With the 2016 basketball season well underway, the Toronto Raptors sit in second place in the Eastern Conference breaking their franchise record of .675, marking the seventh time the franchise record has been above .500 in 21 years. As the only Canadian team in the NBA the Raptors have grown as a dominant force with powerhouse players like Kyle Lawry, DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas.Fortunately, Downsview residents can celebrate their Raptors pride close to home at the official mall of the Toronto Raptors: Yorkgate Mall.The mall is located at the northwest corner of Jane and Finch (1 Yorkgate Blvd.) and has been a popular centre for over 25 years featuring a unique blend of services including retail stores, medical offices, a grocery store and even a Seneca College campus.“The mall encourages community spirit and fun while fostering opportunities and partnerships within Downsview,” says Kimberley Loftus, Marketing Manager for Yorkgate Mall.The mall works in partnership with Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), who has been a partner for three years. With this partnership, the mall hosts “Raptors Days” which features guest appearances and giveaways from the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak, players, coaches and the Raptors’ mascot.During March break, Jonas Valanciunas, centre for the Raptors, paid a visit to the mall to sign autographs and take photos with fans. In the past, Yorkgate Mall has also hosted Jamaal Magloire, the Raptors’ assistant coach, team consultant, team ambassador and former professional basketball player.During Raptors Days, Yorkgate Mall gives away Raptors jerseys, hats and water bottles and holds raffles where fans can win tickets to see a game.On April 18, Yorkgate Mall launched their SHOP MORE WIN BIG contest. Visitors to the mall could enter to win a weekend getaway to Orlando, Florida to watch a TFC soccer match. The prize includes the flight, hotel, transportation and tickets to the Major League Soccer match. To enter the contest, visitors must shop at their favourite stores in the mall and get a weekly password that they can enter online on the SHOP MORE WIN BIG website. “The more you shop the more chances you have to win!” said Loftus.Other upcoming SHOP MORE WIN BIG promotions include a getaway to San Jose for Father’s Day, a getaway to Toronto for Canada Day and a getaway to Montreal for back to school.Yorkgate Mall is also looking forward to launching their Mall Walker program in May, which helps promote an active and healthy lifestyle. This program features one stretch class a week and a group walk around on the second floor of the mall. It is a great way to meet members of the Downsview community and to get exclusive discounts from stores in the mall.For more information visit their website: http://www.yorkgatemall.com/Check out Yorkgate Malls social media pages to learn more about how to win tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Marlies, the Raptors and Toronto FC.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YorkgateMallTwitter: https://twitter.com/yorkgate_mallInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorkgatemall/
Eating by the (Biological) Clock
At every stage, food and nutrition are the cornerstone to good health. And women, in particular, have special nutritional needs throughout life. Knowing which nutrients matter most can help you choose the best foods.Pregnancy and Motherhood
- Folic Acid: This form of B vitamin helps make and maintain new cells and reduces the risk of birth defects that affect the spinal cord. Many foods are now fortified with folic acid. Sources include certain cereals, pasta and bread; and natural food sources of folate are found in legumes, leafy green vegetables and citrus fruit.
- Iron: Is important in many basic body functions, such as taking oxygen to cells. Vitamin C-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, help with iron absorption from non-animal foods. Food sources with high-to-moderate amounts of iron include red meat, chicken and fish, fortified cereals, fortified instant cooked cereals, legumes and some leafy green vegetables such as spinach.
- Calcium: The most abundant mineral in the body is required for muscle function, nerve transmission and hormonal secretion. The remaining 99% is stored in the bones and teeth where it supports their structure and function. It is important to consume adequate amounts of calcium daily before, during and after pregnancy. Dairy sources of calcium-rich foods include low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Non-dairy sources include collard greens and calcium-fortified cereals, soy beverage and tofu.
- Omega-3s: These essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body. They provide the starting point for making hormones and for brain and nerve cell development. Even women who do not plan to have children should ensure to get plenty of omega-3s. These healthy oils have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. The best food sources are found in salmon, trout, herring, walnuts, flaxseeds, canola oil and soybean oil.
Menopause and Beyond
- Calcium: Although some bone loss is inevitable with age, women can slow the process by getting enough calcium.
- B12: The body's ability to absorb this crucial vitamin also declines with age. This vitamin is essential for producing red blood cells and for maintaining healthy nerve function. A diet abundant in most fish and seafood, red meat, low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese and foods fortified with B12 can supply adequate amounts for most older women.
