THE STAN DARLING ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This scholarship fund has been established to help young environmentally-active students in the Parry Sound-Muskoka district attend post-secondary level Environmental Studies programs.
Stan Darling was a leading force in the fight to protect Canada’s Environment and to fight Acid Rain during his 30 years in politics. He was involved as a municipal councillor and reeve for 30 years before his election as Member of Parliament for Parry Sound- Muskoka at the age of 61.
He will be remembered for his hard work, dedication and service on behalf of the environment. He is therefore a model for young people concerned for the environment and interested in service through politics.
For inquiries please contact:

Ken Banks
[email protected]
705-645-6589 fax: 705-645-6217
OR
Phoenix Community Works Foundation: 416-964-3380
[email protected]

The Gregory School Project

The Gregory School for Exceptional Learning Project is intended to provide support to families with a child who would benefit from specialized education services but who are in need of financial assistance to obtain the needed services.

Located in Ancaster Ontario the project currently povides busary assistance to a child in the care of the Hamilton-Wentworth Cahtolic Children’s Aid Society. A second bursary is the Angela Merici Bursary for a girl with a learning disability or mild intellectual disability and whose family requires financial assistace to the meet the cost of tuition fees.

More information at The Gregory School For Exceptional Learning
Alternatively please contact the Foundation at: [email protected]

Students Crossng Borders

Students Crossing Borders replaces a previous project, Student Teachers in the Global Classroom. However our mission remains the same: Providing opportunities for young Canadian men and women who are pursuing a teaching career to work alongside teachers in a less fortunate country, and to support them by creating curriculum kits for use in the classroom. July 7-22 is the date set for traveling to Jamaica this summer as Students Crossing Borders

Students Crossing Borders (SCB) was founded in 1991 by Fintan Kilbride, a retired Catholic high school teacher. His began his program by taking groups of high school students to Jamaica on a work/study trip for 2 weeks each summer. While there, participants would work in some of the most impoverished areas of Kingston – in a school in a shanty community built on Kingston’s landfill site, a home for children with HIV, an institution for children with special needs, and a home for abandoned seniors. The group’s role was to serve the poor in whatever way they could, and to provide a voice for the voiceless. A few years later, the opportunity to take part in this incredible trip was opened up to anyone interested in participating; the one condition was that they were going for the right reasons – to serve, not to vacation. The criteria remains the same today.

The participants on the summer trips usually include high school, college, and university students, elementary and high school teachers, and interested community members from many different walks of life. In the winter the group is primarily from Seneca College and is based out of Seneca’s School of Early Childhood Education. The Seneca chapter of SCB started travelling to Jamaica in February 2005 with participants, predominantly made up of Early Childhood Education students and alumni from Seneca College, but not restricted to those groups. Each year the group becomes more diverse drawing from the entire college community, allowing for a broader set of skills to take with us to Jamaica.

Typically, we work in the school in Riverton (the community at Kingston’s landfill site) in the classrooms with the teachers, as well as planning and running a recreational after school program for older children both winter and summer. We provide workshops for the teachers in Riverton based on their requests, and take part in a district-wide professional development day in the winter. Planning for all of the projects we undertake begins well before we leave for Jamaica. Participants plan programs and workshops, and gather necessary resources and basic school supplies. As well, we gather medications and supplies for the healthcare clinic at Riverton and our other work sites.
Projects include:
Creating Teaching Resources
House Building
Field Trip
Fence,Playground and Community Garden
New School

This experience will help them to understand the social values of our own country, compared to another country and to become sensitive to the situations of others. This will begin to prepare them for working with members of the global community and develop an understanding of related issues.

This project is one of several initiatives recently undertaken by the Foundation as part of its effort to build connections in the emerging Global Village. It is also in keeping with PCWF’s efforts to attract the interest of young Canadians in volunteering their services to assist communities in need.

For more information:

Lynn Caruso, Project Coordinator
Seneca College,
School of Early Childhood Education
416-491-5050 ext 2161
[email protected]

OR

Larry Rooney
mailto:[email protected]
416-964-3380

July 2005 Trip
Student Teachers in the Global Classroom,and Students Crossing Borders July 2005 update.

