A Lemon's Manifesto

As the year draws to a close, I wanted to share some thoughts for a future we can all believe in... The following words are mine, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of anyone else - but, my guess is that we're not all that different.

I believe…

I believe we borrow the earth from our children; we do not inherit it from our ancestors. As such, I believe that our role – in our short time here – is to make the world a better place.

I believe in the ripple effect. If we focus positive energy in our own lives, neighbourhoods, social circles, and workplaces, that energy will ripple outwards. I also believe in the butterfly effect – the theory that a single flap of a butterfly’s wings can impact the winds worlds away. Small positive actions every day can create large-scale positive changes in the world – tomorrow, and for years to come.

I believe that everyone is accountable for their actions. There are enough guideposts in this world, whether in public, in one’s mind and heart, or in one’s immediate environment, to separate the good from the bad.

I believe that right and wrong are subjective – that good and bad are not. Good and bad are guided by morals. Being good means not hurting others – physically, emotionally or mentally. And no excuse can be made for not understanding when you are hurt, or when you hurt someone. Right or wrong are directed by societal law, and therefore change based on history, culture, religion or geographic location. This means that, depending on your timestamp in history and your location in the world, right and wrong can change… but, good and bad never will.

I believe that everyone is a role model. I believe that celebrities - musicians, singers, actors, athletes, politicians, and everyone in the public light ARE role models! Children (those we borrow the earth from) are watching, learning, growing and repeating. Role models who choose bad actions, independent of their inner emotions towards those actions (such as guilt) are demonstrating that bad is OK. And, it is not. Children cannot see what you feel, and rarely understand consequence. They are seeing the stardom and fame upon you. Act (don’t react) accordingly.

I believe that those who shape the environment influence perceptions and paradigms. If you are in marketing, in public relations, in communications, in any position where your output is visible – you have a role to play. Every news report, every billboard, every message influences people. Create a better world.

I believe that justice, in terms of protecting the good from the bad, trumps mercy – as hard as that may be. And, I do not claim any ability to make this happen, though I’ve never been in the position to choose.

I believe that all human beings are created equal – with 78 organs, 206 bones, flesh, blood, a heart and a brain. I believe that perceptions are shaped by others, and that it is often within these perceptions that hatred is born. I believe that hatred is the root of bad.

I believe that sometimes, symbols are created to cover up “bad”, but that the symbols unto themselves are “good”. And, I believe that sometimes, humanity needs these symbols. I believe that if humanity – unanimously – finds strength in these symbols, and what they stand for, the world can be a better place, and the “bad” will be removed.

Finally, I believe that we are each, individually responsible for a better planet, a better world and a better future for our children.

What do you believe?

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade...

Homeless Push: 12 for 12K - Make an impact in your community

We are now 2 days into the 12 for 12K Homeless Push. The premise: take the 12 days before Christmas, and do a little “sumthin’ sumthin’” to help the homeless in your community. This shouldn’t be too difficult – it’s the month (and weeks) of the year where everyone is facilitating your ability to participate. So, I encourage you to do so…

1/ Register with the 12 for 12K community and share what you, your friends, your family, your colleagues are doing.

2/ Think beyond a monetary donation. Money is great – it helps a lot of the organizations run, but people who are homeless could use things made easy. Take a look at some of the suggestions put forward at 12 for 12K blog. (My personal favourite: the bake-off! Who would not like some home-baked cookies? You could even cheat and get some Pillsbury Holiday Cookies - mmm.)

3/ Go beyond what you would have usually done… Let’s face it, it’s the Holiday season. Every year, at the very least, you dig out one can of soup from your pantry and donate it to some food drive, somewhere. So, this year – can you do a little bit more?

Why? Let’s start by stating that the economy of the past couple of years has put an incredible strain on all our services for the homeless and the “less fortunate”. Canada’s unemployment rate is 8.5%, and although the economy appears to be turning around, the reality is that most of the indicators are still below 2008 levels. This is not good – and this also means that the “homeless population” in Canada has new residents…

What does this mean for my ‘hood? Let me try to provide some insight from a GTA (Greater Toronto Area) perspective:

• First, scroll to the bottom of this article and you will see that food banks and all major communities in Ontario have seen significant increases in use!
• Each year, an estimated 50 young women with no permanent home give birth at St. Michael’s Hospital in downtown Toronto. (National Post, November 09)
• From a CBC News Report (granted from 2004 – though I’m not sure things have gotten better):

Estimates of the number of homeless in Toronto range from 60,000 to 70,000. But advocates for the homeless say those numbers are low because they are based on shelter use and don't take into account those who live in parks or encampments, such as Tent City.

A planned census of Toronto's homeless was put on hold after advocates said street people were afraid the count would reveal their hiding places and make them vulnerable to eviction.

Now, I‘m a firm believer in the ripple effect… make changes immediately around you, and those changes will ripple out – like throwing a stone in the water. I also believe that if we can make a positive impact on youth today, we can make a difference for tomorrow. In light of this and what we are trying to do with 12 for 12K this December, you may want to get to know these shelters:

• Covenant House
• Eva’s Initiatives

On that note – check out 12 for 12K, and let them know Chief Lemonhead sent you…

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

Challenge: let's get the books to Tanzania

So, we are trying to get 350 books to Arusha, Tanzania for the students of Shepherds Junior. Why, you ask? Well, between November 24 & 26 - in 48 hours - a global online community participated in an event named: Tweetsgiving. In the first 3 hours of the event, we raised over $10K for the school... and we managed, throughout the event, to generate enough to build a cafeteria for Shepherds Junior.

Prior to the event, I had the luxury of watching a streaming video with Mama Lucy (@MamaLucy, Lucy Kamptoni), the founder of the school. She spoke of the hope this school brought to Arusha, to the kids, to the families. She explained some of the struggles - few of which we could imagine. One mention that truly inspired me was the need to read...

I had such an amazing time participating in the Tweetsgiving challenge and learning. I rallied up some friends who are authors to donate some books to the students. We will have 350 copies of the book "The Circle" shipped to Tanzania (from Toronto, Canada).

Now, I have a challenge...

The shipment of these books will cost approx $750. That doesn't include insurance and taxes for the shipment.

I've set a target of $1000 so that we can cover the costs. If there are any funds left, I will donate them to December's 12for12K charity (fighting homelessness).

I hope you guys can help! If you'd like to... simply click "Chip In" right here.



Thanks so much!

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

Let's make a difference today... be thankful!

