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.

Take Back the Night: Fight Against Sexual Violence and Violence

September 16, 2021 Zaara Mazzuca

Take Back The Night march in Toronto, 1985. Photo credit: Toronto Public Library

It is no surprise that mental health is becoming a growing concern within our society today - whether that be because of the rise of more people struggling to maintain their mental health or simply the stigmatic barriers around this once taboo topic breaking down. Additionally, it is no hidden truth that with COVID-19, lockdowns, the unknown future and social cut-offs, the mental health of individuals from all communities is more at peril than ever before.

National Disability Independence Day: The Journey to a Barrier-Free Society

July 26, 2021 Shakira Rouse

Speaker, facilitator, author and Creator and Founder of Special Compass: Shakira’s works to help make education accessible for different kinds of learners. Photo credit: Linda Lebreton

July 26 2021, is National Disability Independence Day.

Starting with signing the “Americans with Disability Act” (ADA) in 1990, July 26 became National Disability Independence Day, in commemoration of the act.

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.

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.