Classes Resume for York University Students – What Does their Return to School Look Like Amid Covid-19?

October 11, 2020 Jasleen Jheeta

Although York University is the third-largest university in Canada, most of its campuses will remain closed to students. (Photo credit: MACLEAN’S/Cole Garside)

Students and universities have been facing unprecedented challenges since the outbreak of Covid-19. Universities are attempting to find a method to deliver quality education, while prioritizing the health of their students. Although public schools have opened up for in-person classes, universities have decided to transfer much of their operations online. This is the case as universities provide education to many students. York University has roughly 50,000 students. Although the education of students is a priority, universities cannot risk becoming centers of Covid-19 outbreak.

Rudy Riske Celebrates 95th Birthday, and a Decade of Tending to Black Creek Community Garden

October 10, 2020 Ayesha Khan

The crowd gathers for a group photo in front of Rudy’s Garden. (Photo credit: Maria Garcia)

Friday September 11, on a sunny afternoon, Rudy Riske enjoyed his 95th birthday party, held along the Huron Wendat trail in Black Creek. As the crowd listened to Peter the MC tell stories of Rudy’s life while hosting the dignitaries and guests in attendance (some of which included local City Councillor Anthony Perruzza and MPP Tom Rakocevic), glances up towards the decorated peaks of the affectionately dubbed “Rudy’s Garden” were frequent.

Jane Finch Rallies Against Systemic Barriers

October 10, 2020 Alethia Cadore

Jane Finch community rallied in support of JFAAP on September 2. (Photo credit: JFAAP)

On Wednesday September 2nd, the Jane Finch Community rallied together in support of the Jane Finch Action Against Poverty (JFAAP).

The intersection of Jane and Finch was filled with energy, as demonstrators and Community agencies took to the street to highlight a number of issues, including: Defunding the Police; Metrolinx LRT transit; eradicating poverty/food insecurity; and evictions and return to school policies during COVID-19.

Jane Finch Community Hub Update

October 10, 2020 Hodari Reuben Clarke

Rendering of plans for the Jane Finch community hub. (Photo credit: Ato Seitu)

Check out updates about the Jane-Finch hub!

Councillor Perruzza and the DUKE Heights BIA put on a Socially Distanced Backpack Drive for Families in Need

September 26, 2020 Ayesha Khan

Some members of the team and residents pose for a photo in front of the tent. (Photo credit: Rashed Mahmud)

On September 3, the office of Ward 7 City Councillor and the Duke Heights Business Improvement Area teamed up to put on their annual back-to-school backpack drive for some of the Jane-Finch and surrounding neighbourhoods’ vulnerable families at Fountainhead Park. The backpacks were stuffed with school supplies and treats, as well as a new necessity in the 2020 pandemic: child-sized printed masks.

School start with COVID proves tough choice for parents

September 23, 2020 Matias de Doviitis

Front yard of Elia Middle School. (Photo credit: Matias De Dovitiis)

With the start of school there are always jitters and changes for students and for parents. This year has been compounded by the biggest pandemic in several generations: COVID-19. In fact, at the time writing this, there are still shifting dates for online courses that are making the process even more complicated for parents. Schools are scrambling to do in a couple of weeks, what normally takes the whole summer: assign teachers, create classes and organize curriculum changes.

The WE Charity Affair and a Crisis of Community Space

August 24, 2020 Michelle Dagnino

WE office on Queen St E. (Photo credit: Benito)

In recent weeks, amidst the pandemic, Canadians were given front row seats into the inner workings of an international development charity with celebrity status. For many of us working and volunteering in the local social services sector the WE Charity affair revealed an enormous gulf between WE’s experience and the reality faced by the majority of charities in this country.

Recap: Councillor Perruzza and MPP Rakocevic’s COVID Telephone Town Hall Featuring Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eileen de Villa

August 5, 2020 Ayesha Khan

On Thursday July 30 at 7:00 pm, Ward 7 City Councillor Anthony Perruzza and Humber River-Black Creek MPP Tom Rakocevic hosted a Telephone Town Hall with special guest City of Toronto’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Eileen de Villa to help answer resident’s questions and provide an accessible, neighbourhood-specific outlet for residents to find information.

Op-Ed: WE Charity Does Not Serve a Need - How the WE Charity impacts local organizations

August 1, 2020 Michelle Dagnino

Craig Kielburger at a WE Day event. (Photo Credit: WE Charity)

As someone who has spent the last 20 years working in the non-profit sector, half of that time immersed in the area of youth engagement and leadership, the now-emerging critique of WE is not surprising. What is more surprising, is how long it has taken for there to be any sort of scrutiny on an “international development” organization started by a teenager from Thornhill, who has continued to run it for the last 25 years, despite any sort of actual work experience in international development.

Korean Community Kicks Into Action: 50,000 Masks Donated to Jane-Finch Community to Help Combat Spread of COVID-19

July 30, 2020 Ayesha Khan

Masks being handed out in front of the Black Creek Community Health Centre at Sheridan Mall. (Photo Credit: Maria Garcia)

Recently in the city of Toronto, community activists have spoken out and generated attention to race-based discrepancies in how COVID-19 has affected different communities. Of note, local neighbourhood Glenfield-Jane Heights has been one of the hardest hit. When Reverend Paul of Sea Mission Inc heard this, he and the Korean community sprung into action.