Today is a special day: It is the launch of #Tweetsgiving. For the next 48 hours (well, minus a few at the time of this post), people all over the world are online sharing their stories of gratitude. This isn’t about throwing money at a problem – this is about affecting real change, for real people! The topic: how education can restore hope to achieve dreams. For anyone who’s read some posts from the Lemontree in the past, this is a refrain you’ve heard before... It is a deep rooted belief for me, and one I’m more than happy to support!

In light of the day, I thought it would be appropriate to reintroduce Nichole – my inspiration for this blog – and share her recent successes, hopes and dreams, all of which I have no doubt will become a reality.

Nichole’s past is one of those pasts you’ve seen in movies: small town USA, surrounded by issues of alcohol and drugs, a broken family, and a vicious circle. There were days when there was more beer in the fridge than there was food; days where mustard sandwiches were lunch... and dinner; and days where going to school would have been too embarrassing because of dirty clothes half washed in dish detergent. Not to mention – empty gas tanks which genuinely don’t get you very far if you even wanted to get to work!

Nichole dropped out of high school in grade 10. Now, in light of the particular subject of #
tweetsgiving, you might think – well, why didn’t you just seize the opportunity? Here’s the thing – and I think it’s hard for many of us to deny: those influential teenage years are the worse. Peer pressure, teasing, bullying – if you’re not “in”, you’re “out”. So, I ask you, is a teenager in the following situation “in” or “out”? Imagine living in a home where you might be too embarrassed to bring your friends home because you’re not sure if your mom will be sober or drunk. Imagine needing to wash your clothes in dish detergent. Imagine – no toilet paper. Like I said, if you’re not “in”, you’re “out”... and this kid was “out”.

Wait, what was that? You wonder why this family didn’t have government support? Well, they did! But, there’s a little problem with that. Food stamps – now it’s a “food card” – are what this family got. Great, right? No, not exactly; thing is, food stamps only pay for food! No shampoo, no soap, no socks – you get the picture. There was also some support from the county, but this is usually minimal. And, what always strikes me as bizarre is that so many “programs” are aimed at throwing money without coaching, without support. How can people who have never had support understand how to make their lives better without help?

So, here’s a teenage girl in the US mid-west who is surrounded by grown-ups who have lost hope, and who wonders if hope is even worth it. I recall Nichole telling me that, at some point in her life – and she couldn’t quite recall when – she had decided not to “want” anything because she never got it anyways. Can you imagine!? Think of yourself right now, how close we are to the Holidays... You must want something for Christmas or Hannukah or Kwanzaa (or whatever you are celebrating). Half the fun is the wanting, and wondering. Could you imagine if year after year, it was always capped off with: nothing! And, no – I am not suggesting the meaning of the Holidays is to receive gifts, but I recognize the reality that children live in. And, if as soon as their wishes are made, they’re just as soon destroyed... maybe they wonder if wishing, hoping, dreaming is even worth it.

Hope... lost. Education... lost. Dreams... unlikely.

It’s now been 7 years (give or take) since I’ve met Nichole... I have no hesitation saying that my life changed when I did.

I never understood how blessed I was to have a life where I had everything I ever needed – and more! When I talk with Nichole, I think of how lucky I am. I grew up in a place where hopes & dreams were encouraged, supported. I finished high school, and went on to University because I loved school... because I was taught that if you go to school and always learn and always grow, you will be able to be the master of your destiny and good things will happen... and they have, including meeting Nichole.

Today, Nichole is living in Canada. She went back to school, at the age of 27, to finish her high school diploma, and did so with honours! With support and encouragement, Nichole embraced her passion for photography. She created her own, very small, online portfolio of fantastic imagery that she likes to share with friends and family, and their networks. She is also planning to return to college for a paralegal education, knowing deep within herself now, that she has the ability to transform lives because she transformed her own. Nichole is driven by her past to change herself, affect her family and change the world "one ripple at a time"... She believes that if she changes what she can, immediately around her, the ripples will go out, in perpetuity, like they do on water.

To this day, Nichole accepts that her story needs to be heard, but she is still not ready to “be the face”. Not to worry, Nichole is 100% participating and committed to supporting the
Tweetsgiving event. In fact, many of you have been chatting with her already. When she is ready, I will make “live” introductions.

In the meantime... Nichole and I are both grateful for the opportunity to share her story, and show how support can translate to hope which can translate to education and create a circle of positivity. That’s what #Tweetsgiving is all about.

Thanks to Danny Brown for introducing me to Tweetsgiving... Let’s make a difference, today!

Would love to hear your comments. Wherever you post them: here or on twitter – include the #tweetsgiving tag.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade...

Lest we forget

I am one of THOSE people. One of the cheesy people who, on a day like Remembrance Day, tries to learn one more piece of history (usually Canadian, because I am) about what war time(s) was (were) like – and, in particular WWI and WWII.

Personally, my family tree was touched by the war – as, essentially, everyone’s was. My grandparents were Eastern European Jews who left before it got crazy, but none-the-less, who I’m sure saw more and heard more than they wanted to hear and see. My grandfather, while in Canada, even enlisted to go to the front in WWII, but was refused due to the results of his physical. He was quite saddened by this – noting that some of his friends would go, many would never come back, and he would not have the chance to be by their side. (Though, selfishly, I must admit, I’m glad he didn’t...)

In the spring of 2000, I met Grant McCrae – son of John (

In Flander’s Field), and one of the pioneers of the Memory Project. It was a real honour to meet Grant and hear some of his stories. I recall Grant telling me about leading his team on a reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines, over Germany. They were shot down and taken prisoner. Yes – Grant was a POW; and a lucky one – he’s alive today to tell his story. When we met, Canada’s “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” was announced, and would soon be placed alongside the Cenotaph in Ottawa, ON (at Elgin and Wellington). Grant was going to be present at the arrival of the soldier. He said: “When we were shot down, it was the last time I saw my best friend; this soldier will represent him for me.” (Yes, there were tears.)

Today, though we still fight wars to protect freedoms, we always remember on the 11th day of the 11th month, at the 11th hour. We remember brave men and women who died to protect our freedoms, and the freedoms taken away from others. Lest we forget.

We were given a gift – at a time when most of us were not even born yet... I know it’s corny to quote a movie, but those of you who may remember part of the closing scene in

Saving Private Ryan; let’s earn it.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Back 2 school: Some kids have more challenges

I felt it would be appropriate, on the eve of the real end to the summer, when tomorrow will be the day that all kids are back in school, I post a little post.

