International Day for The Eradication of Poverty
AKA – World Day to End Extreme Poverty
Monday, October 17, 2011
Pavilion, Fairy Lake Park,
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
3 P.M. – 7 P.M.
Main-stage Performers – 6PM
FREE
“Expect to smell food, and hear music & drumming upon arriving, as Newmarket plays host to York Region Ontario’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Monday October 17 at Fairy Lake Park from 3 PM until 7PM with:
- FREE healthy and hot food / soup served,
- information booths,
- “starving artists” performing path-side,
- main-stage speakers and performers, and
- a mic for those wishing to speak out about poverty.
The internationally marked event was first recognized by the United Nations in 1992 but was inspired and started by a French Priest named Joseph Wreneski as World Day to End Extreme Poverty.
On 17th October 1987, in the presence of 100,000 people from every social background and continent, Joseph Wresinski unveiled a commemorative stone in the Trocadero Human Rights Plaza in Paris.
On this marble his call is engraved: “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.”
Since then the commemorative stone has become a rallying point for people from all walks of life.
October 17th was declared “International Day for the Eradication of Poverty” by the United Nations in 1992.
In several countries, on the 17th of each month, people gather to acknowledge the lives and efforts of those living in extreme poverty, and to renew their commitment to join them in their struggle.
Since the York Region event has been held, from 2005, it has evolved from a milk-box and a microphone for performers and speakers to envelope beautiful Fairy Lake Park in Newmarket, and now offers opportunities for singers, composers, musicians and other performers to play original work on a stage, and at the same time keep the message of ending poverty alive beyond just Oct 17.
2011’s York Region event will again offer free hot fresh food and some information booths / pamphlets including information from the Legal Clinic of York Region, The Housing Help Centre, York Region Food Network, Ninos Kom Tin ( aboriginal), Make Poverty History, Poverty Action for Change Coaltion and others.
This year in 2011 the event is allowing “starving musicians” to line the paths surrounding the event to add to the atmosphere and split anything raised with the organizers to help pay for the event.
A main-stage is also part of the events features, not only used for the speakers but also for an “ Open Mic” session and for performers doing pieces relating to poverty including Composer / Singer – Guitarists Glenn Marais , Fred Joly, Rappers – Krhyme Syndicate, & Spotlight Theatre presents cuts from RENT. MORE TBA!
Performers wishing to come up must check in at the main-stage or arrange in advance to ensure your spot.
This link shows video from 2010 event – http://youtu.be/DG0Dyd3QD5E“
Tom Pearson, Chair of Poverty Action For Change Coalition (PACC), said,
“You Are Invited!
Regardless of who wins (the Ontario election) I hope winners can come out to Fairy Lake Park from 3PM – 7PM and speak up and out about their plans to reduce or eliminate poverty…Those from groups or individuals that are affected by poverty as well as musicians and performers depicting poverty awareness are also welcome to come and participate!
Some of you participated in the Oct 17 event last year and previous years. This event is in it’s infancy but has huge potential.
For 2011 we will again have plug’n’play opportunities for performers to sing, drum, rap, speak or perform / display works and information that depicts or denotes or is related to poverty. Original works most welcome.
Once again we will offer performers a spot on our Main Stage as well as they are welcome to line the pathways and play to passersby with a guitar case or hat out. We ask that performers voluntarily donate 50% of what they earn to the cause.”
For more info or to confirm appearing, donate or set up a booth, call 289-221-0928 or email at povertyacc@gmail.com
Or visit
www.povertyacc.com/getinvolved
Tom Pearson
www.povertyacc.com
Contact Info:
PACC (Poverty Action For Change Coalition)
Mailing address
21 Dunlop St. Suite
200 Richmond Hill, ON,
L4C-2M6
Phone daytime: 905-836-7931
Eves after 6pm – 289-221-0928
Email – povertyacc@gmail.com
Volunteers line: 905-895-3126