- Vitamin D: This unique vitamin functions as a steroid hormone in the body. The skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Its major role is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. It promotes calcium absorption in the intestines, immune function and the reduction of inflammation. Common food sources include low-fat milk, yogurt, fortified soy, rice or almond-beverage, eggs, pork, salmon, trout and sardines.
- Fluids: As thirst signals often become impaired with age, fluid also needs increase with age.Fluids should not replace food at mealtimes, however, they should be consumed at and between meals.
Want to put this information into action? Black Creek Community Health Centre offers two programs where you can learn about healthy eating and receive practical tips and support from a Registered Dietitian. For more details check out our Upcoming Events section (page 6)Among previous workshop participants, this is what they had to say: "I have learned many things that will improve my everyday life such ascooking a variety of vege & fruits, eating healthier, cooking nutritiousfood that isn't expensive." "This program helped me to be more open to try new vege & fruits." For more details, call 416 249 8000 ext. 2258 and check out our events section. Upcoming Events info: Let’s Cook Lunch2202 Jane StreetMay 10 – June 28, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Mindful Eating2202 Jane StreetMay 18 – June 8, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
What it really means to be a Respite Worker
Working with children who have disabilities comes with its struggles and its rewards. There are many struggles, and the rewards are often intangible. In consequence of poor funding, long waitlists and lack of community resources available to families in need, hardships are unavoidable. This is only further encouraged, by a government that does not assign an economic value to domestic labour. This means families are responsible 100% for the care of their loved ones in need.What about individuals that lack the funds to provide the proper support for their families? In most cases, families are left fighting to gain access to adequate funding -when funding becomes available.Often, funding is limited and restrictive. The result is, more financial strain on families. Family members must leave their jobs to stay at home. There is also a higher expectation on health care workers to “bridge the gap,” with no financial compensation increase for extra time given. Ultimately, people do not get into this line of work for the money. So what is the reward if it isn’t monetary?As a mother I want the best my son and it is my belief that every person deserves the best quality care possible, both at home and away. It is the same level of love and dedication I have at home, that I must provide for all of my clients I service. The reward is being able to build these healthy and supportive relationships with my clients and knowing that I made difference in a person’s life by giving my time selflessly.The relief that families feel is noticeable when the right supports are put into place. That’s when I know, I’m doing my job to the best of my ability.As a respite worker, you become an integral part of your client’s family and their daily life. The client is reliant on the services provided by the respite worker for physical support (in order to be as independent as possible) and the family is reliant on the services for emotional support. A respite worker is as connected to the client they serve, as the family that surrounds themMay is Cerebral Palsy Awareness month and Ontario is currently experiencing a large shortage of respite workers. Many families in need of care are left waiting 6 months to a year or longer for services. If you’re looking for a new rewarding career. Give respite care a try. From personal experience, it will change not only your life, but the lives of those touched by the services you provide.
After school tennis program brightens the lives of children in Downsview
In its third year of operation, the Sunshine Project offers subsidized, professional tennis lessons to children in low-income neighbourhoods who may otherwise not have access to this sport.Each year, 300 kids ages 6 -12 receive high quality tennis lessons twice a week over the course of 10 weeks and receive their own take-home tennis racquet.”By making use of public tennis sites located adjacent to our schools, this project succeeds in breaking down the biggest barriers to tennis: proximity, price, and required equipment to play”, the website explains.“The project will move to new neighbourhoods every year, giving different children a chance to play”, said Founder and Program Director Carolynna Gabriel.This year, programs will be running at Chalkfarm Park, Gracedale Park, Maple Leaf Park and St. Conrad Catholic School.“It’s been going really well! We had our first registration day in February and we now have over 200 kids with about 90 spots left” said Gabriel. She confirmed there is still availability at St. Conrad and Maple Leaf Park and a rolling registration will continue until all 300 spots have been filled with students.“Parents have a willingness to try the program as a new sport. We love to hear that because it shows there’s some openness in the community to try something different”, said Gabriel.The Sunshine Project is also hiring youth for paid positions for the 2016 program.