In today’s Toronto Star, we are reminded that so many children – right here in our own neighbourhoods, let alone backyards – are struggling to have a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. The article introduces us to a few children in the area: Tyler, Rylee and Miguel, all of whom are faced with challenges, sourced from different reasons, for not having a home.

Those of you who have followed the blog (though some of you may be new – check older posts) will remember a few different times where I’ve suggested you imagine the life… Imagine being a 12-year old boy (influential), going to your ninth school (no stability), and not having a desk or quiet place to do homework in (no security). This scenario doesn’t even include Tyler’s opportunity (or rather, lack thereof) to partake in normal extra-curricular activities like, say, soccer or swimming (no social life structure). I must admit, as I read this, despite the difficulties this family is facing, I had to applaud Tyler’s father for having the sense to say that he would take his son to a library or café to allow him the place he needs to do his homework.

I have, on a number of occasions throughout this blog, offered that access to education is a pivotal key to the reduction of poverty and homelessness. I genuinely believe this! These children who get tossed around from school to school because their family can’t find stability are in a very precarious situation. I will not condone the actions of “grown-ups” who make their choices, but when there are children involved, we must find a way to provide the support needed to give these kids a chance to not repeat the mistakes of their parents – or their parents’ parents. Often times, the “grown-ups” we see in these types of situations were once children like Tyler.

I am absolutely NOT suggesting that every “Tyler” grows up to make these mistakes. But if his family and the assistance programmers cannot come together to give him the educational opportunity and support he needs to get his chance, then how can we turn a blind eye and say “it was all your fault, Tyler” when he doesn’t grow up to be say a stand-up young man?

There are as many ways as you can dream of to help these children: from donating school supplies, to providing breakfasts and lunches, to volunteering with local shelters and support groups. Do we all need to do something? Well, I guess not… But, then I would also suggest that those of us who do nothing should not judge the results of inaction.

Schoolyard bullies affecting us all!

16 days and counting... that’s how long the strike’s been going on in Toronto, ON.

A quick synopsis: approximately 24,000 city workers walked off the job in Toronto, on June 22nd. You can get a highlight of this strike and why it happened here.

So, why are we reading about this strike here on the Lemon Tree? Well, let me explain... This strike affects the people living in poverty in this city. It is horrible! Here is an article (from the Toronto Star) indicating some of the issues. And, we can see that Ontario’s fearless Premier doesn’t seem to be quick to want to fix issues! How ‘bout putting your money where your mouth is, Dalton?

The most disgusting fact I read here: a caseworker making $33/hr, whose responsibility – among others – is to help restructure the Ontario Works program and support his or her clients, is on strike for the permission to bank 18 sick days until retirement. Now, I am not in a position where I require the services of said caseworker, but I am pretty sure that this caseworker probably doesn’t quite understand the needs of the people he/she is trying to help! Sick... (Oh, wait – maybe you can use a sick day for that!)

To be fair: there are people who have been pushed into the strike because the jobs they got were unionized. And, many of these people (although the unions suggest it’s only a meagre 2% of their strikers) want to go back to work. Strike pay doesn’t cut it in a city like Toronto when you have kids and need to pay for food and shelter. These guys are going to cause their members to end up needing the caseworker!

What I mention above is just about the strike itself, and the impact on workers and people on social services. Now, don’t forget the homeless! It’s horrible enough to think of living a life without shelter or without knowing whether or not you’ll have food for dinner. How about living in a city where the garbage is piling up, and up, and up?

And, this isn’t only happening in Toronto! Windsor city workers have been on strike for 17 weeks. The people of Windsor are being battered left, right and centre. I am afraid to think of the conditions, the increased need for foodbanks and shelters.

Peeps: We are in the midst of an economic crisis. Governments, world-wide, are trying and trying to make this madness stop so people can have a normal life. A strike, in this climate, for these reasons – GET REAL! These actions are going to contribute to increased pressures on social services because so many people will fall short – including those on strike. Snap out of it!

(Please note: Chief Lemonhead is not angry with people who have a unionized job, because that is their job. Chief Lemonhead is angry with the UNIONS and they way they work. Unions probably go by: let’s hit ‘em while they’re down so they’ll have to give us what we want. Unions sound like schoolyard bullies to me!)

When life gives you lemon, play!

A friend of mine recently introduced me to a phenomenal organization: KaBOOM! KaBOOM is based on the belief that every child has the right to play, and has the right to have easy access to a safe place to play.

Play is a huge contributor to how kids learn. It is said that anyone at play (at real play) can learn skills like: creativity, problem solving, collaboration. And, I don't think anyone would argue that play also brings laughter and joy!

Children in underprivileged neighbourhoods are often not motivated to play. Parents might keep children inside in order to protect them from the environment. Basically, play has changed a lot over the years. KaBOOM wants to bring real play back into the lives of so many children - and I applaud them!

You'll notice, as you visit their site, that many large corporations and sponsors will work through KaBOOM to provide these awesome play areas for children across North America. But, I also suggest we note that although some sponsorship might be required (re: materials and such), you don't have to be a corporation to build a playground!

If anyone is interested in working on one of these in the GTA, let me know... One Lemonhead cannot go it alone. I can connect with KaBOOM and get info. Could be a cool summer project.

On that note - get out and play!

Chief Lemonhead

Don River Trails - A home for the homeless

I just had a colleague of mine in my office, and we were both chatting about a shared passion for trail riding. Yup - hopping onto a pretty darn cool 2-wheel, human powered trail/mountain bike and tearing the terrain up!

He mentioned that one of Toronto's neatest spots would be the Don River trails - an urban oasis for hikers and mountain bikers. What he also mentioned is that, if you go at certain times of the day - dusk, really - you will see that the Don River trails also host some of Toronto's homeless.

These people live under the bridges, on the trails, by the river. Some take their daily baths in the river, some start fires and cook what they found (or fished) during the day. And, though to us, it sounds like a summertime camping perfect picture, it is not for these people... it is their life.

It reminded me that, the summer is an easy time for us to help out... We may feel - perhaps - more guilty or more touched by the plight of the homeless in the winter. Of course, the cold - the biting Canadian cold - will do that to your psyche. But, in the summer - we have a bigger window for opportunity.

When I was lifeguarding (years ago), one of the important things to remember about triage was that you should help those people who had injuries which were quick to resolve so that you could make the biggest impact in the shortest amount of time.

So, in the summer... since you're likely to be out on these trails (or any trails) anyways, why not pack an extra sandwich, or loaf of bread? I still firmly believe that the solution to homelessness and poverty overall is to provide education and hope - but, it's hard to learn on an empty stomach, and harder to have the will to learn when you're daily fight is to get food.

