INTRODUCTORY LETTER - ONTARIO REGIONAL VOICE OF THE POOR COMMITTEE

Our Vincentian Rule clearly states that "where injustice, inequality, poverty or exclusion are due to unjust economic, political or social structures or to unjust legislation, the Society should speak out clearly against the situation, always with charity, with the aim of contributing to and demanding improvements".

Brother Jim Paddon, president of Ontario Regional Council, has asked the Toronto Central Council Advocacy Committee to also take on the responsibility to help all Ontario Vincentians fulfill this mandate to speak out on behalf of the people we serve.

The Toronto Central Advocacy Committee has been active for several years. Its current members are: Danny Bourne (past president TCC), Eddie Alkemade (president Our Lady of Sorrows Conference, Etobicoke), Nick Volk (past president Ontario Regional), Brigid Elson (Holy Rosary Conference), Maureen Donaghy (St. Edward the Confessor Conference), and Jack Panozzo (Social Justice, Catholic Charities).

We are planning to use the Ontario Regional website, the Vincentimes Newsletter and occasional email updates to inform you of important issues that concern our neighbours in need. In addition we want to highlight local advocacy issues that might be of interest to all Vincentians. With that in mind, please let us know about specific issues affecting the people you serve in your community by contacting us at info@ssvptoronto.ca.

Obviously service to our neighbours in need includes a commitment to be their friends and advocates. We need to take a stand and try to eliminate the obstacles that are the causes of poverty. Let us work together not only to raise awareness of those issues that directly affect our neighbours in need, but also to take appropriate action that will result in justice for all. Please visit the Advocacy page at www.ssvp.on.ca for further details and actions!