Vaccines where –
Some upcoming events including where to get vaccines
Free things to do and keeping busy in the community
MONIKA shows some of the free seed bank now available for the community to obtain seeds at The Healing Muse Apothecary, 2859 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
MAY 11 HOMEBUYING WEBINAR hosted by Alterna Savings at 7 p.m. with an “UnScary” mortgage conversation to take the fear out of buying a home. For those purchasing their first home or renewing their mortgage. Presenters include local REMAX Professionals realtor Graham Rowlands; Alterna Savings Branch Managers Michael Borrelli and Ola Lukaczyn.
MAY 11 DEVELOPMENT without Displacement. A conversation about new development in South Etobicoke at 7 p.m. on Webex. Community Benefits. What are community benefits and how can we secure affordable housing in all new major developments. Guest speaker Kumsa Baker is Director of Community Benefits Campaigns, Toronto Community Benefits Network. Register at eventbrite.com/e/147848786701 or contact johnathan.palmer@humber.ca
MAY 12 INTRODUCTION TO HEALTHY EATING, May 19 Eating for a healthy heart, May 26 label reading and June 2 foot care. Contact 416-252-1928.
FROM MAY 12 EVERY WEDNESDAYs from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for four Virtual Zumba sessions with diabetes education classes though the West Toronto Diabetes Education Program.
MAY 14 VIRTUAL GARDENING WORKSHOP from 10:30 a.m. You must have an email address. Contact 416-252-1928 ext. 100. Free gift with attendance.
MAY 18 DIABETES EDUCATION and Therapeutic Yoga six part workshop series on ZOOM from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a discussion on various diabetes education topics prior to the Yoga. You must have an email and only eight people can be accommodated. Contact 416-252-1928 ext.100.
MAY 18 AT 7 p.m. on ZOOM – A TENANT’s rights workshop on above average guideline rent increases (AGI’s) Guest Speaker is Starr Smith, of Mimico Estates Tenant’s Association. To register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/x/above-guideline-rent-increases-workshop-tenants-rights-series-tickets-151567407195. Or contact jasmind@lampchc.org
FREE CHIROPODY SERVICES for those who qualify at LAMP- Open for new patients who are prediabetic or diabetic. We treat nail concerns, ulcerations, pain and more. Contact 416-252-6471 ext. 262
LAMP FREE INCOME TAX CLINIC is still booking appointments for low income individuals and families to drop off their taxes at our clinic. There are no in-person appointments. To qualify a single person must not earn more than $35,000 annually. Couples $45,000 or less. For more information, book a drop off or other criteria to qualify for service call 416 252-6471 ext. 280 or 281.
TUESDAYS FROM 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. New Wellness Series: Feel better this spring by stretching and relaxation through breathing and mindfulness. To register contact jasmnd@lampchc.org or 416 252 6471.
MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY FREE emergency food takeout meals continue to be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. through LAMP’s adult drop-in program. Group programs are closed,
FREE ADULT LEARNING PROGRAMS: Learn basic computer skills. Must meet registration criteria including 19 years and over and out of school, have a SIN number and access to a computer and an email account. Fluent in spoken English and provide proof of permanent residency. Small online group instruction on MS word, Internet, Keyboarding, e-mail and Zoom. Improve your reading and writing skills. For more information 416-252-9701 ext. 242 or 243.
CARDS OF HOPE PROJECT ONGOING – Volunteers to make cards offsite and looking for names of people who could benefit from a card. Jasmind@lampchc.org for more information.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PODS PROJECT: Neighbours helping neighbours. Mutual aid and support phone check-ins. Community Leadership. Volunteer run. Contact Daniel Plant at 416-553-8263
STARTING JUNE 2 NEW EIGHT WEEK free mindfulness course on ZOOM on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. with Corin De Sousa, a certified mindfulness instructor with the Canadian College of Educators who provides evidenc- based mindfulness programs. To register contact jasmind@lampchc.org
From the Bench by Retired Judge Lloyd Budzinski ‘Sorry is the hardest word’
NEW YORK Gov. Andrew Cuomo – apologies …
It seems everyone is apologizing these days, Cuomo, Trudeau, Ford, The Queen, save Trump. Are these true apologies or simply passing responsibility to the victim, saying; “sorry if you took it the wrong way?” What is the significance of ‘sorry’?
