One of the most valuable components of our communities is our local heroes, who work diligently in the hopes of being able to make a difference in the lives of others. I have had the pleasure of meeting the heroes from my riding of Eglinton-Lawrence, and would like to introduce you to a few of them.
From Beth Shalom Synagogue, Gord and Debbie Krofchick Chair the Out-of the Cold Program, providing shelter to the homeless each winter. They often stay overnight to assist in administering the program, and Debbie also takes time to coordinate the Kosher Food Bank. Another extraordinary couple, Molly and Dave Rose, not only volunteer with Out-of-the-Cold, they also deliver Meals on Wheels each week.
Members of the Forest Hill Lions Club, Stan Goldstein and Steve Rudberg work devotedly in their community. While Stan works on projects such as the Easter Egg Hunt at Sunnyview School and the Easter and Passover Baskets, Steve assists in obtaining funds to send underprivileged children to summer camps, or to feed and clothe the homeless.
Known as the “King of the Kettles”, Monty Mazin has single-handedly raised thousands of dollars for the Salvation Army. A truly caring and compassionate humanitarian, Monty collects clothes for children in need, calls bingo, and distributes a bulletin of jokes which brings laughter to the hearts of local seniors.
A true model of parental involvement, Dagmar Grasser volunteers at Joyce Public School and Lawrence Heights Middle School. She has helped to promote after school music and math programs, ESL and Early Years Programs, and has volunteered for countless school events.
A volunteer for over thirty years, Howard Brown is the founding President of the North Toronto Tenants Network. He most recently co-founded the Brain Injury Association of Canada, and began the charity’s “Hawaiian Oyster Odyssey” in 2005, an event which is now replicated across the country.
Avid community activists, Ross and Glenda Skene fought for years to save affordable housing in their neighbourhood. True assets to their community, they continue to work tirelessly with local authorities to ensure our neighbourhoods are safer, better places to live.
A long time resident of Eglinton-Lawrence, Joe Cimicata is the Honourary Director of the Asthma Society of Canada. Joe sponsors a junior hockey team, holds barbecues to raise funds for the Toni Ciccarelli Walk-a-thon, CHUM Xmas Wish, and supports the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Sick Kids’ Hospital in any way he can.
To these and to all other local community heroes, thank you for your compassion, commitment, and for the inspiration you give to us all.
HOW TO NOMINATE A LOCAL HERO:
If you would like to nominate a local hero for the 2009 Eglinton-Lawrence Outstanding Volunteer Awards, please contact my office at 416-781-2395, or send an email to mcolle.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org to obtain a nomination form.
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Dear constituents
Over the past three months I have been meeting with local volunteers and constituents to develop a Green Plan for Eglinton-Lawrence.
Together we have developed a modest set of proposals that we can put into action today.
I will be working with the residents of Eglinton-Lawrence on the following projects:
- Light up your life: take a walk around your home and use the www.powerwise.ca calculator to figure out the energy savings you will achieve by changing each bulb to an efficient one.
- Greening your apartment: Participate in a group of multi-unit dwellers to develop "green apartment" strategies like working together to develop roof top gardens.
You may not be sure where to begin. Or you may question if your efforts will make a real difference.
The answer is yes.
If you are interested in joining the Green Plan for Eglinton Lawrence, please write to me at my office mcolle.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Thank you for taking part,
Mike Colle
MPP Eglinton Lawrence