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inside David Nickle is on the city hall beat / 6

thurs dec 18, 2014

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East York’s ‘Turkey Lady’ helps out local shelters

harmony hall party

Local events listings / 5

JOANNA LAVOIE jlavoie@insidetoronto.com

photos East York Concert Band performs / 2

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CHRISTMAS TIE: Pat Carson and George Shields have a laugh over his Christmas themed tie during a Christmas party for seniors at Harmony Hall Monday.

Long-time East York resident Wendy Dobson is affectionately known to many in the community as “The Turkey Lady”.

For more than 25 years, Dobson, a long-time east-ender who has lived near Pape and Mortimer avenues since 1999, has coordinated an annual Christmas turkey drive.

This year, Dobson and her team have succeeded in raising enough funds to purchase more than 100 10-pound turkeys for less fortunate families and individuals from The Red Door Family Shelter, the Secord Community Centre and The Massey Centre for Women.

The 416 Community Support Centre for Women in Cabbagetown will also be receiving three 30-pound turkeys, which will be prepared with all the fixings for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals for clients.

Years ago, Dobson, a realtor by trade, purchased two turkeys >>>ANNUAL, page 8

Hirut Cafe on Danforth holds Ebola fundraising concert insidetoronto.com

In an effort to raise money for Ebola patients in West Africa, Hirut Café on Danforth Avenue is organizing a concert

for those affected this Friday.

The concert, at Hirut Café, 2050 Danforth Ave., at 8:30 p.m., will fea-

ture songs performed in French, Lingala, Bamileke and English. All funds will be donated to World Vision

and the Red Cross. To purchase tickets ($15),visit www.showclix.com/event/ Ebolapatientssupportconcert

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EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014 |

2

community

Learn more about the East York Concert Band, which was founded in 1948, at www.eastyorkconcertband.ca

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music makers

The East York Concert Band performs a Christmas concert at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 345 Sunday afternoon, conducted by Joseph Resendes (top right). Legion members and guests enjoyed for a pancake lunch following the performance.

Staff photos/Nick Perry

Santa is coming to the Danforth

Saturday December 20, 12:00 to 3:00 Sunday December 21, 12:00 to 3:00 Monday December 22, 12:00 – 3:00 Tuesday December 23, 12:00 – 3:00 • bring your camera & take a picture ....receive a candy cane & enter our colouring contest

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Volunteers, donations needed to help those in need JOANNA LAVOIE

jlavoie@insidetoronto.com With delivery day set for Monday, the team at Community Centre 55 (CC55) is working at a frenetic pace and reaching out to the community for help to give 775 less fortunate people a Christmas.

“Food, food, food – the big push is for food,” said Debbie Visconti, CC55’s executive director, earlier this week.

“We have more families than ever this year. People have been responding to our requests for food, but we still need more.”

Some of the most needed non-perishable items include cereal, pancake mix and syrup, pasta/rice, mac and cheese, pasta sauce, soups/ stews, peanut butter/jam, canned fish/meat, canned fruits and vegetables, large cans of juice, baked beans, baby food and pet food.

Gifts for teens, especially gift cards, are also needed.

“Every little bit helps. The final countdown is on this week,” Visconti said.

“We want to help every-

body (who applies) and we will. Fortunately we haven’t had to turn anyone away.”

Aside from providing food and gift hampers, Community Centre 55 will also be providing toys and gifts to an additional 400 to 500 families across the city through its emergency distribution clinic Dec. 23.

The organization will also be providing food to the nearby Calvary Baptist C h u rc h f o r i t s a n n u a l Christmas dinner as well as a few extra families and individuals referred to the program by 55 Division.

Biggest initiative The biggest yearly initiative, the 33rd annual Share-AChristmas program officially kicked off Sunday, Nov. 23 with Hamper’s Santa Claus Parade.

A number of events were held in recent weeks to raise funds for the annual program.

Malvern Collegiate has organized a “hockey hoopla” fundraiser at Ted Reeve Arena, 175 Main St., at 1 p.m.

“

We want to help everybody (who applies) and we will. Fortunately we haven’t had to turn anyone away..

– Debbie Visconti

Thursday. Tickets cost $5.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the neighbourhood for helping us this year and every year,” Visconti said.

Starting Thursday evening, volunteers will be making their way to CC55 to help sort and pack the food and gift hampers. Registration is not required.

Packing and sorting of non-perishables will take place Thursday and Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Toys will be sorted and packed Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. No children please.

On Monday, a tractor trailer filled with 10,180 pounds of meat (turkeys and hams), 13,536 pounds of fresh fruit and veggies, 4,000 litres of milk, 20,000 pounds

of non-perishable items, and hundreds of loaves of bread will pull up in front of Community Centre 55.

Perishable food items will be packed and sorted Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with delivery set to begin at 2 p.m. Last year’s delivery day coincided with the start of the ice storm. Regardless, volunteers were out in full force to help distribute the hampers.

‘Better weather’ “This year we’re hoping for better weather,” Visconti said.

Anyone able to donate can drop by Community Centre 55, at 97 Main St. Nonperishable food is also being collected for the program at the Beaches Recreation Centre at 6 Williamson Rd., the FreshCo locations at Gerrard Street East and Victoria Park Avenue and Leslie Street and Lake Shore Boulevard East, as well as at local CIBC branches.

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Monetary donations welcome. Tax receipts issued.

Call 416-691-1113 for details.

Photo/COURTESY

Debbie Visconti, Community Centre 55’s executive director, sits with some of the food collected for its annual Share-AChristmas. Donations and volunteers are still needed.

Retiring WoodGreen leader leaves lasting legacy to help homeless JOANNA LAVOIE

jlavoie@insidetoronto.com Brian Smith, who for 36-years served as the president and CEO of WoodGreen ( WG) Community Services, will be leaving behind a lasting legacy when he officially retires on Dec. 31.

Smith’s unwavering dedication to eradicate poverty and provide marginalized individuals and families safe and affordable places to live will be forever honoured with Brian’s Fund to End Homelessness.

The fund was launched earlier this month during his emotional retirement celebration at Whistler’s Pub. “We’re here tonight to pay tribute to an extraordinary individual,” said Smith’s close friend and colleague Gordon Cressy, who served as the evening’s master of ceremonies.

“Tonight is a night for all of us, in our own way, to say thank you.”

The evening of stories, songs and speeches kicked off with a few words from Jasmine Tehara, WoodGreen’s chair of the board of directors.