Generally, we are a forgiving people. The apology indicates remorse. In Law, it’s key to leniency. We frown on revenge. Forgiveness and rehabilitation are an essential to our culture and ‘Canadianism.’ It is part of our genetic makeup – empathy (see You Tube, CBS 60 minutes, Baby Morality). As Canadians we tend to focus on it. It requires ownership of one’s mistake and its damage.
Psychologically, Carl Smith, in a 2008 concluded that people erroneously believe revenge will make them feel better and help them gain closure, but actuality punishers ruminate on their deed and feel worse than those who cannot avenge the wrong. It costs money to go to jail.
It’s cheaper to rehabilitate. However, there are cases where absolute isolation is necessary.
The principles of Sentencing include: 1, gravity of the offence; 2, protection of the community by deterring further crimes by either offender or others; 3, rehabilitation, making the person better at sentence’s end than before; 4, character, the trial has limitations but in sentencing, past actions, records relate to rehabilitation; 5, reparation, restoring the victim’s losses; 6, proportionality of the penalty to similar cases and finally, 7, public respect for the administration of justice.
It does not mean reflecting public opinion — that can change quickly — rather, it looks to the opinions of reasonable and informed persons.
“Sorry” is a key ingredient to character, reparation and rehabilitations.
An early Plea of Guilt is significant. It doesn’t reduce the sentence from the appropriate range for that crime. It allows a Court to sentence in the lower part of the range. The benefit saves the victim from testifying. It saves society the cost of trials. About 90% of those charged, plead guilty. The public purse couldn’t afford trials for everyone.
It’s an incentive to plead. Importantly, if sincere, it should offer to repair any damage. It begins the accused’s rehabilitation, hopefully, returning him to society as a responsible taxpayer and reducing the risk of re-offending; thus, protecting society.
My experience was a man , 63-year- old, charged with Incest with his daughter 30 years ago. His daughter developed serious drug troubles related to this trauma. She had two sons in the care of Children’s Aid.
The normal sentence in these circumstances was two to five years in prison. A two-year term was important to him since he could seek a Conditional Sentence which uses ‘house arrest’ rather than jail — meaning a confinement to his home except for work. That level of leniency was uncommon for this case. It sounded self-serving.
The lawyer suggested that his client would plead guilty; accept full responsibility for his breach of trust and his daughter’s problems – no excuses!
The defendant conceded that, he could never make amends but if allowed ‘house arrest’ he could continue working and qualify for his pension. With those monies, he would establish a trust fund, managed by his lawyer, paying $10,000 a year to his daughter for the counselling she required. If she didn’t use it, the remaining funds would be given to her children. It was a precise plan that attempted to repair, some of the harm he caused.
Here, I had to weigh the seriousness of the crime and the potential to help the victim. What would you do? Find out next month…..
So, what are the ingredients of a genuine apology and remorse? Researchers suggest it requires pure ownership of the mistake without excuse. It is the mistake and the harm to the victim that is being compensated rather than an attempt to excuse the wrongdoer or make him look better.
It must express an empathy for the nature of the harm to the victim – a validation of the harm and removal of fault from the victim. It must present a convincing plan, to prevent repetition; ensure the victim’s or community’s future safety; rather, than, a mere promise to be good. Lastly, it needs an appreciation of the social debt to the victim or community and proposes an action to restore the damage done.
Apologies are never straight forward, but by expressing remorse, complete ownership of the mistake, and actively providing a solution, one might deter revenge thinking, encourage forgiveness and minimize any penalty.
In my opinion, sentencing is the most difficult task a Judge has. Next time I will provide several more examples and you can be the Judge!
Drive-Thru Food Drive today at Daily Bread Food Bank from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PLEASE drop off your foodstuffs today to help others in the community. Daily Bread photo.
The Daily Bread Food Bank is inviting the community to join them today Saturday, April 3, for a special day to celebrate community and their shared vision to end hunger in our city.
Area residents from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. are encouraged to drop off their non-perishable food donations in a safe, contactless way at the Daily Bread facility at 191 New Toronto Street.
Since the pandemic, visits to Daily Bread Food Bank have risen from 15,000 people a week to over 25,000 and new clients have risen by over 200%.
