Mayor's Challenge Kick Off

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May 29 2013

As part of its 20th season, Festival of Neighbourhoods is asking citizens of Kitchener to share stories about what their neighbourhood means to them. The Mayor’s Challenge Contest kicks off the Summer Festival of Neighbourhoods Season, asks simply that you submit a story in the medium of your choice, and the winning entry author and his/her neighbours will win a walking tour with the Mayor!

Find us this weekend at the Tremaine Park Charity BBQ and Animate the Trail events to learn more, or do not lose another moment to read through the contest details and the submission form!

Summer Student Position with the Festival of Neighbourhoods Team

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May 22 2013

Are you passionate about community? Do you like to play? Have you an ear for storytelling? Apply for the most exciting summer job in town by 4 pm on Monday June 3, 2011!

Speaking Up and Stepping Up Video

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May 21 2013

Panel presentation inviting to speak up and step up to eliminate homelessness in Waterloo Region, held during the Homelessness Awareness Week, May 7th 2013, at the Kitchener City Hall. If you wish to see the individual panel presentations, go to our YouTube Channel - KWSocialPlanning.

Response to the 2013 Ontario Budget

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May 16 2013

The Poverty Free Kitchener-Waterloo Action Group has had an opportunity to review the Budget released May 2nd by the Ontario Government. Of particular interest were budget items related to poverty reduction and social assistance system changes. In general, the Budget language and tone suggest that the Government is attempting to address significant poverty and economic inequality issues in a respectful and non-stigmatising way. However, the details of the Budget fall short of real economic gains for those who are most vulnerable in our communities.

Marigold Park Grand Opening at Topper Woods

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May 10 2013

Marigold Park was the happiest place in the whole large Topper Woods! The grand opening of the park was celebrated on May 10th, with the red ribbon cut and a cake! Festival of Neighbourhoods bunch enjoyed telling stories of before and after, and how the weeds and shrubs turned to the most lively patch of green for young and old equally.

2013 Social Action and Justice Award Winner is Hannah Wynen!

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May 8 2013

The 16th Annual Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) Awards were held in the Rotunda at Kitchener City Hall May 1st, 2013. Fahima Anwar, President of the Socila Planning Council Kitchener-Waterloo Board of Directors, and Nathan Pike, Secretary presented the Social Action and Justice Award on behalf of the Social Planning Council.

This year’s winner is an exceptional youth who, even at her young age, has impacted many lives in our community.

A call for nominations to the Board of Directors

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May 7 2013

Want to make a difference in your community? Are you passionate about social justice and citizen participation? Join the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo Board of Directors and work with others who also want to improve our community.

Homelessness Awareness Week, May 5-11th 2013

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Apr 25 2013

Homelessness Awareness Week is happening May 5th to 11th, 2013.

Please see the attached document for events and activities that commemorate this important week of advocacy, education and action.

The Stepping Up and Speaking Up events on May 6th and 7th in particular focus on the importance of walking together and sharing experiences about the realities of homelessness in the search for realistic solutions to poverty and homelessness.

[click Read More for more information on the Stepping Up and Speaking Up events]

Consultation on Casino in Kitchener

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Apr 23 2013

There were 18 delegations registered at the Special Council Meeting on casino in Kitchener on April 23, 2013, and there were four additional speakers - most speaking up for a casino-free Waterloo Region. Poverty Free Kitchener Waterloo Action Group and the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo addressed social and economic impact of a counter-productive approach to revenue generation, asking for a full and objective assessment of the proposal.

Annual General Meeting and Housing Opens Doors

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Apr 22 2013

Mark your calender for the Annual General Meeting of the Social Planning Housing Opens DoorsCouncil of Kitchener-Waterloo on June 27th. We are hosting Housing Opens Doors Road Show Installation from 12 noon until 6 pm at the Kitchener City Square. The Housing Opens Doors campaign is a way into the world of safe and affordable homes, that lead to better health, good education and strong economy.

At 6 pm, we start our annual assembly at the City of Kitchener Rotunda. Come to talk about our shared values, project partnerships and poverty reduction campaigns.