Reflecting on 2020
When it comes to advancing equity and social justice in Humber River-Black Creek, I co-hosted a Town Hall on Confronting Anti-Black Racism and a Community Safety Town Hall this year with MPP Tom Rakocevic. Mayor John Tory joined to listen to our accounts and share how his staff can support our neighbourhoods. I will share more updates in the New Year, and I look forward to moving ahead together as a community.
As the Poverty Reduction Advocate, I have made food security, youth employment, and transit equity top priorities. I worked with the Poverty Reduction Office to implement the second phase of the strategy, including dozens of measures to alleviate poverty. I also put through a motion to strengthen a Black Youth Employment Strategy and pushed to open a food bank located at the Jane and Sheppard Library and another new location at Oakdale Community Centre, which will come to fruition next year. I partnered with DUKE Heights BIA to distribute backpacks to kids in need at Fountainhead Park before school commenced in the fall.
We are continuing to help those most vulnerable during the holidays by distributing meals with
Kitchen24 and distributing Christmas toys provided by the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters' Association. They work with different groups and public representatives to make Christmas brighter.