In her remarks, Tehara said Smith is someone who has worked tirelessly to advocate for the vulnerable and find solutions to some of the city’s most complex problems.

Ward 30 Councillor Paula Fletcher said Smith, a native of the Beach who has lived in the city’s north end for a number of years, knows the community like the back of his hand and has had his hand in countless local initiatives, notably the effort to save Bruce Junior Public School from closure and the transformation of Riverside’s New Edwin Hotel into First Step to Home, a residence for homeless and street-involved men.

TD Bank Financial’s former president and CEO Ed Clark, who with his wife Fran and several private donors was

“

Thousands of people can say Brian made a difference in their lives.

Photo/KATHRYN HOLLINRAKE

Brian Smith, WoodGreen Community Services president and CEO, receives a photobook of memories from Anne Babcock, WoodGreen’s COO, during a recent retirement party.

instrumental in making the new First Step to Home facility a reality, also shared a few words at Smith’s retirement celebration.

“This is a pretty tough evening for (Smith), but this is a great evening for him,” he said, pointing to the many traits of a great leader Smith

possesses including vision, ability to go down to the details, innovation, team building, deep care for the welfare of others, and integrity to name a few.

“Thousands of people can say Brian made a difference in their lives,” said Clark, who also announced

– Ed Clark

that WoodGreen’s Homeward Bound residence in East York will be renamed the Brian Smith Centre for Opportunity.

The innovative program, which Smith spearheaded, provides a range of services to help inadequately housed or homeless mother-led families earn college diplomas, start careers and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

“What an evening this has been,” Smith said as the party drew to a close.

Not quite sure where to begin, he started off by saying all of the things he’s been able to accomplish at WoodGreen have happened because of the support of his family, most of whom are women as his father was

killed in the Second World War. Smith especially thanked his mother for devoting her life to him and ensuring he received every possible opportunity in life.

“Those who much is given, much is expected,” he said before thanking his partner, Maureen, for her unconditional support and love over the years.

Smith, who prior to working at WoodGreen, was a social worker for the Catholic Children’s Aid Society then the executive director of St. Stephen’s Community House, said his main goal when he started at WG was to bring resources to the community.

In the end, he succeeded in helping bring resources to many areas of the city, which in turn, has helped build supportive neighbourhoods.

For more information on WoodGreen and Smith’s legacy award visit www. woodgreen.org/

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| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014

community

EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014 |

4

opinion

The East York Mirror is published every Thursday at 175 Gordon Baker Rd., Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2, by Metroland Media Toronto, a Division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.

®

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Publisher General Manager Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Regional Dir. of Advertising Retail Sales Manager Regional Dir. of Classified, Real Estate Director of Circulation

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The Mirror is a member of the Ontario Press Council. Visit ontpress.com Proudly serving the communites of Blake-Jones • Broadview North Crescent Town • Danforth VillageEast York • Danforth Village-Toronto East End-Danforth • Greenwood-Coxwell Leaside-Bennington • North Riverdale O’Connor-Parkview • Old East York Playter Estates-Danforth • Thorncliffe Park Woodbine Corridor • Woodbine-Lumsden

Calls for volunteering are all around us

L

et’s make next year a banner year in Toronto for volunteering in the community.

With 2015 almost upon us, it seems like a good time to issue this call.

There’s still a little bit left in 2014 to ponder goals and expectations for the coming year – and perhaps include some time to give to a cause or organization of importance to you.

Also, 2015 is a big year in Toronto. The 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games are coming to the city in July.

It’s Canada’s largest multi-sport event. There are opportunities both before and during the Games, which will rely on some 23,000 volunteers to ensure things run smoothly. Visit the Pan Am Games website for more information.

And Toronto is a city known for its diverse offerings of festivals and events. our view The city’s special events office regularly lists volunteer opportunities and is a good place to Answer start for those who can commit the call to their time to a specific event – as opposed to a more regular volunvolunteer teer experience.

But volunteering is not just about what’s good for a cause, an organization or the city. It’s about what’s good for us, too.

When it comes to the positive developments that arise from volunteering, it is not merely a ‘one-way’ street.

Volunteer opportunities represent more than just a chance to get involved in your community and help out.

In many cases, volunteers acquire new skills and contacts during the course of their work.

Volunteers acquire intangible benefits, too: a richer experience of life in the city and the satisfaction of knowing your efforts are helping your community.

When we think about what kind of environment we want to live in, what improvements we want in our neighbourhoods and what connections we want to forge in our community, volunteering helps in all of those areas.

William Osler Health Centre recently honoured seven of its volunteers who each had compiled a staggering 50 years each of volunteering with its hospitals, including Etobicoke General.

Let’s see what we can do in one year. Calls for volunteering – the ultimate commitment to our community – are all around us.

Let’s answer the call – in greater numbers than ever.

Write us The East York Mirror welcomes letters of 400 words or less. All submissions must include name, address and a daytime telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters.

Copyright in letters remains with the author but the publisher and affiliates may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. Letters can be sent to letters@insidetoronto.com, or mailed to The East York Mirror, 175 Gordon Baker Rd. Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2.

letter

column

Make spirit of Christmas a year-round gift Advice for Mayor Tory joe cooper It has been harder for me to get into the Christmas spirit this year, and not for lack of trying.

Certainly there is lots of festive cheer around the former borough for inspiration and I don’t believe that I have ever seen as many houses lighted up as I have this year.

While it’s always nice to have a white Christmas, this year appears to be one that will be noted for record high temperatures and lack of snow.

Likewise it certainly seems that the prospects of new global conflicts in the upcoming year has contributed in some ways to the dampening of the spirit of the season.

I get the feeling that others may be affected with what I’ll call the “too much news” blues. That’s the kind of blues you get when there are just too many uncertainties about what the upcoming year is going to be bringing to us thanks to the many “what ifs” con-

watchdog fronting us.

Many people are cautiously waiting to see what effect the financial meltdown in Europe may have on the Canadian economy, thanks in great part to the amount of hype the media has made of it.

Getting rid of this feeling is not helped if you turn on the radio or watched the TV as the events around the world seem to be escalating rather than being resolved, no matter how much effort is put into them.

Despite the fact we are now well into the second decade of the 21th century, far too many countries are mired in conflicts that seem more fitting for a darker age than we now live in.

The tragic events in Australia, compounded with those in Pakistan this week, make it difficult to get into the Christmas spirit

as fanaticism continues to mar the human condition.

