Issue 53 June - July 2017 • sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com • Port Saint John Days
Springing into our new play-park
MP Wayne Long and the artist drawing of the new play-park for the Old North End (Photo courtesy NNCC) By Barry Galloway
We are so appreciative and excited for the addition of a play-park in the North End. MP Wayne Long announced the final piece of the puzzle at the ONE Change AGM on April 21st. This announcement is the culmination of many years of effort and significant contributions from many different groups. The project really began with the Kiwanis Club and RiverCross, who approached ONE Change with the idea of creating this for kids in our neighbourhood. RiverCross donated the land and the Kiwanis gave $50,000, and then it was down to work. The total project cost was around $300,000, but through many contributions from many partners we had almost achieved its goal. The big investment needed to get us to the finish line was this amazing commitment from ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). Thank you to MP Wayne Long and to the Government of Canada for this incredible gift to our North End children. I know our afterschool program children will make great use of it. Tremendous leadership, Wayne, you are a credit to our community.
Pictured above Port Saint John Days 2016 (photo courtesy Jessica DeLong) Rebecca Jefferson, Communications Coordinator
Join us on the waterfront on June 4th for an afternoon of fun, games and fundraising as Port Saint John and presenting sponsor Irving Oil host the 7th Annual Community Day. Explore the Marco Polo and Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminals, learn about the Port and its partners, bounce on the inflatable castles, play carnival games, indulge in some barbecue or cotton candy, and more. Admission is free with proceeds from food items and dunk tank tickets sold supporting PALS (Partners Assisting Local Schools). Find event information by searching the event page on Facebook (7th Annual Port Saint John Community Day) or at Facebook.com/PortSaintJohn.
Living SJ Update - Investment of $10 million to address generational poverty in Saint John
Coordinator’s Comments Juanita Black, We are please to present issue 53 of Around the Block for your reading enjoyment.
by Donna Gates, Executive Director
You will see we have partnered with Port Saint John in welcoming you to their Port Days, June 4th on the water-front. All proceeds from this day go to support the very important PALS programs.
The provincial government is investing $10 million over five years to create a fund aimed at ending generational poverty in Saint John. The fund will be managed by Living SJ and will test new approaches to reducing poverty. All the projects supported by the fund will be evidence-based and evaluated to determine impact. The fund will not replace current government investments in community programs with the goal of ending generational poverty in Saint John.
Throughout the paper you will read how our communities and partners are planning their summer activities and updating you on their ongoing events. We have given you some important information, from summer safety tips in both English and Arabic, to how to join the food purchase club. Also the very important is the food helpers calendar on page 13 from the Human Development Council. This is a guide that will help you to work through all the community organizations that offer programs from food banks, important-to-know contact phone numbers and daily dropin food stations.
“This fund is a game-changer for our community,” said Living SJ executive director Donna Gates. “It will demonstrate how government, business, non-profits and neighbourhoods can work together to bring about change.” Living SJ aims to begin receiving applications for the fund beginning this fall.
Proud Sponsors of Around The Block
This issue of Around the Block wants you to celebrate the summer season safely and provides you with the information that we need from time to time that gives us a step up in life. We are open to your feedback if you need to contact me our email address and phone number is below
sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com or 647-4850 Page 1