 Panel Moderator Franco Savoia  Poverty Discussion Panel | George Brookman launched this year's donations drive for our Christmas Hampers program and announced our fundraising goal to have 150 club members donate $250 each. Following George's appeal to the club, Franco Savoia introduced the participants for this week's discussion panel. The participants were Susan and Kimberley, members of the Poverty Talks! steering committee, and Meaghon Reid, Executive Director of Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) since September 11th. VCC is a non-profit organization seeking to engage Calgarians in advocating long-term strategies that address the root causes of poverty in Calgary and is the steward of Enough for All, Calgary’s poverty reduction strategy. An initiative of VCC, Poverty Talks! supports people who are living in poverty to become involved in social change efforts and political processes, as well as to raise public awareness of poverty. Poverty Talks! advocates for social and public policy change, while also engaging and educating Calgarians about poverty-related issues. The Poverty Talks! steering committee comprises advocates with current or recently lived experiences of poverty. The three panelists shared their perspectives on how the culture of Christmas, primarily its commercialism, imposes heavy burdens on families living in poverty. It is very difficult for people living in poverty to be unable to fulfil a child's Christmas wish. As well, poverty leads to feelings of loneliness during the holiday period. Following a question and answer session with the panel, Tom Tait thanked George, Franco and our three panelists for providing their perspectives on poverty and the upcoming holiday season. |