“We hire two local youth for each park and integrate them into the staff team. They help with warm ups, taking attendance, supervising participants, and other responsibilities that are similar to an intro training to being a camp counselor. They get paid and develop leadership through sport”, said Gabriel.In addition to the application process, youth are required to submit a bi-weekly invoice stating the work they completed. It exposes them to a new form of work experience which helps to prepare them for the real world.If you’re interested in the job, don’t worry- no need to have extensive knowledge of tennis! “We just need eager athletes who wants to eventually work in sports. We want anyone to apply until spots are filled”, said Gabriel.The Sunshine Project is meant to maximize the use of existing tennis facilities in the city reaching into areas where tennis courts are commonly empty and transforming those spaces.Participants work towards preparing for a showcase event at the end of 10 weeks. Scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 2016, participants can expect to celebrate their accomplishment at a fun competitive event where students from all four locations come together to play in a tournament where an ultimate champion in each age category is crowned.Last year, the celebration included a dunk tank, a bouncy castle, face painting, musical chairs, play station areas and a big community barbeque.At the end of the program, happy and fulfilled participants will get to take home their tennis racquet, a yearbook, a t-shirt, and most importantly, a new skill that will help them enjoy the game of tennis for life.For more information on how to register visit: www.sunshinetennisproject.comFacebook: Wilmington TennisTwitter: @wilmingtontg
Haven’t filled your taxes? It’s not too late
Although the deadline to submit your 2015 taxes has passed, it’s not too late to file and get back on track.Many folks miss the deadline or haven’t filed at all for several years. This can feel stressful and overwhelming, which is why Mathan Tax Services is here to help.Mathan Tax Services is a family run business that has been in the Downsview community for over a quarter of a century -26 years to be exact. This is the perfect place to go for any Canadian resident in the Downsview area who needs help, or a consultation, with filing their personal or business taxes.The owner, Thava Eliyathamby and his family are active members and business owners in the community. Mathan Tax Services is a professional business full of people who truly care about helping you meet your tax needs and are dedicated to ensuring you get the best return possible, even if you are filing late or are a few years behind.The folks at Mathan Tax Services want you to know that although the April 30th deadline to file your taxes has passed, you can still come in to meet with them and figure out what you need to do to get back on track.They know the thought of possible consequences for filing late or having never filed at all can be scary. Even if you don’t have your documents prepared to file your taxes, come in to meet with Mathan Tax Services for friendly advice every step of the way.They have helped many folks feel a sense of relief after worrying for 5, 10, and even 20 years of not doing their taxes.Mathan Tax Services is all about building relationships and understanding the needs of their individual clients. This year, save yourself the headache and worry that so often accompanies tax season.Check out Mathan Tax Services located at 1290 Finch Avenue West, Unit #23, get more information at www.mathantaxservice.com or contact them directly at 416-665-4756.Happy filing!By: Joan Lillian Wilson and Leah Sullivan
Apartment Fire in Downsview: a local family’s story
Nadia and her two young children were victims of a fire that erupted on her balcony caused by a cigarette cast from a tenant above.The fire did not enter the apartment but all contents within the unit were coated with a carcinogenic black soot. What made matters worse was that she had never purchased tenant insurance.Toronto Fire later invited the family to a local Fire Hall and provided them a cheque of one thousand dollars and various household items, clothing and toys to help them in the rebuilding process.Damien Walsh, Vice-President of the Toronto Firefighters Association was on hand and spoke of this program which helps families in need, “When we think there’s going to be a need or there’s kids involved, it’s especially tough for our guys. The fire’s out and they’re rolling up the hoses and getting ready to drive away and there’s a family standing there looking at their home and they can’t get back in. That’s why many years ago we started helping out families where we can. It’s just part of what fire fighters have always done, we’re part of the community and our help in community doesn’t stop when the fire’s out.”Nadia contrasted the compassion of Toronto Fire and other first responders, with the way her landlord handled the situation. Without a place to stay, the only accommodation her landlord offered was a different unit at a higher rent, but when she said she could not afford it, her family was immediately served a letter terminating the lease.By signing the letter, her family would receive their last month's rent deposit (paid when they first moved in), and it would also free them of their obligation to pay the March rent. The letter would also relieve both landlord and tenant of further liability to one another.The family hesitated to sign the document, but as the days quickly passed and they required a deposit to secure a new rental unit, they eventually signed.Later insight from a lawyer at a local legal aid clinic revealed that the landlord did no favour to their tenant in this case.As part of the lease, a landlord is required to provide their tenant a habitable unit. The landlord should have offered alternate accommodation (such as a hotel) while the family was still under lease. In Nadia's case, Red Cross helped pay the costs for their temporary lodging.Since the tenants were not responsible for the fire, they were within their rights to seek compensation for their lost belongings at the Landlord and Tenant Board. This door was closed when they signed the letter.Despite the fire, Nadia remained positive, "It's good to know that there were people and organizations out there to help when we were in need." She also urged tenants in the community to consider insuring their belongings as she never imagined she’d be a victim of an accident like this.If you need information on your rights as a tenant and the responsibilities of your landlord call the Tenant Hotline at: 416-921-9494.For free legal aid (available to those in financial need) visit Jane Finch Community Legal Services located at 1315 Finch Avenue West or call 416-398-0677.