So, if you're on the Don River trails this summer... can you make a difference?

Global high tech treasure hunt

I thought I would introduce you to one of my new (well, almost new: been at it about 3 months now) favourite pastimes: Geocaching.

According to Geocaching.com:

“Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea it to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people of all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.”

If you have a GPS unit and if you enjoy the outdoors – this can add a little twist to your hikes. It’s also an amazing game to encourage the kids to get out of the house. Some people say their kids even feel like they’re playing video games!

Basically, you can participate at Geocaching.com (there are other sites, but this is the most comprehensive) by creating a free profile. Once you have your free membership (no catch, honest), you can find Geocaches located near you, or on your route to wherever you plan to hike or travel. The fun part: the directions to the cache are given only in longitude and latitude. Once you get to the coordinates, you usually need to look a little since the cache is hidden, often in clever ways. And, you should also note that a second of longitude or latitude could be approximately 15m in distance (see Greaterskies).

In short: geocaching gets you out, adds a twist to your hike, takes you to some pretty cool historical or geographical locations, shares great stories with a world-wide community and teaches some pretty neat stuff!

Some of our highlights include:

• Discovering one of Toronto’s oldest cemeteries between the 427 & 401: GCH6KC,


• Finding a travelbug from the Czech Republic, right here in Canada, and


• Hiding our very own cache for other’s to find in Lex’s favourite dog park! (FYI: Lex is our 2 year-old super pup; cross Shepherd/Rottie.)

If you join the game, we’re the Lemonheads… feel free to find us at Geocaching.com.

The Lemontree branches out

First and foremost, I want to wish all the “Mommy Lemonheads” out there a very happy Mother’s Day. I know a few expecting moms and one, in particular, who just had her 2nd baby this weekend – and, I wish each of them all the serenity this day encompasses.

Secondly, I thought I’d take this day to announce that: the Lemontree is no longer a one-trick pony. Without a doubt, the focus on philanthropy will always remain on the cause of poverty across North America. And, without a doubt, my firm belief remains that a critical key to the solution is access to education – and therefore, opportunity & hope. However…

When I started this blog, right from the first post, I mentioned how remiss I would be if I did not get a chance to engage in this amazing opportunity of creating dialogue (if not world-wide, at least) nation-wide, and hopefully continent-wide. What I’ve also come to realize in the past few months is that a blog, like all other online communications media, demand a good dose of spontaneity – to allow others to access instant thoughts and opinions. I’ve found myself looking for stories on the blog’s core topic; which unto itself is not a bad thing, but then really removes the “spontaneity”. Therefore…

From today onwards, the Lemontree is branching out. By nature, I will always be sure to highlight issues and victories as I see them in the realm of poverty across North America. I invite you to share them with me and together, we can bring important issues to the forefront. But, the Lemontree will branch out to also talk about a multitude of activities and issues – always striving to “make lemonade”.

I will start sharing on all sorts of topics: fun, funny, and inspiring (to me). I hope that the continuation (and slight twist) of the Lemontree will continue to interest you… This shift may cause more frequent blogging. :-)

For the record, it appears we have a consistent average of over 200 readers. Perhaps with the expansion of subjects, we can reach higher?

Thanks to all the Lemonhead readers, and looking forward to a great warmer season of blogging with you.

Lemontree links: Clarifying poverty definitions

“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”

Nelson Mandela

It was brought to my attention that, what one person may consider poverty may be a fairly good living to someone else... and vice versa. Homelessness, for example, can be considered strictly by what it says “home-less” as in without a home, without a roof; living on the streets or in a shelter. But, there are many who are considered “hidden homeless” – those couch surfers (who are not couch surfing by choice) or those who sleep in their cars and shower at the Y. So – what is “homelessness” to you?

To help you, Lemonhead friends, here are a couple of Websites that can help us understand. If we understand and internalize our definitions, we will be able to focus our actions to make a real difference!

Previously known as the National Anti-poverty Organization,

Canada without poverty has a goal: to eradicate poverty from Canada by 2020. Their Websites helps shed some definitions around what poverty really means. South of the 49th (parallel), a fantastic blog: Poverty in America provides some clarity in definition and food for thought on actions and questions to ask.

For me – poverty starts from the notion that opportunity has been removed from a person’s realm of possibility. If someone has lost their hope, or their ability to see opportunity; or – if someone truly doesn’t have plausible opportunity, then this is poverty. Let’s be clear: I am referring here to the opportunity of accessing a better life, not buying a bigger boat!

I would like to make it my goal to help people restore the ability to see opportunity. It’s there, it needs to be seen, and then – opportunity needs to be seized.

Spritzer: Share your passion!

So, as is usual when I am looking for a specific highlight for the Lemontree, I tend to do a little research. I completely realize that, on some level, the notion of research for a blog defeats the spontaneity of the tool, but I like to back up my opinions... Today is no different! In keeping with my previous post on the Olympics, and my desire to showcase Vancouver – and the Tale of Two Cities – I chose to take a look through the various events going on in Vancouver. My goal was to highlight events specifically focused on raising awareness around the issue of, of course, poverty. Now – hold the phone!

Feel free to use my

Google Search: Summer events, Vancouver, BC. Over 28 million results... Crazy! So, I started looking through them: arts, sports, music, charities, environmental issues – you name it, there’s an event for it. I suppose that’s not really a surprise – apparently, every day is a day for something. (Apparently today, May 1, is May Day – celebrating the “real labour day” in many parts of the world.) But, back to the events... here’s what got me thinking. None of them (well, maybe some) are incredibly expensive to get into, and many are free!

I started thinking about various previous posts. I believe, and it has been demonstrated, that when you find your passion – you learn about it, and learn how to apply it, you have a chance to make a difference in your own life, and maybe even in someone else’s. Yes; this blog is about poverty, and shedding some light on it. It’s also about sharing my views on how we can try and stop the bleeding, particularly in North America. We live in a place so rich in opportunity; built on the notion of “dreams”, “free society” and “opportunity”. Do I sound like a broken record yet? Share it!! I believe we need to provide everyone with equal opportunity to explore what they are passionate about and give them hope & a chance to develop that passion into something they can make a living out of.

So, this summer – let’s call this a Spritzer of hope... If you are going to a festival, event or other shindig. If you cross paths with someone less fortunate than you who might demonstrate some sort of interest in whatever “thing” you are going to see/watch/do. Maybe, just maybe, there’s some way you can share the opportunity, share a little hope...

