Free Meal Distribution in Downsview

July 19, 2021 Shemar Barnett

Generation Chosen is spearheading the distribution of 300 meals at 127 Eddystone Ave, North York, ON (M3N 1H5). Beginning on Monday, July 12th, 2021, until August 9th, 2021. Generation Chosen encourages and welcomes any and every resident of the Downsview community to stop by 127 Eddystone Ave, North York, ON (M3N 1H5) and grab a nutritious, nonetheless delicious food supply and meal!

Block Boy: The Story of Jeremiah Ranger; Part Three: January 7, 2016

July 9, 2021 Pastor Bill Sunberg

For the last 18 months of his life, Jeremiah Ranger never went to school.

Not one day.

That sounds shocking, I know. But the reality is that this meant he was only in school slightly less than previous years due to his frequent suspensions. He would be suspended for 20 days, return to school for a short time and then get suspended for another 20 days. It was a consistent case of educational whiplash.

The Bloom Red Project: Student-Led Non-Profit Tackling Period Poverty and Stigma in the GTA Community

July 8, 2021 Krystal Grover

Flyer for donation drive occurring on July 8th. Photo credit: Krystal Grover

Amidst the ever-growing list of civic and social justice issues slowly being brought to light in our world today, one especially prevalent problem remains hidden in the dark; period poverty. Period poverty refers to the inaccessibility of period products, waste management, basic sanitation such as toilets, proper disposals and soap, as well as lack of education regarding menstruation. Period poverty exists across the globe and impacts millions of people every waking minute. Even right here in Canada, 1 in 4 women have to choose between buying period products or buying food - a choice that absolutely no one should have to make.

Jane Finch Community Groups Say: Enough Is Enough – Host Virtual Event Calling for Intersectional Equity

May 28, 2021 Ayesha Khan

Residents and activists gathered for the virtual town hall. Photo credit: Jane Finch Action Against Poverty

On Wednesday May 5, 2021, Jane Finch Action Against Poverty in conjunction with Black Creek Food Justice Network, Jane Finch Education Action Group and Jane Finch Housing Coalition hosted a virtual public event speaking out against various injustices they feel have been wrought against the community.

Block Boy: The Story of Jeremiah Ranger; Part Two: November 20, 2015

May 26, 2021 Pastor Bill Sunberg

November 20, 2015. You may remember that day because it was an eventful day in world news. Ten gunmen with grenades stormed a five-star Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako, Mali. They took 170 hostages. 27 people were killed.

News on that day was less tragic back home in Toronto. On that day, the Toronto Christmas Market officially opened for the season in the Distillery District. For the first time, they would charge an admission fee on weekends to help reduce the size of the crowds.

Jane and Finch has Been in Crisis for 40 Years

May 13, 2021 Michelle Dagnino

A message of hope for Jane and Finch, carried by a child. Photo courtesy of Jane Finch Community and Family Centre Staff

When the WHO declared the COVID pandemic on March 13, 2020, the lives of billions of people were impacted. The lives of most Canadians changed forever, plunging many people into crisis. For some Canadians there has been a silver lining – no more hours spent commuting, deeper connections with family, increased savings, and for many white collar professionals, they saw their business revenues and salaries increase.

Yet for the residents of Jane and Finch, like those in Malvern, or Agincourt, or Brampton East, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the culmination of 40 years of crisis.

Block Boy: The Story of Jeremiah Ranger; Part One: Somebodiness

May 12, 2021 Pastor Bill Sunberg

Jeremiah Ranger, who tragically lost his life to gun violence.

The difficult cases are the ones that need us the most. Jeremiah Ranger was a difficult case. I remember reading these words at his funeral, written by his Child Youth Worker from Oakdale Park Middle School: “Jeremiah was adorable and shy. He had eyes that showed pain and hope at the same time…He was kind, loving, fragile, protective, and family oriented…Through his anxiety was a loving boy.” Most of those who knew him the best would say the same thing. He had a big heart and a big smile. But he also had a darker side. Jeremiah Ranger was a difficult case.

Jane-Finch Community and Arts Hub One Step Closer to Reality - Community Celebrates

April 29, 2021 Ayesha Khan

A community design for the hub, made by the Community Action Planning Group (Photo credit: CAPG - York West Chapter)

The Jane and Finch community Hub and Centre for the Arts, a dream of so many in this community has just taken one important step closer to becoming a reality. On Monday April 26, the City of Toronto’s Government and Licensing Committee ratified a report ensuring that the city of Toronto will take possession of a parcel of land on Finch and Norfinch drive where the Jane and Finch Community Hub and Center for the Arts will be built.