Next Steps Employment: a leading path to your future employment
Pulasthi Narawanagoda came to Canada from Sri Lanka as a skilled migrant worker last summer. Despite his skills he found it quite difficult to gain employment or to even get an interview. Fast forward one year and now he has begun a career in his desired field of hospitality, working at The Hilton Hotel. The story of how Narawanagoda came to accomplish this is an important one, as it gives hope to many who are in the same situation he was in.At some point in Narawanagoda’s struggle to gain employment, he was referred to the Next Steps Employment Centre in Downsview. After joining up with them and partaking in their offered programs, Narawanagoda was able to find a job within a couple of weeks.The Next Steps Employment Centre is part of a group of centres, with 7 locations in Toronto. These centres are run and managed by the Toronto District School Board and funded by Employment Ontario.The Downsview location is at 3701 Chesswood Drive, Unit 100 and is a full service location offering client service planning and coordination, resources and information, job searching, job matching, placement and incentives, job retention and more. Narawanagoda was able to take part in some of the workshops they offer to improve interview skills, resume building and networking.Originally Narawanagoda gained employment at the Comfort Inn, however after his experience with Next Steps, Narawanagoda had gained the confidence to move further in the industry. After about a month of working he decided he should apply for the Hilton Hotel job.When asked about his initial job search, Narawanagoda states, “I was a bit down. Without getting interviews and stuff you get really frustrated”. These are feelings of doubt shared by numerous job hunters everywhere.Fortunately there are great places like Next Steps to help not just newcomers to Canada but anyone who might be having a hard time with the job hunt. Narawanagoda explains, “If you really follow what they say, if you take it seriously, I think anyone can be employed”. If you are new to Canada though, Narawanagoda thinks that the Next Steps workshops should be mandatory. He states “I think this Next Steps program should be a compulsory thing for newcomers to Canada. Because we don’t know about anything. We don’t know about the culture. If you’re new to Canada you have to go there.”If you are having problems gaining employment or finding the right employment, try not to give in to those feelings of frustration. Getting some help can alleviate these worries and concerns.Like Narawanagoda, you could be saying, “I’m really glad that I went there” too!Contact Downsview Next Steps Employment Centre at 416-395-9559. *Written by: Leah Sullivan and Ann Mossop
Reality Bites when it comes to food waste
Food waste is a big topic and the price check on its severity goes against the moral grain.Annual losses of food produced for human consumption are valued at $1 trillion worldwide, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In Canada, the bill is worth an estimated $31 billion of edible food each year that finds its way to landfill or composting.Food is wasted along various points of the food supply chain. The largest contributor to food waste is the consumer. More than 50 percent or $28 worth of food waste each week can be traced back at the household level. The main hot spots for food waste occurs with vegetables and fruit (fresh and processed), followed by meat and seafood. Reducing food waste at all stages of the food supply chain makes for more efficient, cost-effective companies and consumers paying less for food.Food loss and waste has many negative environmental consequences. These include greenhouse gas emissions and the unnecessary use of scarce natural resources that go into producing that food — water, land, seeds, fertilizer, energy.Both the public and private sectors have been working to decrease food waste. The City of Toronto is developing a Long Term Waste Management Strategy for food waste reduction and diversion. On March 1, 2016, a draft of the Strategy was adopted by the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.Local charities, such as Second Harvest, are also feeding a need with its Food Rescue and Delivery Program. Lori Nikkel, Director of Programs and Partnerships, states that in this fiscal year, “ten million pounds of fresh, surplus food will be rescued from 200 regular food donors.” That food is then delivered to 220 community agencies that serve the city’s most vulnerable populations. Lori shared what sets the organization apart, “we deal primarily with perishable food – vegetables, fruit, dairy products, bread and meat and divert it from needless waste.” Perishables account for 89 percent of food that is rescued, of which 37 percent is produce. Innovations are underway, however, Second Harvest in unable to scale up their food rescue and redistribution efforts due to infrastructure and logistical constraints.You can support Second Harvest today. Every $1 donated provides food for 2 meals.There are a number of ways consumers can cut their food waste:
- Inventory control. Plan meals and make grocery lists to reduce impulse buying.
