The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated the long-existing inequities in our city. For too many of our families, this upcoming festive season will be quite tough.
Data from Toronto Public Health and ICES[1] demonstrates that lower income people, new immigrants and racialized Canadians are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Our after-school programs are located in three of Toronto’s highest hit neighbourhoods, while our camp families come from priority communities across the city.
- 77% of people in Humbermede where our LED program runs are visible minorities
- 64% of people in Flemingdon Park where BLAST and VITAL are run are immigrants
- The child poverty rate in Thorncliffe Park where our after-school programs run is 60%, more than 3X the national average
- 23% of those living in Humber Summit don’t have a High School Diploma compared to the city rate of 10%.
The reasons for this are unclear but, according to Toronto Public Health, may include inequitable access to health care and social services linked to social and economic factors, stress caused by racism and other forms of discrimination, difficulties in limiting COVID-19 exposure because of being an essential worker, and difficulties in physical distancing because of overcrowding[2].
It’s likely that the holidays will be a little different this year and that continuing social distancing measures will be hard on our kids… But thanks to your support, Moorelands Kids’ programs are staying the course and keeping the connections strong. We know that our programs give children and youth a sense of belonging and continuity in turbulent times and the skills and tools they need to overcome adversity, especially in the continuing crisis. We hope that Christmas Sharing gives you and your family a sense of hope and belonging too,
Your support at Christmas is transformative.
Our family programs, Christmas Sharing and Baby Bundles, give families-in-need wonderful gifts and spread joy. But more than that, your support at Christmas helps us connect children and families to a caring community and brings hope.
Keeping families connected throughout the year is essential. We know that through positive, intentional connections with peers and caring adults, youth increase resiliency and strengthen their mental health and wellbeing.
If you haven’t already, please consider making a donation, your support now will help us continue those significant connections at a time when our kids can really use them – THANK YOU!
[1] https://www.ices.on.ca/Newsroom/News-Releases/2020/ICES-releases-up-to-date-COVID-19-testing-dashboards-to-the-public
[2] https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/covid-19-status-of-cases-in-toronto/
Keep Kids Resilient & Strong!
“It’s not just about toys – you’re giving them
tools to help with their future!”
– Laurette, Christmas Sharing parent
Please donate and help us continue to develop kids’ resiliency throughout some of Toronto’s most vulnerable neighbourhoods.
Please note a stock photo has been used to protect the family’s privacy.
