Feeding the Neighbourhood
I've been a resident of this Parkdale neighbourhood for about 17 years now and there's no shortage of reasons to celebrate this amazing part of Toronto. That's not to say it's not a neighbourhood with some challenges but part of what makes it special is that everyone in this neighbourhood contributes to its unique and vibrant character – from the snout-to-tail chefs at Cowbell to the eclectic art and clothing of The Public Butter. Everyone from bank managers to gallery owners to public service workers to the folks you see on the street every day are committed to this neighbourhood and it shows in all kinds of ways.
The Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC) is one of those places where that commitment really shows. It's a place where some of our neighbours who are more challenged than others can come for company, lunch, a shower, fresh clothes, primary healthcare services and assistance in areas like housing and employment. They also happen to have a pretty rocking house band.
Next Friday the 22nd, Voyageur will come to life in the hands of roots legend Ken Whiteley and modern day troubador Mike Ford at a benefit for a new housing facility adjacent to PARC called Edmond Place, named for Edmond Yu, a resident of the former rooming house who was shot dead by police on a Toronto streetcar while having a schizophrenic episode. His death brought new focus to homeless people with psychiatric issues and new relationships between police and the mental health community. The residence will be a fitting tribute and we're proud to be part of it.
In order to get some of the folks in the community familiar with Voyageur before the show, I dropped in during Wednesday's lunch program to do my presentation about the project and share the guitar with some of the players backed by the house band. Several songs were played by various musicians as orchestrated by Zephenia James (at right in the picture above). Part of our hope in doing the presentation is that some of those participating in the music and literary programmes at PARC might come up with a new song we can debut at the fundraiser.
Thanks to Zephie, Bob Jones and all of those who attended the drop in on Wednesday. We'll look forward to seeing you next Friday. Special thanks also to Richard Peachey, who took the photo.
Posted at 1:21 PM