To meet this extraordinary growth in need, they have set an ambitious goal of collecting 25,000 pounds of non-perishable food during our Spring Drive-Thru Food Drive.
Residents are urged become a Community Champion and host a food or fundraising drive in support of Daily Bread!
A Community Champion is someone who shares our belief that no one in our city should face barriers to accessing food and takes action to support our mission to end hunger.
You are also encouraged to leave a donation by visiting at dailybread.ca
Merchants examine a proposed BIA to improve the Brown’s Line area
A flyer being circulated to explain about a potential Brown’s Line BIA being established.
A flyer is being circulated by businesses in the Alderwood area to determine if there is an interest in establishing a Business Improvement Area (BIA) in the Brown’s Line area.
The flyer said COVID-19 restrictions has had a huge impact on area businesses.
“Many had to shut down completely,’ it stated. “Our street is constantly struggling with theft, break -ins or bad experiences with landlords.”
“We are losing shops and services,” according to the flyer. “The best businesses that were the highlights of the community are leaving our street.”
Their focus is to establish a ‘new brand’ for Brown’s Line as a ‘vibrant, lively and energetic area’ and not a street for motorists to get to the highways.
There are plans to improve the streetscape, to make it more safe and pedestrian friendly and create a neighbourhood where people want to shop, work, live and open businesses.
“By working collectively as a BIA, local property and business owners have the organizational and funding capacity to be catalysts for civic improvement, enhancing the quality of live in their neighbourhood,” the flyer state.
Once approved by City Council, a volunteer Board of Management elected from its members at an annual general meeting operates the BIA.
The board works on behalf of its BIA, meeting to set priorities, develop budgets, implement capital improvements and undertake advertising and promotional initiatives.
The BIA is funded through a levy on commercial and industrial properties within its boundary. The city collects the levy and forwards the funds to the board to manage.
Merchants said BIAs can better compete in an age of shopping malls, big box retailing and on-line shopping.
“They can also help local commercial areas create thriving, competitive and safe business areas for member businesses, residents and visitors,” the flyer said.
The steering committee includes: Councillor Mark Grimes, ReMax Equinox Marta Pozniakowski, Timothy’s Pub Tim Brem, Allin Mikuna Soups Sergio Morales, Gaela Clinic Sivanesarajah Kandiah and Laser Dental Clinic’s Dr. Jack Pozniakowsi.
The proposed boundary of the BIA will take in most of Brown’s Line from Lake Shore Blvd. W., to Evans Ave.
No date has been set for a Zoom follow up meeting.
Police warn that COVID-19 vaccinations should not be purchased online
With more people getting COVID-19 vaccines, police are asking residents to beware of crooks claiming to sell the vaccination online or from other unauthorized sources.
Police said people have received calls or emails, which claim they can receive the vaccines online by paying a certain sum.
“Never buy COVID-19 vaccines online, by phone or from unauthorized sources,” the RCMP said in a warning. “These scams can result in the purchase of an unsafe and ineffective product.”
Health Canada also warn Canadians not to buy a vaccine online or from unauthorized sources, as they can be counterfeit, dangerous and ineffective.
Health Canada, in a statement, said vaccines bought online “may pose serious health risks” and that the only way to access a safe vaccine is through authorized clinics.
“Vaccinations are not for sale and cannot be purchased online or by telephone,” says a government release. “They can only be accessed through clinics organized or endorsed by your local public health authority.”
The International Criminal Police Organization issued a global alert in December that vaccines being sold online are counterfeit; and websites associated with sales frequently contain phishing scams and malware.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) have identified several potential frauds linked to the COVID-19 vaccines.
Beware of Coronavirus-themed and COVID-19 vaccination themed emails and text messages, the CAFC said, they may trick you into opening malicious attachments or to reveal your sensitive personal and financial details.
They also received a tip from a person who had received a phone call from someone claiming to work for a pharmaceutical company offering a “vaccine system” totaling $2,500 with the purchaser to self-administer the vaccine.
You can reach the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1-888-495-8501. The CAFC is a partnership between the RCMP, Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition Bureau of Canada.
Fate of an historic Long Branch Black Barn Maple tree to be heard April 16
FLYER from Save the Black Barn Maple Committee.
