Updates

Queridos/as Vecinos y Vecinas,

Octubre es el Mes de la Salud Mental en Canadá. Se ha sentido abrumado desde que comenzó la pandemia de COVID? Seré honesta con usted, yo sí. 

En mi trabajo para el banco de alimentos North York Harvest Food Bank estoy trabajando más duro que nunca para poder responder a la creciente demanda que tienen los bancos de comida en nuestra ciudad. Cuando termino mi trabajo formal comienza el activismo comunitario con el Sindicato de Inquilinos de York South-Weston, desde donde estoy luchando para que nuestros vecinos y vecinas puedan tener un techo donde vivir mientras las empresas dueñas de edificios presionan con desalojos. Covid-19 nos ha impactado en muchos aspectos de nuestras vidas, incluida nuestra salud mental. 

Está bien pedir ayuda. Como trabajadora social sé que navegar el sistema de salud mental puede ser abrumador, quizás éste sea un buen lugar para comenzar. 

Lo importante es recordar que saldremos de esto a partir de la conciencia y organización colectiva.  

Que siga bien y cuídese mucho, 

Chiara Padovani
http://www.chiarapadovani.ca/

NOVEDADES EN LA COMUNIDAD

Vecino de Weston Zayde Wisdom, llega al draft de la liga de Hockey (NHL) 

Nuestro vecino del barrio de Weston, Zayde Wisdom acaba de ser escogido en el draft para integrar los Philadelphia Flyers! Su historia de perseverancia y trabajo duro fueron contadas en el documental "Nothing Given" en TSN, que se puede ver aquí. Felicitaciones a Zayde y a su familia! 

Proyecto de Revitalización Comunitaria en Weston Mount Dennis 

El Proyecto de Revitalización Comunitaria en Weston Mount Dennis está buscando miembros de la comunidad que puedan sumarse al comité coordinador para diseñar y coordinar la participación de los y las residentes de los barrios de Weston y Mount Dennis. Contáctelos en Facebook para conocer más. 

Familia de Weston víctima de una tragedia 

Conozca a sus vecinos

Aaron Atwell

Aaron Atwell, es de la zona de Keelesdale y está trabajando para cambiar la cultura en el hockey. Luego de sufrir racismo y superar barreras económicas para poder jugar, Aaron se juntó con el ex-jugador de la NHL Akim Aliu y la Fundación Time to Dream para ayudar a hacer al hockey más diverso,  inclusivo, económico y accesible para todos. El mes pasado establecieron la liga de formación Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) para comenzar a realizar ese trabajo. 

TOME ACCION Y PARTICIPE

Demande calles seguras para ciclistas en York South-Weston 

Si Weston es la tierra de la bicicleta, ¿por qué es tan peligroso andar en bicicleta por nuestro barrio? Súmese a los vecnios de Keele-Weston Bikeways firmando este petitorio. 

Detengamos los desalojos inseguros

El Sindicato de Inquilinos de York South-Weston se ha aliado a más de 100 organizaciones comunitarias para demandar que se detengan los desalojos inseguros durante la crisis del COVID-19. Tómese 30 segundos y pídale al gobernador Doug Ford que reinstale la moratoria a desalojos aquí.

Apoye a las tiendas locales 

Mientras regresamos a un período de nuevas restricciones por los casos de COVID-19, sigamos apoyando a los comercios locales de York South-Weston. Con mi esposo Bruno hemos disfrutado de la cervecería Bellwoods en Amesbury, take-out del nuevo y delicioso Calabar Grill en Mount Dennis y de Aleeza's Pizza en Weston. También nos dimos un gusto y compramos excelente queso gouda de la Holland Store en Pelmo Park y y disfrutamos un café y desayuno en el patio de Black Cat Espresso.

PROGRAMAS & RECURSOS

Vacunas contra la gripe en York South-Weston

Con la pandemia de COVID-19, es más importante que prevengamos la transmisión de la gripe, y es gratis! Recibir la vacuna contra la gripe puede ayudar a proteger a usted y su familia, y también quita presión del sistema de salud mientras los trabajadores de primeros auxilios dan la batalla contra el COVID-19. Puede recibir la vacuna en cualquiera de las grandes cadenas de farmacia o apoyar a su farmacia local y evitar las colas!  

Quédese, Juegue y Aprenda en Casa 

¿Buscando algo que hacer por la noche? Dele una mirada a Quédese, Juegue y Aprenda para un programa gratuito, de alta calidad recreativa, con eje en la vida activa, la cultura, y las artes para todas las edades desde la comodidad de la casa. 

Ayuda Tecnológica en Toronto

Conoce algún adulto mayor que tenga problemas conectándose a la tecnología? TechServeTO ayuda a los adultos mayores a entender cómo utilizar nuevas tecnologías de forma gratuita. Conozca más aquí. 