Yet when looking out at all of this gloom, one must stop and think for a moment of the events that took place two millennium ago are surprisingly similar to our own age. We must remember that even in that hard time there came a sense of hope that still reverberates today.

Still, winter is a hard season, and we do need a festival of light and celebration to cheer us, combined with doing good acts for others, to make the season a special one.

However, we do need to do much more than simply celebrate. This year I hope that everyone will make a special effort to give a gift to the new year by continuing to do the good acts of the holiday season all year round.

Joe Cooper is a long-time East York resident and community activist. His column appears every Thursday. Contact him at eym@insidetoronto.com

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I understand Mayor John Tory is seeking ways to improve the flow of traffic in Toronto.

I propose 11 methods: • Synchronizing traffic lights.

• Place sensors on side streets to ensure traffic lights won’t turn red until there’s a car on there.

• Remove stop signs at T-intersections.

• Change the side of the road from which pedestrians cross.

• Have activation buttons where otherwise traffic need not stop.

• Ticket excessively slow drivers.

• Place bicycle lanes where they are most useful and won’t impede traffic flow.

• Licensing cyclists.

• Build roads.

• No permits for those with garages.

• No parking on four-lane roads with streetcars.

Dee C. Burns

newsroom ph: 416-493-4400 fax: 416-774-2070 | circulation ph: 416-493-4400 fax: 416-675-3470 | distribution ph: 416-493-4400 fax: 416-675-3066 | display advertising ph: 416-493-4400 fax: 416-774-2067 | classifieds ph: 416-798-7284 | administration ph: 416-493-4400

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east york happening in

it's happening w Friday, Dec. 19

Buns of Steel Bootcamp Food Drive WHEN: 5 p.m. WHERE: Riverdale Presbyterian Church, 662 Pape Ave. CONTACT: Jay, 647-889-1152 Do a fitness class in exchange for two food bank items. Email info@ bunsofsteelbootcamp.com to reserve.

RCL Todmorden Branch 10 Entertainment WHEN: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10, 1083 Pape Ave. CONTACT: Moira, 416-425-3070 COST: Free With DJ Rob Martine.

w Saturday, Dec. 20

Singalong at Riverdale Presbyterian Church WHEN: 3 to 4 p.m. WHERE: Riverdale Presbyterian Church, 662 Pape Ave. CONTACT: elizatrip@hotmail. com COST: Free Bring your children and your sweet voices and sing holiday favourites.

Stay around for coffee, tea or a snack.

Christmas Dinner and Dance WHEN: 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22, 1240 Woodbine Ave. CONTACT:

w Saturday, Jan. 17

featured

At Home Alone WHEN: 2 to 4 p.m. WHERE: PapeDanforth Public Library, 701 Pape Ave. CONTACT: 416-393-7727 COST: Free A workshop to help families prepare their children to be home alone safely. For 10- to 14-year-old children with a parent. Presented

by Toronto Public Health. Call to register.

w Wednesday, Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve at RCL Todmorden Branch 10 WHEN: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10, 1083 Pape Ave. CONTACT: Moira, 416-425-3070 COST: $25 for members, $30 for non-members Cold buffet, party favours a Champagne toast.

Check out our complete online community calendar by visiting us at www.eastyorkmirror.com. Read weeks of listings from your East York neighbourhoods as well as events from across Toronto.

Jim Farrell, 416- 425-1714 COST: $10 to $12 Enjoy a home-cooked Christmas dinner and stay for an evening of live music and dancing with the Peppershakers. Get your tickets at the club room bar and all members of the community are welcome. Advance tickets are recommended.

w Sunday, Dec. 21

Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas WHEN: 4 to 6 p.m. WHERE: St Barnabas Anglican Church, 361 Danforth Ave. CONTACT: Neil Houlton, 416-463-1344

w Sunday, Jan. 4

East York New Year’s Levee WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m. WHERE: East

York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave. CONTACT: 416-392-4035, councillor_davis@toronto.ca COST: Free Ring in the new year with East York’s elected officials. Refreshments provided. Entertainment by Discovery Through the Arts.

w Thursday, Jan. 15

Canadian Federation of University Women WHEN: 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Rd. CONTACT: Pat Price, 416-385-1055 COST: Free Topic: Jan McQuay, author of ‘Scenic Manitoulin through the Seasons’.

A university degree is not a prerequisite for membership. Visitors and new members are welcome.

Visit www.leaside.org/cfu

Prelude to a Fantasia WHEN: 8 to 10 p.m. WHERE: Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. CONTACT: Chris MacLean, www.academyconcertseries.com, admin@academyconcertseries.ca COST: Free The concert will feature works by a range of Baroque composers, some well-known and some not-so-wellknown, from Italy, Germany and England.

eastyorkmirror.com

pets Holiday tips for your pet Toronto Dog Talk blogger discusses Christmas safety

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Custom transit reports and news online

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The East York Mirror wants your community listings. Sign up online at insidetoronto.com to submit your events (click the Sign Up link in the top right corner of the page). We run non-profit, local events in print weekly in The Mirror.

Winter in the city can be fun and inexpensive

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| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014

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6 EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014 |

opinion

Another chapter in library saga?

It’s too soon to be able to map out where all the political fights will be in the coming winter’s city hall budget process. But the Toronto Public Library Board has thrown down the gauntlet for the first big one.

This shouldn’t be a surprise. There is something about our library system that attracts duelling city councillors like nothing else.

Last term, former budget chief Mike Del Grande instigated a minor skirmish when he wondered why so many DVDs and books were circulated in languages other than English.

The same term, former budget committee vicechair Doug Ford made headlines by inventing the term lie-berry and disrespecting author Margaret Atwood, as he suggested closing a library in his ward to save some money. That was a Potemkin moment for bibliophiles to rise up and support their libraries.

This time, the membership of the library board

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david nickle the city (most of whom were appointed under former mayor Rob Ford’s administration) is setting up for a fight that lands somewhere in between. In their 2015 budget submission, they’ve included a 40 per cent reduction in security service in branches across the city.

The move would save $660,000 from the budget, bringing its submission down to a two per cent increase over last year. It would mean that in some branches, there would no longer be a security guard present.

Board chair Mike Foderick maintains those branches don’t need a security guard, given their historic low level of incidents over the past number of years. For instance, at the Centennial branch, the security guard worked 27 hours a week in 2013, and

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

over that year dealt with only a single incident.

Perhaps there will be some library patrons comforted by that statistic. But it’s hard to imagine very many who send their children to libraries to study or their elderly parents there to read and socialize will be comfortable taking a chance on safety. The union representing library workers (which doesn’t, incidentally, represent the security guards) has already taken a stand on the issue, as a matter of workplace safety.

