British Columbia has the highest child poverty in Canada…again…or as usual?
British Columbia had the highest child poverty rate in Canada for the sixth year in a row in 2007, according to a child poverty report card released this week. The provincial report, released along with a national study, marks the 20th anniversary of the Canadian parliament’s unanimous vote to end child poverty by the year 2000.
“Both the federal and BC governments are guilty of ignoring the research evidence, the public desire for action and the proven solutions” in dealing with child and family poverty, the report card states. The result is that in future, society will experience rising costs in health care, criminal justice, and education services. (more…)
Island singer-songwriters Bobbi Schram, Jerry Paquette, Island Hue, Brian Hazelbower, and Alyse Paquette have gathered their considerable talents for a special fundraising concert in Nanaimo this Friday, November 20th. The Benefits of Song will raise much-needed funds for the 7-10 Club, which offers hot breakfast to the needy on weekdays.
On our program this week, we focus on three initiatives that have persevered and emerged with new locations, services, and/or facilities—and a shared “new lease on life”. Join us for our discussion with leaders from three Nanaimo people-focused organizations… 
Former flower beds at Nanaimo’s city hall and at Beban Park have been turned into vegetable gardens to promote the local food movement. Three partners are involved in the demonstration projects. “This is a huge recognition of the importance of food and it will help move our community toward being self-sufficient,” Jessica Snider, executive director of Nanaimo’s Community Gardens Society, told the Nanaimo Daily News. 
Local frontline services are under increasing demand or are experiencing specific challenges. We’ve convened a frontline services roundtable to explore and update recent events ranging from the reported closing of a Salvation Army lunch program to reports that VIHA will be unable to fund support programs at the Balmoral Hotel building redevelopment. 
Food banks are bringing new meaning to the phrase “run on the bank” as demand for food support rises while—in some areas—donations aren’t rising. We talk about food banks and their campaigns and what they are seeing on the frontlines. 