In February, a group of 20 Early Childhood Education (ECE) students, and their faculty from Seneca college travelled to Jamaica to help out as student teachers in a variety of places in Montego Bay and Kingston, Jamaica. We worked in a hospice for children with HIV, a home for teen moms, a home for children with special needs, and a school built on Kingston’s garbage dump, in a mostly shanty-community called Riverton.

In July, a group of 34, highschool and university students, teachers, and caring community members visited the same places and fulfilled many of the same tasks.

At Riverton, students helped out the teachers by working with individual children on the lessons of the day. As well, the students implemented some specific program plans each day (e.g. small group activities related to math, literacy, music, or creativity). The Canadian students learned a great deal about patience and working in extremely taxing circumstances from the Jamaican host teachers. At the HIV hospice, ECE students implemented program plans as well, and all who visited assisted the workers with the school program that they run, and helped to relieve the workers in whatever way they could. In the home for teen moms, students provided much appreciated childcare for the moms while they conducted their chores or attended classes, and, essentially, “hung out” with the young women. As well, they helped with some painting and preparing for a yard sale that the centre was organizing as a fundraiser.

At Mustard Seed, the home for children with special needs, students helped out the nurse/caregivers in any way they could, by helping with feeding, taking children to Devotions, or reading and singing to the children.

The trip proved to be a humbling and life-changing experience for many of the people who participated, from the youngest (age 14) to the oldest (age 50). We learned that we have a blurred line between our needs and our wants. We learned more about dignity than one can ever imagine. For example, one gentleman who receives his lunches through a special lunch program for seniors in the Riverton community, would not come into the building for an intergenerational day we held because he was dirty from working in the field. He didn’t want to be disrespectful. We also learned about patience – things don’t always happen as we would like them to – there are far too many things that are out of our control and it is fruitless to get upset about it(e.g hurricanes, busses for 280 people that don’t show up when they are supposed to for reasons that we don’t know, water that can’t be delivered, food that shows up when it is ready, not necessarily when we feel hungry for it). Mostly we learned about the joy and hope of people who have little material wealth and property. Everyone went home with a sense of appreciation for what they have, and wanting to change things in their lives and the lives of those close to them.
Each of the groups that travelled to Jamaica were involved in gathering donations of goods, and of money. We gathered and took unprecedented amounts of materials with us. As well, we were able to raise funds to assist the community we worked in and learned so much from.

Our fund raising efforts helped with the following:
We sponsored a good portion of the summer school program, including buying some materials for the program. Without our help the program was at risk of being cancelled. In addition, we paid for a trip to the beach (buses and food for 250 community members), and for the women who prepared the lunches for the children. Once again, without our contribution, they would not have been able to pay the women. A portion of the funds raised went to pay for the shipping of many of the donations and some additional funds will go towards paying the duties on the shipment. Finally, some money will be used to sponsor 2 boys who have been accepted in the grade 6 program at Kingston College, one of the best schools for boys in Kingston. without our assistance, the boys may not be able to attend the school.

Planning for the July 2007 trips has begun. Participants are being recruited right now. For further information, contact Lynn Caruso at 416-491-5050, ext 2161 or at [email protected]

6 Best Mobile Car Insurance Apps

With technology improving at a rapid rate, the mobile car insurance app is not what it once was. SharpMobile.ca a top car insurance providers are offering more in their mobile apps to increase customer satisfaction. The days of only having a basic mobile app to manage simple tasks are long gone. Many companies are innovating beyond the simple tasks for more functionality. Here’s a look at the top six best mobile car insurance apps available now.

Allstate Drivewise

The Drivewise app tracks driving behavior and rewards you for being responsible with discounts and even cash back on premiums. The app is also available to non-policyholders who can earn reward points and redeem them for gift cards, merchandise and additional items.


Allstate Motor Club

This car insurance app utilizes the GPS on your phone to locate the vehicle and automatically call for help, even in remote locations. Simply issue the type of assistance you require from the in-app menu and track the time of arrival. This app is only available to Allstate customers and the least expensive option is $52 for the first year.