If I were a betting columnist, I’d say by the time this works its way through the budget process there won’t be any change in the library system’s security complement.

For a service that a majority of Torontonians seem to regard as untouchable, it’s astounding politicians of certain stripes can’t seem to keep their hands off it.

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David Nickle is the Mirror’s city hall reporter. His column appears every Thursday.

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PUSH ON TO INSTALL ACROSS TTC wPRESTO

Include the mayor in a vocal group of influential types seeking more Presto on the TTC. The pre-loadable fare card allows for quick and paperless access to transit, and while more than 80 per

rahul gupta TO in TRANSIT cent of GO Transit users use Presto regularly, it’s still only available at 14 TTC subway stations and on three vehicles – the transit commission’s new streetcars introduced in 2014.

This week, Mayor John Tory joined TTC CEO Andy Byford and others in calling for speedier Presto integration.

It will be at least 2019 before majority of the TTC is Presto-enabled. Until then, hang on to your tokens and tickets.

CYCLISTS ASKED TO bike lane SURVEY wTAKE

City staff wants to know road users’ opinions on a stretch of downtown bike lanes that opened earlier this year.

The online survey asks cyclists, drivers and pedestrians as well as businesses, film industry professionals and developers to answer a series of questions on the bollard-separated painted lanes that were introduced

THE ROCKET FREE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE wRIDE

In what’s become an endof-year tradition, the TTC is offering free transit rides for revelers on New Year’s Eve. From 7 p.m. onwards anyone taking the TTC will get to ride for free well into the first morning of 2015.

The subway will also remain open past its regular 2 a.m. closing with the last northbound train scheduled to head to Downsview from Union Station at 3:30 a.m. and at 3:37 a.m. for BloorDanforth trains leaving Yonge-Bloor station.

The TTC’s Blue Night bus network will remain in operation until 7 a.m. and most surface routes with late night schedules will run until 4 a.m. The subway resumes operation 9 a.m.

New Year’s Day. Rahul Gupta is The Mirror’s transit reporter. His column appears on Thursday. Reach him on Twitter: @TOinTRANSIT

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I’d like to deliver my sincere best wishes to your door this holiday. May the season bring much happiness, health and good fortune to you and your loved ones.

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TTC investigating bus running red light A motorist’s dashcam video capturing a TTC bus running a red light in Scarborough has caused a stir since it was posted online.

This week, TTC spokesperson Brad Ross promised a full investigation into the incident, which took place Saturday afternoon.

The video shows a TTC bus traveling east on Eglinton Avenue pass through the intersection at Warden Avenue, after the light has turned red.

Ross said the video, which has been viewed more than 6,000 times since it was posted on YouTube, could lead to disciplinary measures ranging from a written warning to outright termination for the driver, whose identity is unknown.

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| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014

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EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014 |

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community

East York’s Wendy Dobson, known as the ‘Turkey Lady’, shows off some of the turkeys she purchased from Carnicero’s in St. Lawrence Market for distribution to local shelters.

Dobson has been raising funds to buy turkeys for those in need for years.

Photo/COURTESY

Annual endeavour now hands out more than 100 turkeys >>>from page 1 for The 416. The following year, she bought four for the same organization and the rest is history.

“I thought if I can bring four why can’t I bring more and that’s where it all started,” Dobson said during a recent interview.

“Each year it grew.”

She now collects and distributes between 100 and 125 turkeys each year.

“It’s just my little way of giving back to the commu-

Shop in style in Leaside this holiday season!

nity,” said Dobson, who meets with the organizations each fall to discuss how many turkeys they need.

Generosity of others “It’s just something I do every year and it just makes me feel good.”

Dobson said her annual endeavour wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of her friends, family members, clients and colleagues.

For several years, she pur-

Avoid the long lines and parking lot hassles this holiday season and shop, eat and play.

Support your local businesses!

E G L I N T O N

i

For more local news, visit us online at www.eastyorkmirror.com

Vickery Bowles named as new City Librarian DAVID NICKLE dnickle@insidetoronto.com

Take a stroll along Eglinton Avenue and experience what the neighbourhood has to offer!

chased turkeys from her longtime supplier, Sunnybrook Meats at Queen Street East and Broadview Avenue.

Two years ago, Dobson was forced to find a new supplier after the owner retired. She now purchases the turkeys for her drive for roughly the same price from Brad Noonan at Carnicero’s Prime Meats and Fine Foods at the St. Lawrence Market.

E-books, 3D-printers, and education mingling computers and the classroom: these are the signs of the future for Toronto’s new City Librarian.

“I think it’s a really exciting time to be working in libraries,” said Vickery Bowles, who will be starting the job overseeing Toronto Public Library on Jan. 5.

Bowles’ appointment to the post was announced Tuesday by the Toronto Public Library Board. She will be replacing outgoing City Librarian Jane Pyper, who retired from the library earlier this year.

The board conducted a national search for Pyper’s replacement, and eventually chose the 32-year veteran of the library system in Toronto.

East York branches Bowles got her start in the pre-amalgamation North York Public Library system, and after 1998 oversaw the Scarborough and East York branches.

But since 2007, Bowles’ major preoccupation as Director of Collections Management and CityWide Services has been to oversee the growth of Toronto’s electronic book

collection.

In 2009, the e-book circulation was at 180,000.

Now it’s at 3.5 million.

“First the trend was toward the audiobook and then the transition came to ebook,” she said. “It coincided with the increased availability of e-book services, when the Kobo became available and then the Sony e-reader. Once those really became available on the market, we saw a huge increase.”

In her new role, Bowles said she anticipates the electronic collection will continue its growth for another five years until it plateaus. But she is anticipating a strong electronic presence in other areas as well.

She says the new Fort York branch will incorporate various digital services. “People can come to the library to create content, whether through book content – you can do self-publishing – or different kinds of content, where you have a maker fair or a digital innovation hub where peole experiment with new technology like a 3D printer. I think there are so many ways where we can integrate new technology into the library.”

i

For more on Toronto’s libraries, visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca

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Located at the corner of Gerrard & Pape Free Parking.

Celebrate the holidays with Lexus Downtown, where the staff are always willing to go the extra mile. Like the cars themselves, the luxuries the dealership is known for, such as complimentary car washes and concierge services, are of the highest quality. Under the leadership of general manager Christopher Lina, the dealership is approaching its third anniversary on Dec. 19. Lina has been with the Lexus brand since its inception into Canada in 1991, and personally ensures that the dealership exceeds every expectation.