A Lemonhead... Torn

This post will be a little different than the norm... Let me explain:

To those of you who know me, it comes as no surprise that I am a genuine believer in the spirit of the Olympics. The notion of fair play; of bringing international athletes together. A stage where citizens of nations at war would join in friendly competition, and could very well stand atop a podium together. An event meant to inspire and bring hope… In all of this – I believe.

The stage for the 2010 Winter Olympics: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. For me, this is an incredible opportunity for our country to put itself back on the map. Olympic aficionados have stated that the Calgary (1988) Olympics were one of the best Winter Games in modern history, and we get to do it again! I see this as an opportunity for the city of Vancouver – to get funding, to promote itself, to create jobs.

But... this is one opinion. And there are others. So, I must be an equal opportunity blogger and showcase how some people may feel that the Games of the XXI Winter Olympiad might not generate the opportunities they could to a beautiful West Coast city...

In November 2008, Straight.com published this article. In it, we learn that BC has posted THE worst child poverty rate in Canada – 21.9% (in 2006), which is well over the national average of 15.8%. So, when I look at these stats, I think – how can we use a forum like the Olympic Games to make a difference. But, as the eyes of the world will be on Vancouver, it appears that some policies are trying to sweep the problem under the rug. In fact, take a read of this blog by the Carnegie Community Action Project – working to ensure Vancouver’s downtown East Side remains low-income friendly.

My concern is about the longevity of some proposed programs. We discussed (much earlier in the Lemontree) how RONA was provided training and employment for some of Vancouver’s lesser fortunate. And, we can be sure that with the Games coming to town (and to the region), there will be need for additional workers. That’s great news in the world economy as it stands. But, how long after the Games have come and gone will this last?

Can BC’s government and Canada’s government sustain the new population of workers? If not – what will happen to them when the party is over? Maybe they'll have the luxury to live in one of the temporary shelters proposed in the CCAP blog (with or without a bathroom depends on investment)...

As mentioned before, I’ve lived in Vancouver for 3 years. I've seen Vancouver’s downtown East Side. Cleaning up the town doesn’t mean getting rid of people who live in poverty, nor does it mean hiding them. It means helping them! Give them a fighting chance. The world will remember Canada fondly for its hospitality, natural beauty and very likely, its well-managed Winter Olympics. Let’s make sure the world also remembers a Canada who truly takes care of all of its citizens.

Isn’t it impressive that an event like the Olympics carries so many messages of hope & opportunity? Why don’t we carry that message into everyday?

Lemontree recommendation: Share the inspiration... Can we use the Games as a platform to provide education, shelter and food to those who need it? Let’s use this stage to truly promote equal opportunity and dreams and hopes to all Canadians. Do you believe?

Lemon twist

Happy Easter & Happy Passover to all my fellow Lemonheads!

Independently of which celebration (mentioned above) you are celebrating today, there is some element of rebirth, renewal and definitely – lots of hope.

As such, and with one more apology, the Lemontree can now be reborn into Spring of 2009. In the earlier part of the year, I have explored a series of uses for the various online networks we are now bombarded with. By far – my personal favourite is now “Twitter”. As of this day, I will share short posts on Twitter about 3 things: this blog, “leadership & marketing”, and a certain photography Website. As for this blog, I suggest we take a little “twist”...

Of course, it would be improper for me to deviate from creating awareness around the issue of poverty. I know I’ve said it before, but it absolutely baffles me that the human race can do all the miraculous things it does, and yet not come up with a “social cause” strong enough to eradicate (if not minimize significantly) the issue of poverty... Especially in countries that claim to be “free, developed and full of hope”.

So, on that note, I’d like to spend some time over the next few posts introducing you to a city (in Canada) which you will hear increasingly more about over the next 10 months: Vancouver, British Columbia.

Vancouver is very much a tale of 2 cities... One that is lavish: cushioned comfortably between the beautiful shores of the Pacific Ocean and the Sunshine Coast mountains. One that is scary and run-down – and unfortunately scarred by poverty, drugs and despair. Both these cities collide in a beautiful province, in my home country...

I had the chance to live in Vancouver for about 3 years. In which of the 2 cities? Well – oddly enough, I think I sat on the fence.

Today – I want to share a story of hope.

I was working on Water Street in Vancouver at the time... The Landing. And, I must admit, I wasn’t getting a lot of dollars into the bank account! (I was also studying full time.) For some reason, and I can’t quite recall, it was a particularly tough week/month. It was raining (those of you familiar with Vancouver are not surprised about the rain, I’m sure).

I decided to take a break from work, and go have a cigarette... There we go; I admitted that I used to smoke! (Haven’t had one in a long time now.) I must have had one heckuva look on my face, because a few people walked by me and gave me a strange, almost pitying look. (I hate those!) I was standing under the awning of the building (no, not the by-lawed 100ft; it was raining).

After a few moments, a clearly wealthy man walked out of the building and lit his own cigarette. He looked over at me and said, “Having a bad day?” Being a stubborn and distrusting little punk (yup – another admission), I simply shrugged and turned away. A few more moments passed...

I could see this guy out of the corner of my eye and he pulled out his wallet. In this area of Gastown (a boutique-like area of Vancouver), it is sometimes customary to open your wallet and offer change to someone who is down-trodden. I was completely offended! I turned to look at him and, in a particularly un-polite tone said: “I do NOT want your change!”

The guy looked up and said: “I’m not giving you change; I want to tell you a story.” I noted at this point, that the accent was clearly British...

“About 10 years ago,” he started, “I got off a plane in Canada; here in Vancouver. It wasn’t easy. This is all I had to my name.” He pulled out a coin: a British pound. “I knew a few people here; but had cashed in for my plane ticket to Canada. I had nothing...” And then, like a scene from a movie, he flicked his cigarette to the ground (yes, yes – I know; bad for the environment. Stick with the story here.). He put the coin back in his wallet and slid it back into his jacket pocket. He turned around, opened the door to the building. He looked back to me and said: “Today, I’m the President of Nav Can.” He walked away; the door, shutting behind him.

Now, I don’t know this guy’s name; and, I don’t know how to fill the gaps in the story – but, this marked me. It marked me so much that, to this day – I carry a $2 bill (yes, Canada had those) in my wallet.

I never want to forget how I felt that day, and I never want to forget the little pieces of hope that people gave me along the way. All of these messages helped me get out of the place I was in...

Part of the inspiration to the Lemontree is these lessons. If we can all share hope, I know we can pull people out of despair and on a “path to renewal”.