Flyers are being circulated to Long Branch area residents to help save a 160-year-old tree, dubbed ‘The Black Barn Maple of Eastwood,’ which a developer wants to destroy to build a home.
A group called the Black Barn Maple Committee has been formed to lobby the community to help protect “Long Branch’s oldest and largest tree.”
The group, in its flyer, said “the city originally objected to the tree’s removal then withdrew their objection to have the 160-year-old tree destroyed.”
The fate of the tree is before a Toronto Local Appeal Board (TLAB), which resume hearings on April 16.
Concerned residents are urged to email Councillor Mark Grimes with their objections.
Residents said the property was purchased a number of years ago and the developer has since obtained a lawyer and applied to the City of Toronto to try and remove the tree to build a larger home.
The City in a document stated it had reached a settlement with the applicant/owner, which residents say is a numbered company.
“Destroying one of the landmark trees in Long Branch asks the question what is Toronto’s real tree policy,” the committee said in its poster. “Long Branch tree canopy has decreased from 27% to 15% since 2009.”
The flyer noted the tree was a sapling in the 1860s when James and Martha Eastwood purchased 500-acres of the Samuel Smith Tract. ‘This land became known as Eastwood Farm land was dominated by the ‘Eastwood Black Barn’ that stood there until the early 1960s.’
That area of Long Branch near Lake Ontario is home of some of the oldest trees in Canada, officials said. Some are older than Confederation which forged us into a country, from a Dominion, in 1867.
The flyers are being delivered by Canada Post.
For more information visit www.savelongbranchtrees.ca
Guide to where to get COVID-19 vaccine shots in our area for those aged 60 to 64 and 80 plus
Health Canada approved the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on February 26 and Ontario has now received its first small shipment of the long-awaited vaccine.
A number of selected local pharmacies have started booking immunization appointments for the AstraZeneca vaccine for people born in 1957 through to 1961, or aged from 60 to 64.
MPP Christine Hogarth said her office has confirmed that appointments are available for the vaccines based on very limited supply.
Pharmacies are also using their own customer databases to connect with eligible clients, she said.
As a result, some pharmacies may quickly run through their vaccine supply and may not be accepting new appointments at this time. But, as supply increases more appointments will be available and additional pharmacies will be added.
For people aged 80 and over pre-registration is required for a time and place to get the shot. Trillium Health Partners are vaccinating those over 80. Visit their site to pre-register at https://op.trilliumhealthpartners.ca/vaccinationreg/
Here is a list of Etobicoke pharmacies to call for an appointment for the vaccine for those aged 60 to 64. In nearly all cases, appointments have to be booked for the shot, at most likely. your local pharmacy or family doctor who may have your medical record.
You may be eligible to book an appointment to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at a participating pharmacy if you are born between 1957 and 1961. You must live, work or attend school in Kingston, Toronto or Windsor.
You must have a valid Ontario health (OHIP) card, or other form of valid government-issued identification.
For those 60 to 64.
-SHOPPERS DRUG MART – 123 Rexdale Boulevard
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight)
stores.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/store/857/
-GLEN CADE PHARMACY
290 The West Mall
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
– SHOPPERS DRUG MART
2206 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
stores.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/store/1421/
–SHOPPERS DRUG MART – 125 The Queensway
125 The Queensway
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight)
www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/covid19
-SHOPPERS DRUG MART – 3010 Bloor St. W.
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/covid19
-REXALL – 250 The East Mall
Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
-SHOPPERS DRUG MART – 5230 Dundas Street W.
Monday – Sunday: 24 hours
www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/covid19
-SHOPPERS DRUG MART – 3730 Lake Shore Boulevard W.
Appointment only. Call to make an appointment
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/covid19
-SHOPPERS DRUG MART
600 The East Mall Unit 1
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/covid19
-COSTCO – 50 Queen Elizabeth Blvd.
Appointment only. Call to make an appointment
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
-SHOPPERS DRUG MART – 270 The Kingsway
Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/covid19
-LOBLAW – 3671 Dundas Street W.
Appointment only. Call to make an appointment
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
-LOBLAW – 380 The East Mall
Appointment only. Call to make an appointment
-MCKEESON –1 Eva Road
Appointment only. Call to make an appointment
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
-UNICARE PHARMACY – 3170 Lake Shore Boulevard W.