You are invited to come and help celebrate their three-year anniversary in style. Starting on Dec. 19, the dealership will be hosting an anniversary/boxing week event until Dec. 31.

The qualified and friendly staff at Lexus Downtown understand that buying a vehicle is one of the most important decisions you will ever make

and they strive to provide a world-class experience.

Starting with the showroom, the modern three-floor facility showcases the latest Lexus vehicles. With 14 stunning 2015 cars, the main showroom features the compact size Lexus NX 200t SUV, the all-new baby brother to the Lexus RX 350, which continues to be a class leader in the luxury crossover segment. The third floor Hybrid Showroom is a one-ofa-kind experience, unmatched by any dealership in Canada.

The experienced staff are there to help guests with any of the 18 hybrids on display.

If you are in the market for a used car, Lexus Downtown’s climate-controlled upper-basement showroom showcases more than 40 Lexus Certified Pre-Owned cars and SUVS. To qualify for the “Lexus Certified Pre-Owned” designation, a Lexus must undergo numerous relentless mechanical and aes-

thetic inspections, including interior and exterior finishes to ensure the highest level of quality.

Lexusownerscanattestto the exceptionally professional, attentive, courteous service they receive from Lexus Downtown. Aside from the best quality build vehicles, the dealership also provides complimentary loaners cars, and your first and second oil and filter change free of charge. As winter tires are necessary in Canadian winters, tire storage is available, a feature unique to Lexus.

Guests can also attest to the superior service they receive in the service area. All Lexus Downtown technicians are factory-trained with all of the necessary Lexus factory credentials needed to provide the highest level of service to each and every guest. With 14 service bays, and seven technicians on hand, no appoint-

LEXUS DOWNTOWN

ments are necessary and support staff are always on hand to attend to the needs of all guests.

New and Used vehicle departments are open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. To 9 p.m.

And Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. To 6 p.m. The service

Stop by and experience the luxury of Lexus for yourself.

department is open Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m., Fridays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Seasons Greetings and Happy Holidays from the world-class staff at Lexus Downtown.

Lexus Downtown 740 Dundas St. East 416-603-9100 lexusdowntown.ca

R

DECEMBE

19 - 31

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DVP

| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014

Seasons greetings from the staff at Lexus Downtown

9

Follow Us Online

Located at the corner of Gerrard & Pape Free Parking.

10 EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014 |

h e t G e v i G Cho ift of ice!

LIFE STYLE HEALTH CARE

IT’S a Chain Reaction

Inspiring better health

You may already be covered for compression leg wear under your group medical benefit program.

We deal with most insurance companies.

EB GAMES GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE AT ANY AMOUNT!

GERRARD SQUARE

LOCATED ON THE LOWER LEVEL BY THE FOOD COURT

416-465-8350

Visit www.ebgames.ca to shop online

(647) 351-0842

SAVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AT

T-Shirt Gallery Your One Stop Jersey Shop • We Print While-U-Wait Specializing in Screen Printing & Embroidery Toronto Maple Leafs Sizes available: Infant & Children’s Jersey Infant, 2-4 & 4-7 *Free Name & Number with jersey purchase* Tel: (416) 466-8304 • Email: tshirtgallery@ymail.com

Gerrard Square Mall––1000 Gerrard St. E.

www.topcuts.com 416-466-5640 Open 7 days a week –– no appointment needed!

Haircuts Only $16!

APPLE PRODUCTS SOLD HERE iMac Starting at $1099.00 Macbook Air Starting at $949.00

Macbook Pro Starting at $1049.00 iPad Air & Mini at $399.00 Holiday Cards and Invitations

Copy & Print 25% off

• 5” x 7” flat or folded styles Starting at

1 / cards Reg. $1.50

$

HOLIDAY HOURS Monday - Friday

10AM - 9PM 9AM - 9PM

Saturday Sunday

11AM - 6PM

CHRISTMAS EVE Wednesday, December 24 9AM - 6PM

BOXING DAY Friday, December 26 10AM - 9PM

NEW YEAR’S EVE Wednesday, December 31 9AM - 6PM

CHRISTMAS DAY Thursday, December 25 CLOSED

REGULAR MALL HOURS December 27-30

NEW YEAR’S DAY 2015 Thursday, January 1 CLOSED

*Until December 24, 2014

Nature’s Health Food Storewide

15% DISCOUNT

on most remedies and supplements

Bilin Jewellery

*with coupon

December 23 - December 31, 2014

(647) (647) 350-3208 350-3208

Gerrard Square | Tel: (416) 406 - 3999 Fax: (416) 406 - 3944 | natureshealth@bellnet.ca

Follow us on Facebook for your chance to WIN 1 of 24 daily prizes plus a grand prize of

$300 IN MALL GIFT CERTIFICATES! Get your ballot for the grand prize by bringing your Gerrard Square receipt(s) totalling $25 to the Lotto Booth or emailing a photo of your receipt with contact details to matsuguv@davpart.com.

Receipts must be dated from December 1-23, 2014. Limit one per person per week.

10 off %

handbags, wallets, luggage & briefcases

December 11-24, 2014

Tel: (416) 462-0054 HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING December 1 - December 24 ON THE UPPER LEVEL BY TOYS R US All Donations to Frontiers Foundation

GIFT WRAPPING HOURS Monday - Friday Saturday Sunday Christmas Eve

12PM - 9PM 10AM - 9PM 11AM - 6PM 9AM - 6PM

| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014

Persona Bracelets 20% Off* & Beads Skagen Watches 20% Off*

11

EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014 |

12

community

Christmas party at Harmony Hall

Staff photos/DAN PEARCE

CELEBRATION: Left, Helen Peter entertains guests at a seniors Christmas party at Harmony Hall Monday. Above, Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus meet and greet seniors.

East York New Year’s Levee Sunday, January 4, 2015 1-3 p.m.

