New poverty forum turns ideas into action

The next Capital region poverty forum will build on the ideas collected at a previous forum in February, present examples for taking action against poverty and introduce new information about poverty in the area. "Poverty: Taking Action," with human and social development faculty member Dr. Marge Reitsma-Street, a member of the Capital Urban Poverty Project, will be held on May 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 833 Pandora Street. The keynote speaker will be Dr. David I. Hay, also a member of the project and president of the Greater Victoria Child and Youth Advocacy Society.

At February's forum, participants were asked to submit ideas and comments about possible actions citizens could take to reduce poverty in the region. These ideas, such as strengthening neighbourliness, accessing nutritious food and launching initiatives through the faith community, will be explored in a series of working groups at next week's forum. According to project research, over 15 per cent of capital region citizens--more than 45,000 people--are living in poverty.

This third in a series of forums presented by the project will feature the following panelists: Derek Gent, Pacific Coast Savings and Credit Union; Lori Way, community nutritionist, Capital Health Region; Ed McClanaghan, Blanshard Community Centre; and Jacquie Ackerley, National Anti-Poverty Coalition.

Admission to the forum is free but pre-registration is required. For further information contact the United Way of Greater Victoria at 385-6708.

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