Appointment only. Call to make an appointment
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
www.guardian-ida-pharmacies.ca/en/ontario/toronto/unicare-pharmacy-7001192
–CLINICPLUS I.D.A. PHARMACY – 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 103
Appointment only. Call to make an appointment
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
www.guardian-ida-pharmacies.ca/en/ontario/etobicoke/clinic-plus-pharmacy-7035501
-KIPLING & QUEENSWAY PHARMACY – 1255 The Queensway, Unit 20
Appointment only. Call to make an appointment
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
-LOBLAW – 330 Queens Plate Dr.
Appointment only. Call to make an appointment
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
-SHOPPERS DRUG MART – 666 Burnhamthorpe Rd.
Appointment only. Call to make an appointment
Monday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/covid19
-LAKESIDE PHARMACY – 2438 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Appointment only. Call to make an appointment
Monday – Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR: staying active with free things to do in the community
UNTIL MARCH 5 FREE ZOOM ONLINE PROGRAMS at the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, 101 Portland St., with more than a dozen popular programs to choose from. Contact information above.
MARCH 5 FREE ONLINE WINTER PROGRAMS by the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment via Zoom to learn about Chef’s Catering (senior), Craft for a Cause, Reader to reader, Craftastic market and Tik Tok dance. Contact information above.
FREE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING FOR INFANTS, children, youth and families by phone or video, no fees or appointments. Qualified counsellors available Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Contact 1-866-585-6486.
SENIORS GROUP ON ZOOM Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. until March 25. Join our virtual group to participate in informative motivational chat, mindfulness and relaxation sessions, exercise, games and crafts. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or email health.promotion@stonegate.org
VIRTUAL WELLNESS WORKSHOP-ACCESSING CALM at 2 p.m. on March 9, 16 and 23 on ZOOM. Exploring how to connect with the flow of calm energy during the COVID-19 Lockdown. Techniques to stay calm in these challenging times. To register contact Jasmin at 416-252-6471 ext. 308 or email jasmind@lampchc.org
FREE VIRTUAL PHYSIOTHERAPY workshops. March 8 for falls prevention at 2:30 p.m. and chronic neck pain on March 15 at 2:30 p.m. To register please call 416 252 6471 ext. 264.
FREE EIGHT-WEEK MINDFULNESS WORKSHOP series for one-hour on ZOOM on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. in March and April. The focus will be on relaxation and building coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety. To register contact Jasmin at 416-252-6471 ext. 308 or email jasmind@lampchc.org
MARCH 26 LAUGH OUT LOUD FOR YOU every Friday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. by ZOOM. This program will contain mindful meditation, exploring emotions and time to share through games and art. A parent or guardian must register each child. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or email health.promotion@stonegate.org
ZUMBA! EVERY TUESDAY on ZOOM from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or email health.promotion@stonegate.org
HUMBER COLLEGE DISPUTE RESOLUTION CLINIC is offering free online help to support community members in conflict coaching, conflict de-escalation techniques and facilitated mediations. Trained alternate dispute resolution student adivisors and mediators are available for support by emailing northdrc@ignitestudentlife.com
CHAIR EXERCISE FOR SENIORS AND older adults 55-years plus on ZOOM Friday 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. until April 2. A certified fitness instructor will lead the group with exercises to improve balance, strength, posture and flexibility. Participants will need a strong sturdy chair, preferably with no arms and a strong towel or belt for strengthening exercises. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or email health.promotion@stonegate.org
WARM CLOTHING DRIVE IN SUPPORT of Haven on The Queensway in need of gently used warm clothing for men, women and children. New socks and underwear for men and women, personal hygiene items and clean, gently used winter footwear. Items can be dropped off at Haven every Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 1533 The Queensway.
ETOBICOKE SERVICES FOR SENIORS (ESS) grocery delivery program. Step 1 register and place order. Step 2 ESS will pick up grocery and deliver to your door. It will cost the price of your groceries and a $3.50 delivery fee. Call 416-243-0127 ext. 555.