QUE PASA EN LA COMUNIDAD ESTE MES?

October 21: Consulta a la Comunidad en Keele-St. Clair 

October 21-24: BigArtTO en la Estación del Weston GO

October 24: Mercado campesino en Weston

October 26: Reunión comunitaria para una Estrategia de Cricket.

November 3: Consulta a la Comunidad para Marco de Planificación de Mount Dennis

Dear Friend,

October is National Mental Health Month in Canada. Are you feeling overwhelmed since COVID-19 started? I'll be honest with you, I am.

In my day job at North York Harvest Food Bank, I'm working harder than ever before to meet the massive surge in demand for food banks. After work, with the York South-Weston Tenant Union, I've been fighting to help our neighbours keep their homes. COVID-19 has taken a real toll on every aspect of our lives, including our mental health. 

It's okay to ask for help. As a social worker, I know navigating the mental health system can be intimidating, but here's a good place to start.

Remember, we're all in this together.

Sincerely,

Chiara

chiarapadovani.ca

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Weston resident, Zayde Wisdom, makes NHL draft

Zayde Wisdom from Weston was just drafted to the Philadelphia Flyers! His story of perseverance and hard work is featured on TSN's "Nothing Given" which you can watch here. Congratulations to Zayde and his family!

Weston Mount Dennis Community Renaissance Project

The Weston-Mount Dennis Community Renaissance Project is looking for community members to join their steering committee to shape and co-design resident engagement in the Weston and Mount Dennis. Contact them on Facebook to learn more. 

Weston family tragically torn apart

NEIGHBOURS TO KNOW

Aaron Atwell

Aaron Atwell, from Keelesdale, is working to change the culture of hockey. Having experienced racism and economic barriers in the game himself, he's teaming up with former NHL player, Akim Aliu and the Time to Dream Foundation to help make hockey, more diverse, inclusive, affordable and accessible to all. Last month they established an entirely Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) minor league hockey team to do just that. 

TAKE ACTION

Demand Safe Bikeways in York South-Weston

If Weston is home of the bicycle, why is it so dangerous to ride one in our neighbourhood? Join your neighbours in demanding Keele-Weston Bikeways by signing this petition.

Stop Unsafe Evictions

The York South-Weston Tenant Union has teamed up with more than 100 community organizations to demand a stop to unsafe evictions during COVID-19.Take 30 seconds to ask Premier Ford to restore the court-ordered moratorium on residential evictions here.

Support Local Businesses

As we move into modified stage two because of rising COVID-19 cases, let's continue to support our local business in York South-Weston. Recently, my husband Bruno and I enjoyed locally brewed beer in Amesbury from Bellwoods Brewery, take-out from the new and delicious Calabar Grill in Mount Dennis and Aleeza's Pizza in Weston. We also picked up some gouda cheese at the Holland Store in Pelmo Park and enjoyed coffee at Black Cat Espresso's outdoor patio.

PROGRAMS & RESOURCES

Flu Shots in York South-Weston

During COVID-19 it's more important than ever before to help prevent the spread of the flu and it's free! Getting the flu shot can not only protect yourself and others against the flu, but it can help reduce the demand on our healthcare system as frontline healthcare workers continue to battle COVID-19. You can get your flu shot at most chain pharmacies or you can support your local independent pharmacy.

Stay, Play and Learn at Home

Looking for something to do tonight? Check out Stay, Play and Learn for free, high-quality recreation, active living, arts and culture activities for all ages to enjoy in the comfort of your home.

TechServeTO

Are you or someone you know a senior having difficulties connecting to technology? TechServeTO helps older adults figure out technology free of charge. Learn more here.

WHAT’S ON IN YSW THIS MONTH?

October 21: Keele-St. Clair Local Area Study Consultation

October 21-24: BigArtTO at the Weston GO

October 24: Weston Farmer's Market

October 26: Cricket Strategy Town Hall

November 3: Mount Dennis Planning Framework Consultation

This summer has been filled with many challenges for our community. We are disproportionately feeling the burden of COVID-19, our homes were flooded yet again and we are mourning the tragic loss of community members due to violence. 

Despite these challenges, our community has consistently responded with resilience and solidarity. Local businesses are supporting our youth, community residents are coming together for flooding prevention and tenants are organizing to save their homes. 

This is what makes me so proud to call York South-Weston my home. Let's continue to stand together and demand better. 

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Community March for Flooding Prevention

Our community suffered from another flood last month. Every year we suffer the consequences of decades of inaction and neglect when it comes to flooding. Recent actions by our city government - including the sale of public land in the flood plain - are making matters worse. Enough is enough. I'll be joining the Black Creek Alliance at the march for flood mitigation action this Sunday August 16 outside the York Recreation Centre at 11AM. If you can't make the march, be sure to sign the petition. 

