NATHANIEL ERSKINE-SMITH MP Beaches-East York
Serving LESLIEVILLE, SOUTH RIVERDALE and RIVERSIDE
YOUR VOICE IN OTTAWA
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People who use food banks are the same as you and me.” – Gail Nyberg, executive director of the Daily Bread Food Bank
Debunking
the food bank myth LISA RAINFORD lrainford@insidetoronto.com There exists a myth that those who rely on food banks are lazy or have made bad choices. This is absolutely not the case, stress leaders in the fight against hunger, not only in Toronto, but across the country. “People who use food banks are the same as you and me. They’re people who have experienced job loss, sickness, or mental breakdown. It can happen to any of us,” said Gail Nyberg, executive director of the Daily Bread Food Bank, the largest provider of food relief in the Greater Toronto Area. “We’re here to give them a hand while they’re down and get them back on their feet.” The Etobicoke-based distribution centre that provides food and resources to as many as 200 food programs across Toronto distributes 600,000
hampers a month to its member agencies – one third of those in need are children, Nyberg said. The registered charity’s latest ‘Who’s Hungry’ report that looks at the past year will be released in September. “We know we’re starting to see a dramatic increase (in food bank use). This replicates what we’re seeing in the economy: precarious jobs, part-time and contract; retail outlets closing and plants shutting down,” Nyberg said. People who have lost their jobs typically don’t fall into dire straights immediately, particularly if they qualify for Employment Insurance. Food banks are accessible once a week to receive two to three days’ worth of food for each member of the family. “We’re in our lean time now, too. We don’t get a lot of donations,” Nyberg said. >>>straining, page 3
Sept. 11 memorial service planned The 15th annual September 11 Memorial gathering at the Millennium Garden in Woodbine Park is set for this Sunday. Hosted Community Centre 55, the event, which will feature prayers, speeches, and the laying flowers in honour of the victims the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack, will get underway
at 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at the event. All are welcome. The Millennium Garden is located in the Beach at the southeast corner of Coxwell and Eastern avenues. For more info, contact Nancy Culver at nancy@centre55.com or 415-691-1113.
Staff/MeTrOland
Ryan Noble is the executive director of the North York Harvest Food Bank. Right now, there is an increasing demand for food bank services in the city.
Celtic Festival set for Kew Gardens The 13th annual Beach Celtic Festival, Toronto’s only live open air ceilidh, is coming to Kew Gardens Park this weekend. The festivities will take place Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. As always, admission is free.
This year’s featured musical acts include Old Man Flanaghan’s Ghost, Alex Fisher, the Don Graham Band, Gary Richardson, Caledon Country, a n d Mi d l a n d P i p e s a n d Drums. The festival will also include vendors, historical displays, food and drink as well as
dance performances by Bold Step Dance Studio and ButlerFearon-O’Connor School of Irish Dance. Rory Sinclair is this year’s Beach Celt of the Year. Don’t forget your dancing shoes, Pat Beaven will be on hand to lead people in a round >>>CELtiC, page 8