May 5, 2020
Dear Neighbours,
I want to thank everyone for your efforts during this very difficult time. It is very important for all of us, to the best of our ability to follow the mandatory physical distancing bylaw!
Giving Tuesday Now
Today is Giving Tuesday Now, a global day of giving and unity to help support #COVID19 emergency relief efforts. There are many ways you can support your community during these unprecedented times. Learn how you can help during the #COVID19 pandemic here.
The Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) annual Mental Health Week
This week is Mental Health Week from May 4-10, 2020! As we continue to face the challenges of COVID-19, many people may be feeling anxious, unsure, and even scared during these difficult times. It is important that we focus on what we can control and take care of our mental health and well-being. Remember it’s OK to not feel OK. More resources on taking care of your mental health and well-being can be found here. More details on CMHA’s Mental Health week can be found here.
Supporting Canada’s farmers, food businesses, and food supply
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announce important measures within agriculture programs and an investment of more than $252 million to support farmers food businesses, and food processors who provide essential services to Canadians every day by ensuring a safe and reliable food supply. He also announced that the government intends to propose an additional $200 million in borrowing capacity for the sector. Full news release can be found here.
The Reading Partnership: KidsReadTO
Kids ReadTO is a virtual book club connecting children across the GTA through good books. Meet-ups, led by professional facilitators, allow kids to safely socialize on-line. Guided reading activities, discussions, and games strengthen literacy skills and build confidence. We select titles by diverse authors – stories from around the world that kids can relate to, delivered to your doorstep.
Click Here to Register
Application Deadline: May 11, 2020
If you have any questions, or would like more information please contact Jasmine Burke- Ishmael at projects@readingpartnership.com or 647-981-5290.
UPS Road Code Program
The Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough is hosting a UPS Road Code Program that will be held virtually on Thursday May 7th and Friday May 8th from 4:00PM to 5:30PM via zoom. This is an opportunity for youth between the ages of 14-18. For registration, contact Onyx at 416-254-3066 or oduggan@esbgc.ca. See event flyer here.
Public Safety Alert, Protecting Vulnerable People
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Toronto Police Service has not experienced an increase in reports for crimes against vulnerable people, however, crimes often go unreported. If you are a victim of any kind of abuse or if you believe someone you know is being victimized, please see the following community resources available below:
Child Abuse
Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868
Children’s Aid Society of Toronto – 416-924-4646
Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto – 416-395-1500
Jewish Family & Child Service of Greater Toronto – 416-638-7800
Native Child & Family Services of Toronto – 416-969-8510
Intimate Partner Violence
Victim Services Toronto – 416-808-7066
Assaulted Women Helpline – GTA: 416-863-0511 – T/F 1-866-863-0511
Elder Abuse
Toronto Seniors Helpline – 416-217-2077
Seniors Safety Line – 1-866-299-1011
Advocacy Centre for the Elderly – 1-855-598-2656 or 416-598-2656
Ontario Nonprofit Network Webinar
The Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) is creating engaging and informative webinars for the non-profit sector. Topics for upcoming webinars range from scenario planning and cash flow management to how lessons from previous crises can help us prepare for a post-COVID-19 world.
You can find more details on each webinar and register for free by clicking on the links below.
- May 7, Scenario planning and cash flow management in uncertain times
- May 21,Tips and traps to avoid when banking online
- June 4, How to cut, contain, and restructure costs in uncertain times
- June 18, Responding to the financial crises then and now
All registered participants will receive a recording of the webinar and slide deck. Should you have any questions regarding the webinars, feel free to reach out to Melanie from the ONN team at melanie@theonn.ca.
Please click here for a list of food banks and soup kitchens in the Ward 24
Please remember to call ahead to book to ensure they are properly stocked. For those interested in volunteering, food banks are always looking for volunteers, so please feel free to save and share this information.
Please click here for a list of food banks in Scarborough
Essential Government Information for COVID -19
Public Health’s information line & 311 are experiencing high call volumes. Residents can get the information they need online at www.toronto.ca
The City’s website has a tool that can translate pages into 51 different languages.
If you need info on COVID-19, please visit the following websites:
Official Global Travel Advisory
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
I am continuously updating my social media platforms and my website with up to date information:
Website: www.paulainslie.com
You can also reach me by: telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
All my Best,
Paul