York South-Weston Tenants Organize for Eviction Prevention

Over the course of the pandemic, I've been working with the York South-Weston Tenant Union to fight for tenants. We fought hard to oppose Doug Ford's eviction bill, but recently changes to the eviction process could put many tenants at risk. If you are a renter and need support, please contact us. You're not alone.  

For Youth Initiative Scholarship 

For Youth Initiative's Future Fund will support 25 youth aged 16-29 who live, work, volunteer, and/or go to school in York-South Weston pursue post-secondary education. The fund was set up 15 years ago in commemoration of my former high school classmate, Jamal Hemmings who we tragically lost to gun violence in November 2005. The FYI Scholarship Program supports a brighter future for youth through funding support for various forms of education including: college, university, training, trades, and certificate programs. Youth can apply here. Supporters can donate to the fund here. Special thank you to Supercoffee for supporting this fund!

TAKE ACTION

Demand a #SafeSeptember

Schools in York South-Weston were underfunded long before COVID-19, but now it's more important than ever before to reduce class sizes and fund our schools. Join teachers and parents across Ontario in demanding a Safe September. 

Demand action for 1440/1442 Lawrence Avenue West

The tenants of 1442 Lawrence Ave. W. have gone without postal service for well over a month because Barney River's neglect has made it unsafe for mail delivery. Stand in solidarity with our neighbours and demand Barney River these issues so that tenants can live in decent conditions and have their mail delivery service restored. 

Support Local Businesses

York South-Weston is full of so many delicious places to eat! This summer, Bruno and I enjoyed amazing poutine from Zeal Burgers, the best samosas in town from Wiff Restaurant, delicious Greek cuisine from Nikos Greek Grill and some great vegetarian sushi from Kokyo Japanese Restaurant in addition to enjoying some locally brewed beer from High Park Brewery. Start-up, Cheels Wheels deserves a huge shout out for a super tune-up and keeping my bike in top shape for getting around this summer!

PROGRAMS & RESOURCES

Parks Play TO 

ParksPlayTO is a free drop-in program that offers fun for the whole family at different parks around the city including Pelmo, Weston Lions and Smythe Parks right here in York South-Weston. Learn more.

Property Tax Rebate for Seniors

If you are a low-income senior or a low-income person living with a disability, you may be eligible for a rebate on your water, solid waste and property tax bill. If you are a person undergoing home dialysis treatment you may also qualify for a water rebate under the Home Dialysis Water Rebate Program. The deadline to apply is October 30. Please contact me if you have questions or need help applying. 

Frontlines Pin-up

Frontlines has created a virtual community board where you can post all things related to our community: programs, events, resources and much more. You can sign up to post things yourself or just stay in the know by browsing the site. Check it out here.

En el primer día de este mes de mayo celebramos el Día Internacional del Trabajador. 

Muchos de nuestros países lo celebraron de forma virtual, y quiero aprovechar este mensaje para agradecerles a los trabajadores que están al frente de la batalla contra el coronavirus, quienes van a trabajar para mantenernos sanos y poder cubrir las necesidades básicas en estos tiempos difíciles. Tristemente, en la mayoría de los casos estos trabajadores son quienes reciben los salarios más bajos en nuestra ciudad. 

Trabajando en el banco de alimentos, he conocido a muchos trabajadores de supermercados que no pueden comprar la comida que ellos mismos venden.

Lo que el COVID19 nos ha mostrado es que podemos, y debemos, mejorar las protecciones de los trabajadores en la provincia. Ningún trabajador esencial debería estar viviendo debajo de la línea de pobreza, o ir al trabajo enfermo. 

Quiero convocarte a que te sumes a apoyar a los trabajadores en el frente de la lucha contra el COVID19, demandando mejores condiciones de trabajo para ellos.

Espero que sigas bien, y te cuides mucho. 

Saludos, 

Chiara Padovani
http://www.chiarapadovani.ca/

NOVEDADES DE LA COMUNIDAD

Comal y Canela abre Banco de Alimentos

Yasmin, la dueña de Comal y Canela en York South-Weston, ha comenzado a operar un banco de alimentos para la comunidad como parte de su restaurant, cada miércoles. Puedes apoyar al banco de alimentos haciendo una contribución a su colecta y apoyar su negocio haciendo un pedido de riquísima comida mexicana!

Vecina del barrio está intentando que pueda regresar su padre a York South-Weston

Hawa Mire está intentando que su padre, Yahia Mire, pueda regresar a casa, a York South-Weston, luego de quedarse varado en Somalia durante el cierre de aeropuertos por COVID19. Ayudemos a que Yahia vuelva a casa compartiendo el posteo de Hawa  y escribiéndole al representante federal de YSW Ahmed Hussen y al Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores de Canada, Francois-Philippe Champagne.