Esurance Fuelcaster

This nifty car insurance app predicts gas prices to assist drivers in deciding when to fill up. Simply enter your ZIP code and the app will recommend filling up now, due to rising gas prices, or wait until tomorrow as prices are expected to be lower. The app also displays the range of gas prices in your vicinity to determine which are the cheapest.


Esurance Video Appraisal

Ensurance policyholders can utilize the video appraisal car insurance app to chat with appraisers in real-time for filing a claim as opposed to scheduling an in-person meeting to assess the damage. The inspection can be conducted via smartphone to improve flexibility. The appraiser can then provide an estimate and often release the payment that day.


State Farm CarCapture

When researching a new car, CarCapture eliminates the legwork. If you see a car that you like, take a photograph of the back to confirm the make and model which then calculates the market value (from Edmunds) and dealerships in the area that carry the vehicle. This app is a free download and anyone can use it.


State Farm Driver Feedback

This tool differentiates from other car insurance apps by targeting three problem areas: acceleration, deceleration and swerving. Using the app is as simple placing your phone in the cup holder or laying it in a secure spot. The app will then track and score in different categories while offering improvement pointers. Although this car insurance app does not trigger a discount, it can provide a valuable peace of mind.

Men Walking Against Male Violence

The Walk Against Male Violence is a project initiated in 1991 by males to confront sexism and violence against women. Male violence encompasses a wide range of actions, personal and institutional,which oppress women and children in oder to maintain a world of adult male gender privilege and power.

These walks are a means of not raising awareness but of educating children and young adult. Walks are organized in local communities, schools or by various organizations. Two thirds of the proceeds raised go a girls school and a women’s group in Afghanistan. The remainder is used to promote WAMV.

For more information:

Ken Hancock 905-774 8091
Men Walking Against Male Violence
P.O. Box 55, Dunnville ON N1A 2K1

You can donate online through Phoenix

Hip Hop Away from Violence

Hip Hop Away From Violence

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Hip Hop Away From Violence is a youth led, artist driven high school
outreach program showing youth that using positive forms of artistic
self-expression will help them to make positive life choices, making our
communities stronger and safer.  Through our inspirational performance
assemblies and artistic development workshops we aim to reduce violence,
eliminate prejudice and boost the self-esteem of youth across Canada.  Our
goal is to empower youth by giving them a voice in front of their peers to
inspire positive change in their community.

Hip Hop Away From Violence targets youths aged 14-25 (14-18 for program
audience, 14-25 for volunteers) who can carry forward the message of youth
involvement and community development to their peers and neighbourhoods.

PROGRAM PROMO VIDEO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziV29guuchI

PROGRAM GOALS

To show youth new forms of positive
self-expression
Build youth self-esteem and leadership skills
Foster community change by encouraging youth inspired by
the project to spread the message to their peers to participate in positive and
creative artistic ventures, as well as increasing their involvement in their
community
Maintain a youth to youth dialogue, and youth led
volunteer corps

Hip Hop Away From Violence works with youth to:

Increase…
- Youth volunteerism
- Community involvement
- Confidence
- Leadership skills
- Artistic ability
- Support networks

Decrease…
- Youth violence
- Racism
- Drug use
- Bullying

& other negative forms of self-expression among youth

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS (*see visual timeline)
Program Results (8 schools surveyed in 2008)

UNITY INSPIRES CHANGE
83% thought the assembly was informative out of 332 surveyed
73% were inspired to pursue creative forms of self-expression

UNITY ENGAGES YOUTH
93% would recommend this program to other schools
93% thought the assembly was stimulating & entertaining

YOUTH DEMAND UNITY (5 schools surveyed in 2008)
80% of students surveyed said that after seeing the assembly they would
take workshops taught by UNITY performers out of 240 surveyed

*for more information check our website at www.unitycharity.com

You can make a difference (donations)
$100 = EMPOWER Youth
Start a youth planning committee
IMPACTS: 20 youth*