East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Avenue

Residents of East York are invited to welcome in the New Year with your elected representatives: TDSB Trustee Sheila Cary-Meagher

TDSB TRUSTEE JENNIFER STORY

Councillor Janet Davis

Councillor Mary Fragedakis

Beaches - East York Ward 16

Toronto - Danforth Ward 15

Beaches - East York Ward 31

Toronto - Danforth Ward 29

5050 Yonge St., 5th Floor

5050 Yonge St., 5th Floor

416-395-8413

416-397-3083

100 Queen St. W. Suite C57, Second Floor

100 Queen St. W. Suite C45, Second Floor

trusteesheila.com

sheila.cary-meagher@tdsb.on.ca

jennifer.story@tdsb.on.ca

416-392-4035 JanetDavis.ca

councillor_davis@toronto.ca

MP MATTHEW KELLWAY

MPP Arthur Potts

MP Craig Scott

416-392-4032

maryfragedakis.com

councillor_fragedakis@toronto.ca

MPP Peter Tabuns

Beaches - East York

Beaches - East York

Toronto - Danforth

Toronto - Danforth

155 Main St.

1821 Danforth Ave.

304-741 Broadview Ave.

923 Danforth Ave.

416-690-1032

416-405-8914

apotts.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

craig.scott@parl.gc.ca

416-467-0860

matthewkellway.ndp.ca

matthew.kellway@parl.gc.ca

arthurpotts.onmpp.ca

craigscott.ndp.ca

416-461-0223

petertabuns.ca

tabunsp-co@ndp.on.ca

13

High school hockey

A Chef Owned and Operated Restaurant

1870 Danforth Ave., 416-422-1870 www.melaniesbistro.ca Toronto (West Of Woodbine)

Wishing You All Seasons Greetings

Now taking reservations for a special New Years Eve Dinner

3 Course Prix Fixe Dinner

$28

Tues, Wed & Thurss Tu

Toronto Life calls “this east-end bistro (is) an anomaly in this non-trendy strip of the Danforth” Jan, 2009 BRUNCH SAT-SUN 9:30AM-3PM LUNCH TUES-FRI 11AM-2:30PM DINNER TUES-SUN 5PM ONWARD

Looking for a family doctor?

Staff photo/NICK PERRY

UP THE ICE: Priscilla Stiris moves the puck for East York Collegiate as they face Riverdale Collegiate in girls tier-2 high school hockey at Ted Reeve Arena last Wednesday. East York won 6-4 to extend their perfect record to 3-0. Riverdale fell to 2-1 on the season.

WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Check our website for more details

Your #1 Sewing Superstore THIS THIS HOLIDAY HOLIDAY SEASON SEASON • Save on a HEAVY DUTY SEWING MACHINE from $198 reg. $329 • At Sewing World, All Janome sewing machines have the lowest possible price tags In Ontario!

• All machines come with a 17 year warranty Give your loved one a 4 thread serger from $396 reg. $829 Alterations, sewing classes and sewing machine repairs done on site!

Shopper’s World • Danforth Mall • 3003 Danforth Ave. • 416.699.7119 www.sewingmachine.ca • Open 7 days a week until 8pm Bring in this ad to the sewing machine clinic to receive $15 off any major tune-up for your Sewing or Serger Machine

www.albanyclinic.ca

Call to book an appointment 416-461-9471 Easy subway access at: 807 BROADVIEW AVE (one block north of Broadview subway station)

Let us take YOU out for lunch... your first meal is on us!

Seniors are invited to Diners Club (community dining events).

We host 8 events each month, at lunchtime. We do the driving and the cooking.

YOU do the eating and enjoying!

From January to March 2015, your first lunch is free of charge!

East York Meals on Wheels 416-424-3322 • info@eastyorkmealsonwheels.org • www.eastyorkmealsonwheels.org

| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014

sports

EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014 |

14

Curbside collection changes this Holiday Season There is no curbside recycling/organics/garbage collection on Christmas Day, December 25 and New Year’s Day, January 1. Check your calendar for Thursday and Friday collection schedule changes.

Pan Am Games race routes to focus along Toronto’s lakeshore Pan Am Games race routes to take over Lake Shore Boulevard will provide the backdrop for planned road competitions during next summer’s Pan American and Parapan Am Games.

TO2015, The Toronto Pan Am organizing committee has posted course maps for the Games’ marathon, cycling, race walk, triathlon and Parapan Am cycling race, all of which begin and end on the Lake Shore Boulevard.

With an anticipated audience of 1.4 million expected to watch the Pan Ams in person, organizers say Lake Shore will have to close at times to all traffic during the Games, which take place July 10 to 26 followed by the Parapan Am Games Aug. 7 to 15, in order to allow for the safety of athletes and spectators.

“To ensure a world-class field of play, as well as

the safety of athletes and spectators, the race routes will require road closures at certain times on Lake Shore Boulevard and nearby streets,” a statement posted on the Games’ official website www.toronto2015. org reads.

“The majority of these closures will take place in off-peak travel hours or on weekends to minimize disruptions to traffic, business and residents in the race area.”

The statement, released Monday, also mentions meetings are currently

Recall of meat products sold at Danforth drug store Shoppers Drug Mart is recalling meat products sold between Dec. 12 and 15 at its 1630 Danforth Ave. store in East York.

There is a concern that these products might have broken cold storage requirements and potentially not meet the retailer’s safety standards.

All customers who purchased these meat products are asked to return them to the store at 1630 Danforth Ave., just east of Coxwell Avenue, with or without a receipt.

A full refund will be provided.

Any further questions about the

recall list The following products are being recalled: • From Our Chefs classic sirloin beef roast with best before date of Dec. 28 • From Our Chefs Chinese BBQ pork sirloin with best before date of Dec.31 • From Our Chefs stuffed chicken roast with best before date of Dec. 28. product recall should be directed to the Shoppers Drug Mart’s customer service line at 1-800-746-7737.

taking place to inform businesses along the race routes about the future measures and traffic limitations.

The Games’ committee is also planning to hold a public meeting in the New Year to discuss the Pan Ams’ impact on local traffic.

The Lake Shore is a central artery in the province’s plan to manage traffic during the Toronto Games, part of a 1,500-kilometre network of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes reserved exclusively for Games-goers and personnel.

The Games Route Network will also include the 400-series highways, QEW, Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway.

The province is expected to provide an update on Games traffic planning in the spring.

Arthur Potts

MPP Beaches–East York Come join MPP Arthur Potts and Councillor McMahon for a

New Years Levee

on January 10, 2015 between 2pm–4pm at The Naval Club of Toronto 1910 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON Please call our office for further details.

Constituency Office

1821 Danforth Avenue Toronto M4C 1J2

416.690.1032

arthurpotts.onmpp.ca @apottsmpp

COPD / CHF Sufferers Do you suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Congestive Heart Failure?

Receive weekly or daily support from a nurse in the comfort of your own home.

