Members of the Long Branch community are stunned by the passing of life-long area resident Phillip Barker, who loved children and spent a small fortune on equipping schools in the Philippines.

Barker, the owner of Lakeshore Accounting, passed away on the evening of May 6. He was 74.

The accountant was a friend and acquaintance of many Long Branch residents having served the community at his 3421 Lakeshore Blvd. W. office for about 45-years. He was also the long-time Treasurer for the Long Branch Business Improvement Association.

Barker was born and raised in Mimico, where, he attended Mimico High School and then Humber College to study accounting.

“His sometimes tough exterior masked a warm, charitable heart who loved helping people,” recalls Wayne Gibson, a friend for more than 30-years. “He helped many people and will be greatly missed by the community.”

Gibson says Barker had many loyal clients from his many years of business and always perked up when it came to helping children in the Philippines develop their potential.

He was a founder and director of the Lakeshore Charitable Foundation, which sponsored two schools in the Philippines. He visited that country about a dozen times and was responsible of collecting and shipping dozens of containers filled with books, clothes, food, computers, printers and other gear to help the children.

The foundation had sponsored the Rizal Public National High School and BayBay Central School for more than 12-years. He was in the process of travelling there for an awards celebration before COVID-19 halted the trip.

He will be sadly missed by hundreds of children at the schools and the families there who loved him.

“The children over there have very little or nothing,” Barker would always say. “They are so appreciative to get a book or other item that we throw out in this country.”

He is survived by brother Bill, four nieces and his daughter Katy; described as the love of his life. He did manage to see his wish of Katy graduating from Ryerson University.

A private funeral service was held for family at Ridley’s Funeral Home.

It may be a long and dry summer for our veterans.

Members of two Royal Canadian Legions in our community say they are taking a financial beating due to the cancellation of many events booked to take place at their halls this summer.

Members of Long Branch #101 say this is the time of the year that they generate badly-needed funds through community activities and hall rentals.

Members of the Legion’s #101 and #643, on Jutland Rd., say they have had their facilities shut for about a month and are not sure when, like others, they will be able to reopen.

They say they stand to lose their two top days for fundraising, which falls on Canada Day on July 1 and Remembrance Day, on November 11, if COVID-19 drags on.

“The Legions are suffering financially,” says Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, chair of the Lakeshore Village BIA and a legion member. “This is a big time of the year for their fundraising activities.”

He says a major fundraiser for the legions will be planned once the pandemic has disappeared.

Legion officials say they are running low on funds and some programs for vets may be affected.

Alderwood and area residents are being encouraged to take part in a fundraiser by Timothy’s Pub to help the Salvation Army food bank.

Tim Brem, owner of the popular pub at 344 Brown’s Line, says his restaurant and customers have a history of giving back to the community.

He says $1 from the sale of their customer favourite chippers goes directly to the Salvation Army, at 5 Thirtieth Street.

“In these difficult times anything we can do to help one another is so important,” Brem says. “These (chippers) make the perfect snack or add on to any purchase.”

Timothy’s Pub has helped many area non-profit agencies over the years. They have helped raise funds in the past to help the Royal Canadian Legion #101 Long Branch.

Salvation Army Major Sophie Gilbert says their food bank is still open and users will be seen by appointment only. Call 416-255-4381 for an appointment.

Gilbert said Wednesday’s sit down lunch will be served by take-out at the front entrance.

“These are challenging days for all of us and things are changing on a daily basis,” she wrote on their website. “Let me assure you that we will be here for you.”

Timothy’s Pub is open from 4 to 9 p.m. for takeout and delivery. Please call 416-201-9515 for pickup or use @doordash @skipthedishes or @ubereats for delivery. #strongertogether #supportoneanother #inthistogether #community #wecanmakeadifference @salvationarmycanada @myeveningout @mymississauga @spexontoronto @torontolife @dineintoronto

Self-isolation it seems have brought out the best of many area residents.

Some kind people have left filled food pantries outside their homes to make sure those hungry and hit hard by COVID-19 will have something to eat.

Others are making face masks and other in-demand gear for healthcare workers; or making a run for the elderly or their neighbours to area stores for food, medicine or other necessities.

The folks at Black Dog Rescue are giving away free dog food (in photo) treats, toys, crates and other supplies to those hit financially by COVID-19 in the GTA.

Black Dog says “a person should never have to choose between feeding
themselves and their pets.”

The food is free. Send email to info@blackdogrescue.ca to organize secure no contact pick up or drop off.

I normally discuss topics and strategies related to money matters and
personal finances, but given the current pandemic emergency, this article
will offer some points to consider during this unique climate.
The effects of the pandemic are causing financial issues which most
people are going to have to adjust too.

Once again debt management will become even more imperative
for both the long and short term. Many of us are receiving the Canada
Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or EI payments and know
what cash flows to expect for the next few months.

Make a soft budget and live within these means.
Consolidate your debt! Interest rates are low and I believe that financial
institutions have a duty and are trying to help during this crisis, take
advantage. Saving and budgeting is the priority! Cook your meals and
save money on food costs. Negotiate with your landlord and the mortgage
company where possible, remember your landlord also has bills to pay so
be reasonable.

Use this time to learn a new skill or enhance your knowledge for this
changing world. Many colleges are offering extended online programs.
This virus is going to change how we live, interact with family, friends and society. Since you are confined to your home, reach out and help the
needy, maybe your neighbour or even the food bank.

If you are overspending on luxuries which quickly lose value and utility in times of crisis, then you can avoid making similar purchases. The
ordinary folks of this country will manage with less but the politicians
at all levels, are continuing to draw their big salaries. They need to lead
by example by giving back to communities that need assistance.
The front-line workers, the truckers and delivery people, the sanitation
and janitorial workers and others are putting themselves at risk to
maintain our way of life. Let’s be grateful and support in whatever way
we can.

Did you know that the mechanic who looks after our cars is paid more than
the caretaker who looks after our elderly. We need to balance our priorities. Hyper-capitalism and consumerism has shifted our focus
from the health and well-being of our citizens, to just the mass accumulation of stuff.

Rattan Gandhi is owner of Quick Refund Tax, 133 Sixth St. His
opinions stem from 15 years of experience in helping clients in the
tax area. If you have questions, he can be reached at 905-616-5253 or
rattangandhi@gmail.com.

It is a sign of our times as workers with a sense of pride placed a custom-sized mask on this bull standing outside Royal York Meat Market at 392 Royal York Rd. The mask has become a symbol of support and in solidarity for our hardworking frontline health care workers and emergency personnel battling COVID-19. Thank you for all your work
Photo by Ian Robertson.