The Lemontree, Poverty & Social Media

Happy Spring Lemonheads!!

Yesterday was the day of the equinox: one of 2 days this year when the sun will cross the equator and we will have an equal amount of daytime and night time. What does this mean to the Lemontree? Well – not much, except that if it were a “real” Lemontree (as opposed to a virtual one), it would certainly appreciate 12 hours of sun! But, that’s not the point, is it now?

The sun, beaming into my window, reminded me that I really should post some more (as in, continue to shed light on our topic of poverty & lack of education – or, rather lack of access to education). And, I really need to apologize for being so sporadic with my posts... But, I’ve encountered something absurdly powerful: Web 2.0 in all its glory. And with so many applications, it can truly get dizzying. So, I’ve been learning about the virtues of a few applications. My recent favourite: Twitter.

Twitter: here is a site, virtually unknown in its inception in 2006. In just a little over 2 years, it has grown by over 700%; and though the exact number of users is unknown, experts peg it between 2-5 million, world-wide, and growing exponentially!

People tweet (a tweet is a 140 character message to the world) about absolutely everything and anything. Twitterers could be anyone from you to me to rock stars (apologies if you are a rock star and I’ve singled you out) to movie stars (ditto) and so many other iterations! OK – so, in less than 3 years, we can create a Website – a virtual social aggregator – that can generate over 700% in user growth, and still... we struggle with poverty.

But – here’s the good news! There are lots of Twitterers who tweet about this issue... and, as I’ve indicated before, awareness is needed first in order to generate action. So, shall we try a little experiment? Let’s test the power of the Internet.

Here’s the challenge – and, I’ll challenge back to the Twitterers too:

• Let’s get the Lemontree message OUT!


• Tweet your thoughts about lack of access to education and its link to poverty;


• You can start by tweeting about this post: click the “TwitThis” button below. If you do not see the TwitThis button, make sure you click on the link for this post itself, not just the main page of the Lemontree. To make sure you are on the post link, select it from the menu on the right-hand side. At the end of your tweet, include the following: #lemontreeblog.


• If you have your own Twitter account, make sure you post your thoughts, followed by #lemontreeblog.


• Post your thoughts on the topic, and solutions – or links to solutions.


• CHALLENGE: 50 Lemontree tweets by March 27th.
  

I will count the posts, and relay them back to a few Twitter accounts myself... Oh yeah – let me know who should get our info!! (I.e. Stephen Harper, Barack Obama?)

Who knows, we may come up with some awesome ideas to bring hope back into our communities, and drive better access to education for all! (If Twitter can change the landscape of the social network... it can be a tool to change the landscape of poverty.)

Tuition rant - Part deux

OK, Lemonheads… the votes are in, the polls are closed, and 80% of you have said: tuition hikes in this economic situation are not a good idea!

Now, that means that 20% of you said “it’s OK”. To be fair, I received some good comments… Canada’s education system is a steal, and since the rates of education have not skyrocketed, like they have in other countries, we’re still in pretty good shape. Another comment had to do with the notion that the quality of education simply costs a lot of money, and everyone has to pitch in to ensure we have sustained quality – including the students.

I must admit, the dialogue is exciting. That’s the power of technology! At least this way, we can get people talking and looking for the right solutions to real problems.

___

Though I agree that ensuring quality of education should be a joint responsibility between government, academia, and students, it is still in my humble opinion that increasing the cost of tuition – alone – is a completely unfair solution.

The proposal put forward only spoke of tuition hikes, potentially in the realm of 25% over the next couple of years! If the burden has to be shared, I’d like to see the proposals on the other parties before accepting a wide-sweeping tuition hike that will impede the opportunity of many students to attend post-secondary institutions.

One of the comments put forward also had to do with the value of college education; and the (misconstrued) pre-conceived notion that university education is better. University and college education are different - no, not THAT kind of different; just genuinely different. Students must be encouraged, by parents and other societal leaders, to explore what they really want to achieve and then to determine which post-secondary institution is best for them. None-the-less, the proposed “solution” for ensuring quality of education fell squarely on the shoulder of students – of either type of institution.

(If you are an “American Lemonhead”, I just want to clarify that though University and College is nearly an interchangeable term in the US, in Canada the perceived difference is somewhat similar to the difference between a College and a community college.)

Bottom line: before making it harder for students to acquire a post-secondary education, let’s look at a full package solution with a shared burden that is actually shared. This proposal hasn’t gone through yet… perhaps other options are being explored.

One can only hope.

"Tweet" to end global poverty?

When I began writing this blog, one of my premises was that "I would be remiss in not taking advantage of a global online community of conversation." So - this post is specifically about that... the online conversation!

Here's an incredibly novel way to use Twitter: if you are on Twitter, you should totally check out: http://twitter.com/endpovertynow. For the first time ever, there is a "tweet-a-thon"; oh yeah - you heard (read) that right! If you add the tag: #apowerfulnoise to the end of your tweets (only until tomorrow, March 5), NCM Fathom will donate $0.50 to CARE Globally to give hope and opportunity to women and girls living in poverty.

If you're not on Twitter - check this Website out for more details: http://apowerfulnoise.fathomevents.com/tweet-a-thon. A cool concept - the Lemon Tree may just need to borrow that someday! (Theodore Levitt, an icon in the field of Marketing, would call that: Innovative Imitation!)

In the mean time, the posts in the month of February have been entertaining (to me - and I hope to you too) in the sense that I've had a fantastic opportunity to showcase some really interesting "conductors and connectors" all working toward an end to poverty in North America; all providing hope and opportunity to so many people who need it...

As for the last 2 posts, specific to education: post-secondary, in particular have focused on Canada. I will come back to that issue, as it is one incredibly near and dear to my heart! So, keep voting - still 1 day to go.

The education rant - WHAT? Tuition hikes!

OK guys... I have to apologize right now, before I get into this text – because, of all the posts, this one will seem more like “improv” than previous posts. And so, with that:


25% Tuition Hike Touted

Um, pardon me? Last I checked the world (not just our precious little country) was undergoing what is all but called a depression! And, last I checked the Ontario Government has a plan in place to reduce poverty in the province by 25% within 5 years. OK – so, that’s an Ontario-only plan, maybe we don’t need to worry about the rest of the country?

Have we absolutely gone mad?? HOW DO OUR GOVERNMENTS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS DARE TELL US THAT EDUCATION HAS TO BE MORE EXPENSIVE? How can you increase fees for education while trying to reduce poverty? It must be nice to be making a six figure salary in the stone towers of Parliament Hill or Queen’s Park and to think that the rest of Canadians can just “pay” for their own, or their kids’, education over and above what it already costs. Craziness!

