Tag: Ontario

Woodstein Media Podcast Episode 30: Ruth Fox discusses the loss of her son to drug poisoning, Moms Stop the Harm, and failures of Canada’s drug policy

Posted on by Colin Burrowes

On this episode, Ruth Fox, Regional Director for Moms Stop the Harm, spoke to me about her experience losing her son, Trevor, who died from accidental drug poisoning in his home.
Trevor was 25 years old and had a full and promising life ahead of him in his community. He was a valued employee in a career he enjoyed and was adored by a supportive family and numerous friends.
Ruth became aware of Moms Stop the Harm shortly after Trevor’s death and has found the community of understanding, compassion and support the organization offers invaluable. Through the work the group does, she learned more about the harms caused by Canada’s failed drug policies and the way people who use drugs are treated.

Coldest Night of the Year in North Perth celebrates success

Posted on by Colin Burrowes

United Way Perth-Huron and their North Perth Community Committee proudly announce results from the Coldest Night of the Year event in Listowel.

“We’re excited to share that we’ve raised $54,194 so far in support of local people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness,” said Lee Anne Andriessen, Chair of United Way’s North Perth Community Committee.

United Way hopes to ‘spark discussion and offer possible solutions’ with final two Quality of Life reports of 2023

Posted on by Colin Burrowes

“We’re excited to share more of our findings,” said Kristin Crane, director social research and planning for United Way. “People’s mental and physical health, the social environment and the state of the natural environment are important components of how people respond to the community. As with earlier reports, we hope the topics covered and recommendations made spark discussion and offer possible solutions to help us improve life across our region.”

Social Research & Planning Council announces new living wage, Ontario government celebrates poverty wages

Posted on by Colin Burrowes

Living Wage Week in Ontario runs Nov. 6–12 and United Way Perth-Huron’s Social Research & Planning Council (SRPC) is announcing the new living wage of $22.75 an hour, up from $20.70 last year.

The Ontario government recently increased the minimum wage to $16.55 an hour on Oct. 1. The press release dated March 31, that preceded the increase claimed that “this 6.8 percent pay raise for low-income workers builds on the government’s steady and predictable increases every year to help families offset the rising cost of living.”

Stratford concert supports United Way’s local work

Posted on by Colin Burrowes

Enjoy an evening of classic 70s music with the Classic Troubadours at Revival House on Thursday, November 9 in support of United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH)’s work in Stratford and area.

United Way Perth-Huron helps here in the community you care about, tackling #UNIGNORABLE issues including homelessness, mental health and access to services. Thanks to United Way, its partners, and donors, vulnerable people across Perth-Huron have the chance for a brighter future.

Woodstein Media Podcast Episode 26: Earl Wyvern on arts, music with The Beards, Beaver Slap, Angry Spells and ‘horrendous progressive politics’

Posted on by Colin Burrowes

In this episode, Barrie Ontario musician Earl Wyvern discusses their history and involvement in the DIY Arts Collective, which progressed to a deep involvement in music, promoting shows through Gay Ass Productions and slamming eardrums on recording and stages for the past ten years. They are currently playing with Angry Spells and digging deeper into what they refer to as their “horrendous progressive politics” with Earl Wyvern and Spare Parts.
Essentially, their horrendous politics, which they describe as “queer” and “militant,” are just a wish for people to be treated fairly and not single out specific segments of society with excuses not to be kind to them. Wyvern describes this as “what-aboutism” and that when people set out to do good for people, they don’t discriminate about who deserves help in times of need.

‘Support and love everybody because that’s how it should be, right? We don’t have space for hate.’

Posted on by Colin Burrowes

Six southern Ontario bands rocked Barrie, Ontario’s Simcoe Hotel, in support of trans youth on October 15 during Stonewall 2: Fundraiser Boogaloo.

People who didn’t make it out to enjoy the music ranging from acoustic folk punk to punk and pop rock but still want to support transgender youth as they endure attacks from far-right agitators across Canada can contribute at https://www.transwellness.ca. Trans Wellness Ontario provides counselling, resources and peer support for transgender youth in Ontario at a time when anti-2SLGBTQIA rhetoric is on the rise.