Humans of Downsview: Esther Carenza Makes a Difference!

October 21, 2021 Cheikh Balde

One of the children that received gifts from the Children’s Holiday Get Together. Photo credit: Jeswin Joseph

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.

Local Food bank puts Food on the Table in Jane and Finch, Feeds Most Vulnerable During COVID-19

October 19, 2021 Ayesha Khan

Sister V, food bank director, poses with Ayesha Khan of Councillor Perruzza’s office and Terryl Knox, volunteer, outside the food bank’s operation at the Jane-Sheppard library. Photo credit: Matias de Dovitiis

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.

International Day of the Girl: Because I am a Girl

October 12, 2021 Miwako Chang

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish with attendees of the 7th Annual DFL Gala Dinner, on October 18, 2019. Photo credit: BK On The Scene

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.

Humans of Downsview: Rudolf Riske, Gardener Extraordinaire!

October 12, 2021 Ayesha Khan

Rudy poses with a section of his garden close to the Black Creek. Photo credit: Ayesha Khan

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.

Backpack Drive By ANIDA

October 6, 2021 Komal Biala

Members of ANIDA posing with the filled backpacks. Photo credit: ANIDA and team

For 24 years, the All Nations International Development Agency (ANIDA) has been committed to making a difference in the Downsview community, and internationally. ANIDAs’ goal is to empower underprivileged communities by removing obstacles that prevent children from accessing education. ANIDA also provides resources needed for students to have a promising and fulfilling school year.

ACORN: Jane and Finch Housing Crisis

October 1, 2021 Rayvon Johnson

Residents of the Jane and Finch community, along with Acorn members continue to rally together to give out information on unfair increases in rent, and evictions amid a global pandemic. The housing crisis had affected many families, residents and members of the Jane and Finch community, as they were not aware that a sudden increase in rent was about to strike.

Meet Your Federal Election 2021 Candidates For The Humber River- Black Creek Riding

September 17, 2021 Kuwarjeet Singh Arora

Election Day is on Monday, September 20, 2021. Don't forget to vote for the candidate of your choice! Please check out the positions from the four parties highlighted.

Black Creek Community Health Centre Vaccine Roll-out

August 6, 2021 Muna Xassan

Volunteering with Black Creek Community Health Centre at clinic. Photo credit: Muna Xassan

As Ontario enters phase 2, Black Creek Community Health Centre continues to strive to get everyone in the community vaccinated. Black Creek Community Health Centre has opened multiple pop-up clinics throughout the Humber-River Black Creek communities ensuring that Downsview residents get their vaccine.

Free Meal Distribution in Downsview

August 3, 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!

The Bloom Red Project and Anthony Perruzza’s Office Hold a Period Product Donation Drive to Fight Period Poverty in Downsview Community

July 19, 2021 Krystal Grover

Pictured from left to right: Alexandra Modi, Krystal Grover, Tanvi Balasubramanian and Ayesha Khan at the donation drive booth. Photo credit: Sinthura Chandramohan

What was once forecasted as a rainy and gloomy day took a turn for the better and resulted in the raising of many menstrual products and a significant community impact. The Bloom Red Project, in collaboration with Anthony Perruzza’s office, held a menstrual product donation drive for the Downsview community. Krystal Grover, the co-founder of The Bloom Red Project, and Ayesha Khan, the Councillor’s Outreach Staff and Aide, organized this event, coordinating volunteers, donation drop-offs, logistics and everything in between.