FUTURE SHOP CORRECTION NOTICE NEWSPAPER RETRACTION FOR THE FUTURE SHOP DECEMBER 12 CORPORATE FLYER In the December 12 flyer, page 8, the Koodo Samsung Galaxy S III 16GB and the Koodo Google Nexus 5 (Web ID: 10233673/ 10304573/ 10276055) were advertised with an incorrect minimum plan requirement.

Please be advised that the $300 Koodo Tab has a $35 minimum plan NOT $29, as previously advertised.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers.

Best Buy CORRECTION NOTICE NEWSPAPER RETRACTION FOR THE BEST BUY DECEMBER 12 CORPORATE FLYER Please be advised that in the December 12 flyer, page 22, the Sony 65" X830B Series 4K UHD Smart 3D Slim LED TV (KDL65X830B) (Web Code: 10294666) that is advertised is not in stock because of a vendor inventory problem.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers.

FUTURE SHOP CORRECTION NOTICE NEWSPAPER RETRACTION FOR THE FUTURE SHOP DECEMBER 12 CORPORATE FLYER In the December 12 flyer, page 19, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 tablet (Web ID: 10246591) was advertised incorrectly. Please be advised that the blue keyboard shown with this product is sold separately and IS NOT included with the purchase of the tablet. Also on page 20, the HP All-In-One PC Featuring AMD Quad-Core A10-7800 APU With AMD Radeon HD Graphics (23-p139) (Web ID: 10323517) was advertised with an incorrect price. This product is $899.99. The HP All-In-One PC Featuring AMD Quad-Core A6-6310 APU With AMD Radeon HD Graphics (23-g209) (Web ID: 10323516) is available for $659.99.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers.

Best Buy CORRECTION NOTICE NEWSPAPER RETRACTION FOR THE BEST BUY DECEMBER 12 CORPORATE FLYER In the December 12 flyer, page 1, the Koodo Samsung Galaxy S III 16GB (Web Code: 10233673/ 10304573) was advertised with an incorrect minimum plan requirement. Please be advised that the $300 Koodo Tab has a $35 minimum plan NOT $29, as previously advertised.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers.

The Toronto Central CCACs Telehomecare program provides support, coaching and regular check-ins. Self-manage your health while experiencing greater independence and comfort.

Telehomecare has been proven to decrease doctor’s office and Emergency Room visits – by over 50%. Take control of your disease today.

FREE.

For more information,

visit www.healthcareathome or call (416)506-9888

15 | EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014

community

transit

Metrolinx approves GO fare hike plus proposed fares for UP Express RAHUL GUPTA rgupta@insidetoronto.com Metrolinx’s board of directors unanimously approved a fare hike for GO Transit during its quarterly meeting recently.

The board also agreed to approve proposed fares for the Union Pearson (UP) Express air rail link that begins running in the spring.

The move to raise GO fares for 2015 means riders with a Presto card will see an average increase of five per cent, starting in February.

Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig justified the increase, the third in the last three years, by pointing to recent service enhancements such as the addition of trains for the Milton corridor.

“We’re providing more choices, which cost us operating dollars, plus we have other costs going up, and I think people will realize in their day-to-day lives that costs go up and we need to manage them.”

Metrolinx board chair Rob She compared UP to the Prichard spoke in defence of tolled Hwy. 407, a premium UP’s fare structure, introduced travel option built with public last week which will cost money that’s out of reach Presto users $19 for a one-way financially for many taxpaytrip between Union Station ers. and Pearson International “To offer a discount for us Airport. only, that’s not respectful at all He compared the cost of to the taxpayers who contribthe premium rail service to uted to this,” she said. other similar services in the York South-Weston MP world.

Mike Sullivan agreed, saying As part of the UP fares decithere’s no way the public will sion, airport employees will recoup an investment of $1.4 pay $10 if they use billion, when more Be a part of the the service, and will than a billion dolhave the option to lars in infrastructure discussion. Visit buy a monthly pass upgrades along the this story on our for $300, which website and share Georgetown South Prichard said your thoughts in GO rail corridor are added to UP’s price would work out the comments to $6.50 a ride if a tag of just over $450 section. federal tax credit million. for transit passes  insidetoronto.com “Metrolinx has is applied. made it clear they’re Airport employee Joyce not intending to recoup the Nakanishi, a flight attendant capital costs, and the public’s with nearly 20 years experinot going to get to ride it,” said ence, said even with the disSullivan. “What kind of transcounted rate she didn’t feel portation system is it that we like she or her colleagues will pay for, and yet it’s designed be able to afford UP. for somebody else?”

comment

EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014 |

16

THE PAN AM GAMES ARE COMING! BE PART OF THE ACTION AND WATCH HISTORY UNFOLD.

July 10–26,2015

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! TORONTO2O15.org/tickets LEAD PARTNER

FUNDING PARTIES BAILLEURS DE FONDS

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6 month program evening classes $1,900 Special 416-800-8281

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DELIVERY POSITION AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES! Reliable delivery people are required immediately for newspaper delivery in your area.

The successful candidates will: Be extremely reliable.

Enjoy working in their community Deliver newspapers door to door throughout East York.

Thursday delivery only.

You must be available to insert and meet our delivery deadlines.

Please call our area representatives if you would like to deliver in one of these areas: M4G, M4H, M4K, M4J Sara Gharachorloo - 416-774-2323 M4B, M4C Tharshini Gopi - 416-774-2318

Classifieds

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Waste Removal

Business Services

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Babies of 2014

Announce the arrival of your new baby, or use this special keepsake to recognize a baby born in the past.

BABIES OF 2014 are scheduled to appear in COLOUR on

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39

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Cars

2007 Hyundai Tucson GL V6 2.7L Automatic Asking $7888 One owner, non-smoker, well maintained, market value more than $9000, plus 4 235/60/16 winter tires with aluminum alloy wheels value $700. 137,800KM. 416-856-3728 Home Renovations

Home Renovations

PET SERVICES BIG YELLOW

Group walks, private walks, cat visits, in-home boarding and puppy training.

Call Wayne 416-527-3090 www.bigyellowdogwalking.com

PLUS

HST

Order a laminated keepsake of your announcement for only $5, 2 for $7 or 3 for $10 plus HST

Baby’s First an d Last Name Daug hter of

(Parents’ Nam es) Born January 1, 2014

Dec. 22, 2014. Please allow extra time for the mail.

Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

TOP CASH For Scrap 416-834-4233.

We pay top cash for your junk car and we tow it away for free.

