with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority at Rowntree Mills. Even though Sunday was a gloomy and rainy day, lucky for us, the morning was filled with a cool breeze that made the weather perfect. As we drove down to North York, the scent of the fall fresh air filled our car and the morning was off to a great start.
Read moreInternational Day of the Girl: Because I am a Girl
The International Day of the Girl; also known as the International Day of Girls or the International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated every year on October 11. This special day began as part of a campaign, titled “Because I am a Girl”. It was aimed at promoting the rights of young girls in developing countries. It was eventually brought to the attention of the Canadian federal government by Former Canadian Member of Parliament, Rona Ambrose.
Read moreHumans of Downsview: Rudolf Riske, Gardener Extraordinaire!
Have you ever been walking along the Huron Wendat Trail by the Black Creek and stumbled upon a beautiful multi-level orchestra of flowers next to the path? You’ve discovered Rudy’s Garden, and it’s a beloved mainstay of the Downsview Community. Rudolf Riske has just turned 96, and he has tended this piece of land for about 11 years now. Starting with a small patch, he grew it to the magnificent display of natural beauty it is, and takes great personal care to watch over it.
Read more