TOME ACCION Y PARTICIPE

Los héroes también necesitan licencias por enfermedad pagas! 

Mientras nos sumamos a los ruidazos en apoyo a los trabajadores de salud todas las noches, recordemos que la mejor manera de apoyarlos es presionando para que reciban condiciones dignas de trabajo. Firma esta petición demandando licencias por enfermedad pagas para todos los trabajadores.

Apoya a las tiendas y negocios locales

Cuál es tu tienda local preferida en York South-Weston? Mi esposo Bruno y yo hemos disfrutado de varias delicias hechas por Supercoffee, unas pupusas increíbles de 100% Salvadoreño, y cerveza artesanal de Junction Brewing, todo entregado a la puerta de casa. También esquivamos las largas colas en los supermercados grandes haciendo compras en tiendas locales como Ausef Halal Foods y King's Variety.

Recuerde que si usted tiene un negocio pequeño que abre durante el COVID19, puede llegar a calificar para fondos del Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers (subsidio al salario de los empleados) ó también del Emergency Rental Assistance for small business (un subsidio a la renta).

PROGRAMAS & RECURSOS

Estoy actualizando de forma constante mi sitio web con una página de recursos que puede ayudarte a encontrar recursos disponibles para los miembros de la comunidad. Al final de este boletín encontrarás algunas actividades destacadas de este mes. Si conoces más recursos útiles que te han ayudado en estos tiempos, no dudes en compartirlos!  

Asistencia para comida de mascotas

Toronto Animal Services está ofreciendo asesoramiento y asistencia financiera para dueños de mascotas que están pasando por momentos difíciles y se les ha dificultado proveer las necesidades básicas de sus mascotas. Conozca más aquí.

Tarjetas Digitales de la Biblioteca Pública de Toronto

No tienes tarjeta de la biblioteca? No hay problema! La Biblioteca Pública de Toronto ha abierto su larga colección de libros electrónicos y audiolibros, accesibles con una nueva Tarjeta Instantánea Digital.

Dear Neighbour, 

This month began with the celebration of international workers' day on May 1st.

This May Day we celebrate and are especially grateful for frontline workers who go to work to keep us healthy and make sure we can have what we need in these especially difficult times. Sadly, it is often these frontline workers who are among the lowest paid workers in our city. 

Working at the food bank, I have met far too many food and grocery store workers who cannot afford the food they sell us. 

What COVID19 has shown us is that we can - indeed we must - do better to protect workers rights in this province. No essential worker should be living below the poverty line or have to go to work sick.

Join me in supporting our frontline heroes by demanding better for them. 

Stay well and keep safe,

Chiara Padovani
http://www.chiarapadovani.ca/

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Local resident is trying to bring her father home to York South-Weston

Hawa Mire is trying to bring her father, Yahia Mire, back home to York South-Weston after getting stranded in Somalia during the COVID19 lockdown. If you know someone else who is in Somalia and unable to come back home, please email Hawa at [email protected] Help us bring Yahia back home by sharing Hawa's post and writing to YSW MP Ahmed Hussen and Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne.

Comal y Canela Opens Food Bank

Yasmin, the owner of Comal y Canela in York South-Weston, has opened up her restaurant as a food bank for the community on Wednesdays. You can support the food bank by contributing to her fundraiser and support her local business by ordering delicious Mexican food!

TAKE ACTION

Even Heroes Need Paid Sick Days!

As we cheer on frontline workers every evening, let's remember the best way to support them is by demanding decent working conditions. Sign here to demand paid sick days for every worker.

Support Local Businesses

What's your favourite local business in York South-Weston? My husband Bruno and I have enjoyed tasty treats from Supercoffee, delicious pupusas from 100% Salvadoreno, and craft beer from Junction Brewing all delivered to our door. We've also avoided long line-ups by picking up our grocery staples from local grocers like Ausef Halal Foods and King's Variety. Remember, if you operate a small business during COVID-19 you may qualify for the the Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers or Emergency Rental Assistance for small business.

PROGRAMS & RESOURCES

I am constantly updating my resource page to help navigate what resources are available to members of our community. Below you'll find some highlights that are new this month. If you know of any other useful resources that have helped you during this time, please let me know! 

Pet Food Assistance

Toronto Animal Services is offering advice and financial assistance to pet owners who are experiencing hardship and struggling to care and provide necessities for their pets due to COVID-19. Learn more here.

Toronto Public Library Digital Cards

No library card? No problem! The Toronto Public Library has opened up their large collection of ebooks and audiobooks, with the new Instant Digital Card.