Meanwhile – and here’s the fun optic – President Obama has made education in the US a priority... committing to making post-secondary education affordable, and committing $53B US to American education institutions and systems; asking Americans to commit to at least 1 year of post-secondary education. So, maybe Canada has a slightly reasonable logic behind this ridiculous imposition (is that even possible?); but Canadians can also tune into NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN and even Fox... so, if you think people are just sitting around saying “Oh, OK – let’s pay more for our education”, you’ve lost your mind! Canadians are ticked! They’re saying: “how can a country, that is WAY deeper in debt than us, put a priority on education, and we can sleep at night asking our citizens to pay more!?” Take a look at the 5th bullet on this page of the America Recovery Act.

Now, and when I’m not ranting I’ll spend more time on providing facts about this, in Europe, there are some countries (Scandinavian countries, Greece) who pay for the students’ undergrad degrees – ah, wouldn’t THAT be nice? Some people might question the quality of a “free, public education”, but according to research from the Canadian Council on Learning, we could question our own:

• More than one million Canadians aged 25 to 44 have not completed high school and approximately 1.6 million 16- to 25-year-olds have less than Level 3 literacy, the standard considered the minimum to function effectively in a knowledge-based society such as Canada. (pg.8)


• In 2005, Canada placed 22nd of 26 reporting countries in the share of public expenditures on PSE. At 55.1%, Canada’s share was well below the OECD average of 73.1% and the EU average of 82.5%. (pg.10)


• In 2005-2006, nearly 350,000 full-time students received close to $2 billion in financial aid from the Canada Student Loans Program. (pg.10)


• Undergraduate tuition fees increased 36.4% between 2000–2001 and 2008–2009. Since 1996–1997, the rise in undergraduate tuition costs has exceeded the rise in the Consumer Price Index every school year except 2005–2006. (pg.10)


• Both the number of students borrowing, and the average amounts they borrowed have increased substantially in recent years. (pg.10)

It’s ALL ridiculous, and I hope the people from the “educational think-tank”, the non-profit Educational Policy Institute, are reading this! If you are – check this out (and, FYI – I am educated... and in debt because of the loans you claim I didn't need):

WE ARE ON THE BRINK!

We are on the brink of taxing and imposing costs on my country’s future for the mistakes of my country’s past. Ah – go for it, call me a “typically complaining and unhappy Gen X’er – I won’t be offended (for once)!

NO!! Canadian families cannot afford increases in their children’s tuitions – they’re losing their jobs!
NO!! Students can’t find part-time jobs as easily as you ($100K+ folks) think; the jobs – if the companies aren’t closing – are being given to those parents who are losing their jobs!
NO!! Canadians won’t stand for your recommendations; and I can only HOPE that our Governments won’t cave to such ridiculous pressures!

If we want a strong future for OUR country, and for OUR culture, and for OUR youth – then THIS is not the way to go! Talk to students, talk to families and talk to people – you may be enlightened to find out that they’re not interested in tuition hikes.

And, I’d also like to go on record as saying that I do understand the important value of post-secondary institutions. Believe me, I’m probably one of the biggest fans.

But, if you turn these institutions into country clubs for rich kids, then what kind of vision are you building for the future of this country? My Country! And, yours too – right?

OK, here’s something funny – and not funny “ha-ha” (because apparently, funny is not my thing), but funny interesting. I realize tonight that I am a victim of positivity and optimism. Is that really bad, though? Well, most of us would jump to the conclusion that it is not – and I’ll agree; but, I think we need to all throw in a smidgen of reality and humility into our thoughts.

I realize that it’s not always easy to pick a single topic, like this one, and write about it regularly. But the thing is the link between poverty and lack of education never gets old. And, not only that: it doesn’t seem to go away!

Someone mentioned to me the other day that the Lemon Tree can, at times, be a little depressing... and it can be! On the other hand, there are so many great stories of hope through the connectors and conductors like George Brown College, Life is good, and RONA. Despite the best efforts of these great organizations, poverty seems to be growing – thanks, in large part, to the current economic situation.

I read a few articles and heard a few news reports over the past couple of days – on two fronts. Let’s start with the first tonight:

Take a look at this YouTube video from Hoyes Michalos, Trustees in Bankruptcy. It appears that the cost of education in Canada (and, my guess is, in the US too) can sometimes be prohibitive to prosperity. So, the challenge isn’t only about providing educational opportunities that are accessible, but also that are affordable. Sounds to me like the system of higher education may, itself, have a case of dyslexia for numbers (also known as dyscalculia)...

Education is not a right, it is a privilege, you say? OK, but is it a privilege for the privileged or is it a privilege for those who work hard, believe in education and truly learn such as straight A students?

You remember Nichole and her family, right? The original inspiration for the Lemon Tree taking root.

Nichole’s oldest nephew, Steven is a straight A student... Yup, the boy – 15 now – wakes himself up at 6am to get himself ready for school. (No one else has the motivation...) He goes to school and studies; he comes home and does his homework. Like every 15-year old boy, he has his moments of rebellion, but overall he is a good kid, by all measures of the term. I mean, how many 15-year olds do you know make their own breakfast before school? His motivation: NOT repeating the cycle of poverty. Steven has hope! He wants to become a criminal scene investigator (CSI). He likes puzzles and really weird biology stuff; and he’s good at it. His potential is amazing.

But, what if the cost of education is too high? What if he can’t get a scholarship? And though there is always social funding to turn to, it is likely going to take him to Community College – which is absolutely acceptable; but, if you were destined to go to an institution like the Ohio State University, you might question (and perhaps lose hope with) an alternative.

Should we tell Steven that his post-secondary education is a privilege?

Life is Good - update for TO festival

Hey -

So, here's a first...

Before posting yesterday's blog post, I had actually joined the Life is good Facebook page where people were discussing the events. In fact, I had previously recalled that Life is good held these events, but at the time, they were only in the US. Since I was aware of this, I posted a question on their Facebook group page to ask when the festivals would be outside of the US, and in particular, in Canada.

Naturally, as you've noted, I did some extra research and found out that the first ever event outside of the US was going to be in Toronto, Ontario. And, hence, the post: Life is Good, Lemonade is great!