Appliance Repairs/ Installation

Appliance Repairs/ Installation

Professional Repairs of all brands of:

Refrigeration, Stoves, Dishwashers, Washers, Dryers, Air Conditioning, & Heating.

From home or business, including furniture/ appliances, construction waste.

Cars

$500 loans and more No credit checks 1-877-776-1660 Apply at moneyprovider.com

Dog Walking and Pet Services

PETER’S DEPENDABLE JUNK REMOVAL

416-677-3818 Rock Bottom Rates!

MORTGAGES & LOANS

Wednesday December 31st, 2014

For details and email information please call: 1-800-743-3353

Quick & careful!

Monday to FridaZ BN UP QN r Toll FSFF r FBY For delivery questions, QMFBTF DPOUBDU

This is your opportunity to celebrate ALL BABIES born this year or in the past!

To meet our publishing deadlines, all requests and photos must be submitted no later than Monday,

Waste Removal

| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014

Classifieds

17

Share

your news with family and friends online and in print!

Free Estimates. Warranty, Credit cards accepted. Seniors discount.

416-616-0388

Flooring & Carpeting

Flooring & Carpeting

HARDWOOD FLOOR sanding.

Specializing in stain/ refinishing.

Call for Free Estimate! Reasonable rates. Paul 416-330-1340 pager.

NESO FLOORING

Carpet installation starting from $1.19/ sq.ft. Hardwood, laminate at low prices.

27 yrs experience. Free Estimates. Best Price!

647-400-8198

Plumbing

Plumbing

EMERGENCY?

BUILDER/ GENERAL Contractors LIC# T85-4420956 Residential/ Commercial. Complete Restoration. Finished Basements. Painting.

Bathrooms. Ceramic Tiles. Flat Roofs. Leaking Basements. Brick/ Chimney Repairs. House Additions 905-764-6667, 416-823-5120

Clogged drain, camera inspection, leaky pipes.

Reasonable price. 25 years experience.

Licensed/ Insured, Credit card accepted Free estimate.

James Chen 647-519-9506

CEILINGS REPAIRED. Spray textures, plaster designs, stucco, drywall, paint. We fix them all! www.mrstucco.ca 416-242-8863

RAY PLUMBING Service Repair/ replacement, faucets, sinks, toilets, drains, main valve, leaky pipes, drain cleaning. Licensed and insured.

24/7. 416-880-4151

Real Estate Misc./Services

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1-888-356-5248

Mortgages/Loans

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LARGE FUND --- Borrowers Wanted. Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income. CALL ANYTIME 1-800-814-2578 or 905-361-1153. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

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19

Centennial College students on board charity group’s bus drive TAMARA SHEPHARD tshephard@insidetoronto.com

Staff photo/DAN PEARCE

leasing their new $70,000, 25-seat airport-like shuttle bus for $1,000 a month.

“It’s disappointing,” Derek Reid said of the contest. “But we’ve built strong relationships with Centennial College.

I know the students and their professor will give us strong ideas for next year.”

Recently, Centennial College community and justice services students, aided by their professor Shelley

Upshaw, presented the Reids a $5,000 cheque from their It Takes a Village fundraising initiative for FEAT. Students built a FEAT donation page at www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/featfor-children/ that has raised $4,550 to date. Centennial students also voted en masse for FEAT on the Aviva contest website.

Every Saturday and Sunday at 7 a.m., the Reids and their

YOUR Weekly Crossword

“

... we’ve built a strong relationship with Centennial College.

– Derek Reid

bus leave Franklin Horner Community Centre in south Etobicoke for a 12-hour or longer journey beginning at three family pickup locations, primarily Dufferin Street and Lawrence Avenue West and Markham Road and Progress Avenue, and also at York Mills TTC Station.

The bus transports 50 mostly mothers and children each weekend, 2,500 people per year, sometimes as far as 200 kilometres. Trips to one of six Kingston prisons cost $40; to Warkworth prison is $30.

Otherwise, the run would cost well over $100, well out of reach of many families, Reid said.

But the Reids aren’t dissuaded by funding challenges.

Derek Reid confirmed they

will apply to the Aviva fund again next year, perhaps for program funding, to purchase another vehicle or for capital funding.

In the meantime, Reid said they have “many irons in the fire” to attract funding to pay the outstanding $40,000 owed on their bus.

A FEAT funding application is in to the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Reid continues to outreach to Rotary clubs “from Toronto to Kingston) to attract funding.

A lawyer in Kingston is currently assessing an opportunity to make FEAT the recipient of a lawyers association’s annual fall boat cruise fundraiser, which brings in between $20,000 and $30,000, Reid said.

Jessica plans again to walk 270 kilometres from Toronto to Kingston to raise funds.

Her recent walk over eight days raised about $16,000.

Media coverage is also fueling donations.

Metroland Media Toronto, the publisher of this paper,

a n d i t s we b s i t e, w w w. insidetoronto.com, have published articles on FEAT, as has the Toronto Star.

CBC’s W5 aired a story that followed a visiting family inside the former Fernbrook medium-security federal prison on a visit in a parolehearing room.

CBC’s The National will soon broadcast a story on FEAT that interviewed a family of two sons, a mom and a common-law partner on the bus, and followed them inside Warkworth prison for a visit with their dad, son and partner, Reid said.

“It’s the first time we know of that a camera has gone inside a federal institution and filmed inside an actual visitation room,” he said.

“We’re hoping it leads to some donations.”

However, the Reids remain focused on their work to help and support the children.

i

For more information, visit http://www.featforchildren. org/

Sudoku (MODERATE)

How to do it: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column,

last week’s answers

diversions

A father-daughter duo that transports Toronto families to visit loved ones in prison in Kingston and Campbellford did not win their new bus in an online charitable fund contest.

F E AT ( Fo s t e r i n g , Empowering, Advocating Together) for Children of Incarcerated Parents is not a finalist in its third bid for funding with the Aviva Community Fund contest, which receives entries from organizations with ideas to “create positive change in their community”.

But that hasn’t put the brakes on Jessica and Derek Reid’s work.

This weekend, the pair plans to rent an additional van or two to take as many children as possible before Christmas to visit their dads in Warkworth medium-security prison in Campbellford, Ont. At present, the Reids are

Centennial College community and justice services program student Ian Grant sings a tune during the donation ceremony held recently at the school’s Progress campus to benefit Fostering, Empowering, Advocating, Together (FEAT) for Children.

w See answers to this week’s

puzzles in next Thursday’s edition

| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014

community

EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 18, 2014 |

20

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