"Poverty: It's A Trap!" on International Day to Eradicate Poverty

 

This year, the Peer Connections Committee at Poverty Talks! presents "Poverty: It's a Trap!" as part of International Day to Eradicate Poverty 2021.

The United Nations has marked October 17th as the International Day to Eradicate Poverty, and the month of October is "End Poverty Month" in Calgary. Every year Poverty Talks! hosts an event to give voice to those experiencing and affected by poverty, and to give people an opportunity to learn about the challenges people experiencing face.

Due to ongoing challenges that come with the rise of the global pandemic, this year's event will be held online.

To register for the event, please click here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@povertytalksyyc.org

Our Participants and Organizers

Crystal

Crystal is a 36-year-old mother of two. She runs a private day home, and has been doing so for 9 years. She loves to do gardening in her spare time, to share with her friends, family and neighbors. She is the chair of her daughter’s school council, as well as a member of Peer Connections. She also volunteers a lot of her time in her community. Most recently they had a paint event. Where members of her community came and painted the boards that surround their rink. Now their community can see their personal artwork everyday!

Nigel

Nigel has lived in Calgary his whole life. He became involved in poverty reduction and human rights for the homeless activism while living on the streets, where he spent ten years. He co-founded Calgary's Homeless Memorial, and considers that work what he's most proud of. He also loves anime, Nintendo games, and professional wrestling. He now lives in Bowness, and has two cats, named Nao and Luna, named after cats in anime.

Doni

Donilba (Doni) is an experienced educator and community service worker from Venezuela, who emigrated to Canada 7 years ago. She recently joined the EmpowerMe Corporation team in a part time basis, as an Energy Community Mentor. She is a passionate communicator that uses her skills to build long lasting, meaningful client relationships to deliver community/client services. Back home, Doni was a professor and besides her professional teaching and academic work at graduate studies for over 10 years, she provided professional training, support services to government and community entities. Doni holds a master’s degree in Education from McGill University in Montreal and a diploma in Community Services from the Academy of Learning in Calgary. 

Bev

Many do not realize how much they should appreciate everyday tasks such as having a shower. For those who don’t have access to running water, taking a shower is next to impossible. However, Bev has helped create this challenge into a manageable task. As team lead for Soaps and Suds, she helps this program provide free showers for those in poverty. Not only does she help provide the small task of keeping clean, but Bev also helps provide food for those who are in need through volunteering with resident PLEX. This program provides homelessness with free food pantries. Bev understands that small everyday things, such as showering and having food on the table, are so important to everyone and that there are people who are unable to do this. She also helps pass these values onto younger generations such as with her great-granddaughter, with whom she spends a lot of time. 

Brad

Brad is 69 years old and has been a disability advocate for over 30 years! He advocates for decent AISH payments, more jobs for the disabled, low-income transit, and more housing for the homeless. He also advocates for better Alberta Works and any other disability and poverty concerns people may have. Seniors are also a concern. 

Grace

As team lead for Resident PLEX, Grace has done incredible work with helping families or those in need. These free food pantries may be little but they make a huge difference for those who struggle to get food. Helping at Soaps and Suds is another commitment Grace has made that helps others. She understands such tasks like having a shower can be a huge task for some. Grace has also put much time and hard work with various volunteer work in the greater Forest Lawn area in Calgary. She loves to lend a hand where ever and whenever she is needed. Other then volunteer work, Grace spends her time enjoying many outdoor activities.

Josie

Josie is a 53 year old indigenous woman. She is a daughter, sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother. She loves to cook and do arts and crafts with her grandkids alot. She helps all her friends with their kids as well. She really enjoys shopping and going for walks with her babygirl (dog).

Maria

One word to describe Maria is inspiring. Immigrated from Greece, Maria has had strong empathy towards those in need. Her personal story of coming to Canada to pursue a better life influences her strong will to make a difference for others. As the founder of Maria’s Food and Pantry Assistance, Maria has helped many who have struggled to put food on the table. Not only does she have an outside food pantry, but Maria has also expanded to provide a multicultural library and a future freezer. Being involved with the Community Neighbor shows Maria’s strong love for family and communities. Maria welcomes strangers with open arms and is dedicated to helping those in need, no matter what. The special bonds Maria has made turns many strangers into neighbours, no matter what community they are from. Maria is supported by a lovely family, although she is like a mother to those who have been fortunate enough to cross her path.