$500 = ENGAGE Youth
One full day of workshops
IMPACT: 180 youth*

$1,000 = INSPIRE Youth
One full school assembly
IMPACT: 1,000 youth*

$2,000 = TRANSFORM Youth
One full school program (assembly, workshops, committee, etc.)
IMPACT: 1,500 youth*

$5,000 +  = Corporate Sponsorships
Setup a personal meeting with Mike to further this and other high impact
opportunities

*  on average

For more information about our program Hip Hop Away from Violence, please contact:

Michael Possner
Email: [email protected]
Phone #: (416) 938-9693
Office: York University Student Centre Room 441 (mailbox 10)
Website: www.unitycharity.com
High School website: www.hiphopawayfromviolence.com

Gloria Rooney Bursary Fund

A tribute to Gloria Rooney’s lifelong social and community activism, this fund supports initiatives in research, training and education with an emphasis on community groups and leadership development.

The Gloria Rooney Bursary Fund was established in 1992. It supports initiatives in research, training and education with an emphasis on community groups and leadership development.

 

About Gloria Rooney

Gloria Rooney made many contributions to her community. Active in politics, she worked with many marginalized individuals and groups, particularly in St. Catharines, Ontario.

In the 50′s and early 60′s she helped found the first Cub and Scout Pack in Canada for children with disabilities. In the mid 1970s she worked with Port Dalhousie seniors, securing for them the use of the
Muir Dry Docks after organizing a group to negotiate with the city to renovate the facility.

Gloria would always stand up for her community. During the late 30′s, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, she helped form the first auxiliary for the first mine union in Canada in the midst of very bitter and very long battle. She was blacklisted and as a result she and her family lost their home. Despite these problems, she helped others with handouts, furnishings and money. She was a strong believer in the abilities and rights of women and gave as much support as she could.

She believed in education, especially post-secondary education, and hoped that everyone would be given the opportunities that had been available to her generation. She believed in fairness, honesty and hard work and she never accepted an “impossible” from anyone.

Her Church was the centre of her life and its teachings were the basis for her daily decision-making. She believed in using her own abilities but also in calling on her Maker when life was too difficult to “go it alone”. She was a humble, driven, determined individual whose actions were responsible for much change in her lifetime.

Patricia Rooney

 

How to apply:

Submit a request outlining the following areas in detail:

  • What you hope to achieve
  • Time frames
  • The amount of your request
  • The source and amount of any other monies
  • How a grant from this source would assist you (other than the financial reason)
  • Long term goals

For more information

Please contact PCWF

ONE SMALL STEP

One Small Step is a sponsored Phoenix Community Works Foundation project created to pursue two objectives:

  • To financially support research in order to improve the quality of life of people with PWS
  • To help people pursue and achieve their dreams

About Prader Willi Syndrome:

Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS)is a complex genetic disorder typically causes low muscle tone, cognitive disabilities, lack of sexual development, behavioural issues and a chronic feeling of hunger that can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity. PWS is caused by an abnormality on chromosome 15 which occurs around the time of conception. People with PWS can never live independently due to their insatiable appetites. Constant supervision is necessary and adults that seek independence live in group homes that are monitored 24 hours a day. Many children with PWS grow up undiagnosed due to lack of awareness. Early diagnosis is important because it could help children lead more productive lives through education and management of diet and exercise. More information about the PWS is available at www.opwsa.com.

For more information about One Small Step Program please visit www.onesmallstep.ca

ONE SMALL STEP WALKATHON:

One SMALL Step is hosting its second annual walkathon on Sunday, August 19th, 2007 at Centennial Park in Etobicoke. This fun filled event provides excitement and entertainment for the whole family. There will be games, prizes, motivational speakers and a special guest appearance by the Toronto Raptor Mascot. We need your help to reach our goal of raising $100 000 for Prader-Willi research. Help us take this One SMALL Step!
The purpose of the One SMALL Step Walkathon is to promote public awareness about the importance of health and fitness in all families, while raising money for Prader-Willi Research. All proceeds will be donated to the Foundation of Prader-Willi Research (FPWR), to fund an exciting research project by University of Alberta researcher, Rachel Wevrick

For more information about the walkathon please visit: ONE SMALL STEP WALKATHON

To register for the walkathon go to: REGISTRATION FORM

ONE SMALL STEP CHALLENGE:

At One Small Step we want you to go after your dreams and we’re willing to pay you to do it! When it comes to people going after their dreams we firmly believe, the more the better and we’re willing to back that up … so here’s the challenge.