KIWANIS KINGSWAY HUMBER COVID RELIEF FUND to help charities in Etobicoke and residents who are in urgent need for funding. Our COVID-19 Relief Fund is set up to help those organizations. Visit https://bit.ly/3du5fSU or www.kingswaykiwanishumber.com
STUDY BEING CONDUCTED to identify affordable housing issues and solutions in South Etobicoke. Help a ‘passionate’ Humber College research team find affordable housing answers. For more information email salomeh.ahmadi@humber.ca
AFFORABLE HOUSING INFORMATION workshops: Learn how to get on the list for subsidized housing. What kind of supports are available to access affordable housing. The Rent Bank is there if you are behind in your rent and other supports. Also a workshop on Tenant’s Rights. Tuesdays March 2, March 9 and March 16 on Zoom at 7 pm. Contact jasmind@lampchc.org for more information.
FREE FOR ADULTS LEARN BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS: must meet registration criteria including 19 years and over. Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Small online group instruction MS word, Internet, keyboarding, email. Contact 416-252-9701 ext. 242 or 243.
IMPROVE YOUR READING AND WRITING SKILLS. Have fun learning in small groups. Must have a computer and an email address. Criteria includes must be 19 and up, an Ontario resident. Contact 416-252-9701 ext. 242 or 243.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PODS PROJECT. Neighbours helping neighbours. Mutual aid and support phone check-ins. Community Leadership. Volunteer run. For more information contact Daniel Plant at 416-553-8263.
FREE SOUP ON SUNDAY EVERY SUNDAY between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, at 156 Sixth Street. Free piping hot soup packed in individual Styrofoam containers ready for take-out and go when you show up.
LAMP EMERGENCY FOOD TAKEOUT MEALS are offered Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:30 a.m. through LAMP’s adult drop-in program. LAMP is located at 185 Fifth Street. Contact 416-252-6471 ext. 264. Group programs are closed.
LAKESHORE OUT OF THE COLD every Monday night at 6 on Thirtieth Street, at this time of the year. More than 800 area families this year will receive assistance. Please consider donating. Foodbank available. Contact Jennifer at 416- 251-8372 ext. 101.p.m. from November to April for a hot meal and emergency overnight accommodations for those who are homeless or hungry. Volunteers prepare dinner plus a bagged lunch for guests, including breakfast. Visit St. Margaret’s Church, 156 Sixth Street.
Memorial at Humber Bay East Park is solemn grounds for grieving crash families
GRIEVING family points to name of loved one carved in the granite wall. Vancouver Sun photo.
MEMORIAL for Air India crash victims with sundial and wall of their names.
It will be 36-years on June 23 when the devastating news flashed around the world.
We all learned that Air India Flight 182 was blown up in the sky during a trip from Toronto to London, then to Delhi, killing all 329 people on board.
The mass-killing still remains the worst terrorist attack in Canadian history.
The flight, with 268 Canadians on board, was blown up near the southwest tip of Ireland.
After much mourning, soul-searching and questions by grieving family members, a memorial for the victims killed in the bombing was erected in 2007 at Humber Bay Park East, which marked the 22nd anniversary of the tragedy.
For 14 years, mourners from the Indo Canadian community have been making the trek every June to the memorial, in a quiet area of the park, to pray for their loved ones.
The memorial is made up of a sundial, gardens and a granite inscription wall that bears the names of the 329 people who lost their lives while travelling on Flight 182. It also commemorates two baggage handlers killed by a bomb in a related attack at an airport in Japan.
Grieving families from across the country and elsewhere touch and hold on to the names of their loved ones carved forever in the stone.
“This is a place where all Canadians can come to pay their respects and remember those who were victims of terror,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on unveiling the memorial. “On that dark day, we got a shocking glimpse of what lurks at the core of some of our fellow human beings.”
That year the Government of Canada established three new memorials and refurbished another in Ottawa so that Canadians would never forget the tragedy. Memorials were dedicated to remember the victims of those living in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal.
The memorial in Humber Bay Park East, like the others, will forever stand as a reminder of the innocent lives lost during a very sad chapter in Canadian history.
In a few months, the mourners will return once more to pay tribute to their husbands, wives, children and other loved ones senselessly taken away from us on that day.
After a 15-year investigation into the largest mass murder in the country’s history, two British Columbia Sikh separatists were charged with murder and conspiracy in both attacks. They were acquitted in 2005. A third accused, Inderjit Singh Reyat, was convicted of manslaughter for his role in building the two bombs.