Well... today, I received a message to my Facebook account from none other than Life is Good's marketing manager herself! (Thank you, Brooke - it was much appreciated.) Here are some details on the upcoming Life is good festival in Toronto:

September 19th, 2009

Coronation Park (Toronto, ON)

Raising funds for: Children's Wish Foundation (Fulfilling the wishes of critically ill children across Canada)

And though the Children's Wish Foundation does not directly link to the core purpose of the Lemontree: highlighting the link between poverty & lack of education, it does promote hope & opportunity to a different kind of need.

(Not to mention, many of Life is good's benefactors in the US are specifically related to children living with unfair situations, including poverty.)

So, again - thanks to Brooke. For those of you Lemonheads in the TO area; I hope to see you at the festival in September. And, to all of you - always remember: Life IS good (Lemonade is great...)

Life is Good, Lemonade is great!

Life really is good, isn’t it? Well, I live in Ontario (Canada), and it’s Family Day – nothing like a stat holiday! Today is a day when families - however you define them - should spend some quality time together and enjoy the simple things. And, I also want to wish a Happy President’s Day to all the American Lemonheads…

I felt that, since spring is in the air, it was time to keep the good vibes going and offer another feature:

Life is Good. I discovered Life is Good by accident one day preparing for a kayaking trip… I had been vetoed from wearing my kayaking bucket hat, so I had to purchase a new one. Lo’ and behold, upon visiting the outdoor gear store, I saw a stunning paddling baseball-style hat. When I turned to look at the back, there he was: Jake smiling at me and letting me know that, well, Life is Good!

Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time discovering this Little Brand that Could; here’s a quick synopsis:

Two brothers: Bert & John Jacobs. In 1989, these guys made a few tee-shirts, travelled the East Coast of the US to sell the tees and make a few bucks. They didn’t make much money and didn’t know much about the business. In 1994, when they got back from a, um, unproductive road-trip, they discovered the answer to their success on their apartment wall: Jake’s grin letting them know that Life is Good. Bert & John designed Jake tees, introduced them to retailers, and the brand took off.

But, Life is Good isn’t just a brand of clothing… As part of this optimistic movement, the Life is Good Kids Foundation, through dedicated clothing items and festivals, supports amazing charities that create a lasting impact on children facing unfair challenges, including trauma of violence, poverty and loss. Since it's clear that charities providing the tangible support (i.e. food, clothing, education) need resources to make this happen, then the LiG Foundation makes a real difference - another connector! (So far, over $4M raised to help kids facing these challenges.)

Their events offer hope and opportunity for so many across the US - and they are slowly but surely expanding internationally, including in Canada. In fact, it's first Life is Good Festival outside of the US will happen in TO this summer (2009).

This company makes me remember how much the simple things are often the ones that make the biggest difference… If you haven’t yet discovered them, I encourage you to do so. It's always easy to share a smile, like Jake's, and to help others see opportunities.

And remember, Life is Good… Lemonade is great! :-)

Feature Conductor: Big Brothers & Big Sisters

I’ve spent a significant amount of time in the first series of posts setting the stage for why this blog, and being aware of this issue is important. I’d like to spend some time in the next few posts highlighting some real success stories, and offering some options to those of you interested in contributing to the solution.

Feature: Big Brothers & Big Sisters (BBBS)

BBBS America and BBBS Canada have been around for over a century! In 1904, a New York City clerk named Ernest Coulter saw the need for adult mentors to help young boys stay out of trouble; he started recruiting volunteers. At around the same time, a group called Ladies of Charity began a similar program for young girls. Since then, the BBBS movement has grown to include all 50 states, and 12 countries around the world.

In Canada, for over 80 years, the BBBS program commits to young people that they will provide them with the highest quality, volunteer-based mentoring programs.

Here are some interesting facts that intimately link the successes of BBBS to the purpose of the Lemontree (Source – Project Impact, Social Planning Council of Hamilton and District of Hamilton, 2004):

• The BBBS Littles* go on to graduate from high school at a rate of 20% higher than the national average;


• 78% of the BBBS Littles who come from social assistance background no longer rely on this kind of income; and


• A disproportionately high number of Littles graduate from college and/or university compared to others in their age group

* A Little is a young person who has a Big Brother or Big Sister.

The BBBS programs clearly provide hope through rich mentoring relationships for all children who need it. In addition, these volunteer mentors offer encouragement, advice and additional learning. It is a truly fantastic program, and one I would qualify as a connector. Take another look at that second bullet point: a very real impact on the future of poverty in Canada; and no doubt in the US.

If you are interested, the BBBS movement is always looking for volunteers and donations... And, if you’d like to inject a little fun – here’s something you can do with your own Littles:

From now until the end of May, right across Canada, the various BBBS agencies are putting on the

Bowl for Kids’ Sake event. Create a team, set up an event, go out and bowl – and just have some fun for a great cause! If you want to bring the fam, look for the Family Day events. I, for one, will be checking out the event listings and heading out to at least one...

George Brown College: Contributing to solving poverty in Toronto

OK, so the posting has been sporadic, at best, so far in 09. I’ll give you a little background because I feel like the Lemonheads deserve the right to know...

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve started teaching a management class at one of the local colleges in downtown Toronto. It takes a significant amount of time to prep classes and grade papers... but it is so important to help people learn and achieve their dreams.

This isn’t just any college: George Brown College – a renowned Chef School in Toronto and a great contributor to conductors and connectors.

By nature, a Chef School would likely have excess food and ingredients. As such, the school has partnered with Second Harvest: a pretty original concept in Toronto. This organization’s work is picking up excess foods in the area, and redistributing it to social service agencies in the hopes of eliminating hunger in the community – a fantastic conductor. So, at the end of every day, Second Harvest visits GB College and picks up its excess food. What a far cry from the days when excess food was simply thrown out after it had gone to waste...

But, that’s not all! GB’s Chef School also worked out a partnership with Regent Park – Canada’s oldest social housing community (circa 1948) – another connector. GB works with the youth of the community to teach them basic cooking skills. What an amazing link to provide education and basic life skills to those who need it most... not to mention, a little hope and aspiration, maybe?

Are we done yet? Nope – not at all... Still in collaboration with Regent Park, GB is participating in a Pathways to EducationTM program. This is an amazing program focused on ensuring that young people from at-risk communities get to school, stay in school and graduate from school. Pathways works as a connector here providing tutoring, mentoring, financial support specifically focused on getting kids to school and bringing parents, teachers and kids together with community agencies.

I am truly proud to have a (small) part with George Brown College. This is a great example on how small contributions make a big difference.

Ripples in the water...

If you know of others who should be highlighted, let me know.