We will pay $1000 to the person who best demonstrates the One Small Step Spirit.

Interested in taking the challenge go to: ONE SMALL STEP-”THE CHALLENGE”

Not Just Tourists-Edmonton

Not Just Tourists-Edmonton, is a volunteer-based project that collects surplus medicines and medical supplies for use in Cuba and other developing countries. Canadians traveling on vacation or business deliver these much needed supplies to doctors and clinics in the areas where they are visiting.

Our project is patterned after Not Just Tourists in the Niagara region of Ontario. This is a highly successful program that has been in existence for a decade.Similar groups are in existence in Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston Vancouver and Winnipeg. The program in Edmonton is incorporated under the Alberta Societies Act.

Donated medicines are packed in suitcases, that have been donated, and are given to the traveler along with a letter from a Canadian doctor addressed to the doctor or clinic for whom the humanitarian aid is destined.
This program complies with the laws of the recipient country as well as those of Canada.

Participating Canadians have received overwhelming thanks from the recipients of the supplies and have reported their trips as being eye opening and most rewarding experiences.

For more information
[email protected]
Tel: 780-488-0942 780-476-1037
Not Just Tourists-Edmonton

Not Just Tourists -Ottawa

Not Just Tourists – Not Just Tourists-Ottawa is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit Phoenix Community Works Foundation project situated in Ottawa. NJT collects surplus medicines and medical supplies for use in countries with people in need. Canadians traveling on business or vacation deliver these much-needed supplies to doctors and clinics in their travel destinations. We are patterned after Not Just Tourists in St. Catharines and Toronto.

Generic contents are sent to remote areas where we do not have a medical practitioner contact.These suitcases include antibiotics, anti-inflamatories, gastric meds, analgesics no narcotics), asthma inhalers, examination gloves, syringes, bandaging, sutures etc. Specific contents are sent to medical people who have received suitcases from us in the past and have sent us “wish lists” in order that any future suitcases can be personalized to their specific needs. Hospital supplies including more specialized items such as surgical instruments and specialized medicines are sent to hospitals.

Volunteers, under the supervision of a medical professional, sort and check the expiry dates of donated medicines and supplies. We do not use expired medicines or prescriptions that have been returned to a pharmacy or physician’s office unless they are in a sealed container or blister-packed. The medicines are then placed on shelves and ready for packing in suitcases under the supervision of a medical professional. A local pharmacy accepts medicine that we do not use and incorporates it in their items for destruction.

Copies of a letter signed by a Canadian doctor are included in each suitcase advising customs officials that the traveler is transporting the medicine to a medical practitioner in the country of destination (This practice conforms to both Canadian and customs regulations of most countries to which Not Just Tourists delivers aid).The traveler is asked to bring back one copy that has been signed by a doctor or medical institution confirming that they have received this humanitarian aid.

Travelers also sign an agreement form that includes: not adding or removing anything from the suitcase delivering the suitcase to a contact physician bringing back the signed letter as proof of delivery paying for any weight overage charges by the airline they travel with Full suitcases normally weigh 10 kilograms. Travelers are cautioned that the suitcase of medicines will form part of their personal baggage weight allowance. Although some airlines are lenient, the travelers may have to assume excess baggage costs if baggage weight limits are exceeded. Not Just Tourists provides a unique and rewarding opportunity to meet with people abroad – outside of the tourist industry

For more information on how you can participate in this program contact the NJT- Not Just Tourists- Ottawa Phone (toll-free):1-866-426-3695 or email < a href=”http://[email protected]”>Not Just Tourists Ottawa


Copyright © 2007 Phoenix Community Works Foundation. All rights reserved.