- Store better. Keep vegetables and fruit in separate bins. They spoil one another.
- The mother of invention. Use random produce and re-purpose leftovers to make stir-fries, soups, stews, fried rice and pasta.
- The dating game. ‘Best before’ labels can be confusing. Milk and yogurt can last a week to 10 days longer than their expiry date. Although if it smells sour, toss it.
Food waste affects everyone and we can all help to reduce waste before it happens by being conscious of our actions.
Excess Packaging: what a waste!
The City of Toronto has to deal with mountains of garbage that is generated each day. On a whole they handle this task primarily through our recycling system but recycling is very costly. The real answer, of course, is not to generate the waste in the first place.I bought a cordless telephone set and when I opened the package I discovered that the set itself occupied about half of the box. The rest of the package was bolstered by folded cardboard. The big glossy package was a marketing tool designed to give the illusion that you were getting something more for your money.The Province of Ontario tried to deal with the disposal of electronic waste, and they failed miserably. Electronic waste is piling up more rapidly as technology evolves. The question is, who should pay to dispose of obsolete electronics? The obvious answer is the manufacturers who generate the waste in the first place. But that’s not the reality.The government let manufacturers seize control of the process by setting up Waste Diversion Ontario -an industry funded and controlled body. The result was that in July of 2010 we were hit with the ECO fee (disposal fee) that was to be used to cover the cost of recycling obsolete electronics. The ECO fee was a hidden charge that ranged from seven cents for a cell phone to $40 for a large TV. It didn’t appear on the price tag but you got walloped with it at the cash register after you paid the HST. The manufactures had successfully transferred the costs from themselves to you, the consumer.Public anger was so intense that the Ontario government pulled back the ECO fee. They immediately solved their problem by downloading the costs of disposing of electronic waste onto the backs of municipalities. You still pay the fee but now it’s hidden. Now you pay through your property taxes.Setting packaging standards is the responsibility of the federal government. Given the influence that manufacturers wield, efforts to regulate packaging at the federal level are doomed to fail.Toronto is the largest consumer market in the country. I proposed that the city enact a bylaw that required every retail outlet over 3,000 square feet to establish a well signed, well equipped packaging removal area where customers can remove and leave the packaging. If most customers were encouraged to remove and leave the excess packaging at the store, the retailers would turn to the manufacturers and say: Unless you reduce your packaging we are not going to carry your product.Would it work? When the city had a 5 cent charge on plastic shopping bags their use was reduced by a whopping 88%.You can do your bit too. Don’t take your groceries home in the store’s cardboard boxes and when you make a purchase remove the packaging and leave it at the store. They might begin to understand that society doesn’t have to generate a mountain of waste.
School Trustee Howard Kaplan Dies at 72
Flags in local schools were flown at half-mast when news broke. Howard Kaplan will be remembered as an activist in the local community that cared deeply about public education and issues of equity. He was first elected TDSB Trustee in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014. He fought for early childhood education programs, equity in education and was a very active member in the community.
Howard became ill recently and was waiting for a liver transplant.
He wrote on Facebook in November:“I've been diagnosed with an auto-immune condition: IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis. Look it up, it's too complicated to explain it here. What it means is that I will eventually need a new liver. I am currently undergoing a battery of tests to see if I am a suitable candidate for a transplant: I have to be healthy enough -- good heart, lungs, kidneys, etc; and I have to be sick enough -- my liver has to be really bad. Accordingly, my energy level fluctuates day-by-day. I don't know from one day to the next how much work I can do. It will get worse as time goes on until I get a new liver... if I'm a suitable candidate. As far as my work as a Trustee goes, I'm doing what I can, when I can. Staff are aware of my condition, and are taking on some of my constituency work.”
On behalf of The Downsview Advocate we send his family our deepest condolences during this difficult time -he was a great man that did very good things for this community.