African Diaspora Youth Conference

The University of Windsor’s ninth annual African Diaspora Youth Conference will be held from Thursday, May 10 to Saturday, May 12. The conference will host students from Windsor, Toronto and Metro Detroit who are interested in the African Diaspora and how it plays a role in their development of self and identity.

The theme this year is “Shosholoza – (K)nowhere. Create your own story.” “Shosholoza” is a Ndebele word which means “to go forward”.

Southfield, Michigan mayor, Brenda Lawrence, who is the first woman and African-American to hold the position, will deliver the keynote address. Students will then attend workshops facilitated by community leaders, discuss the concerns they face growing up and reflect on their own lives within the community.

For more information, call 519-253-3000 ext. 2045, email diaspora@uwindsor.ca or visit www.uwindsor.ca/diasporayouthconference.

 

 

African Liberation Day

The All African People’s Revolutionary Party (A-APRP) will mark the 54th anniversary of African Liberation Day (ALD) in conjunction with the Nation of Islam and Knowledge Cultural Class on Saturday, May 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lambadino Resto Lounge, 875 Bloor Street West, Upper Floor. (The nearest subway is Ossington.)

This year’s theme is “African Youth: Get Up! Stand Up! Organize!”

This ALD commemoration will feature drum call, libation, African cultural stalls, a keynote presentation, panel presentation, dynamic cultural performances, community updates, solidarity messages, sweet mout’ food, outreach/calls to join or support an African organization and nuff, nuff positive vibz!

 

 

ACHA’s Fundraising Dinner

The African Canadian Heritage Association will hold its 21st Annual Fundraising Dinner on Sunday, May 20 at the Church of the Nativity, 10 Sewells Road in Scarborough, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. The dinner will feature ACHA student performances, along with the Souls of Steel Orchestra and other community talent.

The theme for this year is the Kwanzaa principle, UJAAMA – Young, Gifted and Black.

Ticket information is available at 416-208-3149 or at www.achaonline.org.

 

 

CBW Monthly Meeting

The Congress of Black Women of Canada (Scarborough Chapter) is hosting its monthly meeting on Thursday, May 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The meeting will take place at Holy Spirit Catholic School, 3530 Sheppard Ave. (The major intersection is Sheppard Ave. and Birchmount Rd.).

For more information, call 416-299-3837, 416-283-1452 or 416-292-0362.

 

Health Forum

The Congress of Black Women of Canada (Scarborough Chapter) is holding a health forum called “Understanding Diabetes and Hypertension and Maintaining a Healthy Heart” on Saturday, May 26. The forum will be at Toronto Police Services, 42 Division, 242 Milner Ave. in Scarborough (The major intersection is Markham Rd. and Milner Ave.).

For more information, call 416-299-3837, 416-283-1452 or 416-292-0362.

 

 

24th Annual HOPE Charity Volleyball Bash

H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) Toronto presents southern Ontario’s largest one-day volleyball bash. The high-energy event taking place Saturday, June 16, at Toronto Centre Island will feature live music and a beer garden, with proceeds going towards the Fort York Food Bank and MLSE Team Up Foundation charities. All teams must be registered online by May 31. For more information, visit www.hopevolleyball.com or email info@hopevolleyball.com.

 

 

Sister Jackman Scholarships

The Sister Kathleen Jackman Memorial Scholarship Award Program at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church 13th Annual Awards Ceremony and Fundraiser Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 16, at St. Roch’s Parish Centre, 2889 Islington Ave, 6:30 PM. Keynote speaker is Toronto Star columnist, Royson James. Entertainment will be provided by Jay Douglas, Skel & Friendz and DJ Gus. For more information, call 416-519-3672 or 416-783-4642.

 

 

Counselling Programs

Discover programs for all ages on Building Communities of Faith, Giving Hope and Love, Mentoring, Christian Counselling, Christian Teaching, Discipleship, Fasting/Prayer and more. Counselling is available by appointment only. The programs are located at Elmhurst Plaza, 2428 Islington Ave., Unit 22 (lower floor of Stitches store), and they run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information and/or to register, call 647-927-5947.

 

 

Computer Skills for Seniors

The Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto District (LDATD) has successfully passed its one-year landmark with the computer skills for seniors program. LDATD continues to train individuals who have no previous computer skills. All services are free of charge but a $10 contribution per month is greatly appreciated. We do provide light refreshments. The program runs every Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. except statutory holidays at 121 Willowdale Avenue, Suite 203.

To sign up, contact Bipul Dev at 416-229-1680 or bipuldev@ldatd.on.ca.

 

 

Workshop With a Difference

Miracle Temple Ministries, in conjunction with Faith Health Initiative, hosts ‘Workshop With a Difference’ for seniors 65 and older every Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7 Sheffield St., (Keele & Lawrence), Toronto. There is also a general session every 3rd Saturday on healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

 

For more information, call 416-697-3680 or the church at 416-247-1769.

 

 

Wellwood Cancer Support Programs

Wellwood is conducting a quilting group for individuals affected by cancer on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Wellwood Juravinski House, 501 Sanatorium Road, Hamilton. Wellwood is dedicated to helping people live well with cancer and offers supportive care programs to individuals diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families.

For more information on the quilting group or other Wellwood programs, call 905-667-8870 or visit www.wellwood.on.ca.

 

 

Diabetes Information

Free diabetes information will be provided at Rexdale Community Health Centre, 8 Taber Road, Etobicoke.

For more information, call 416-744-0066.

 

 

Prenatal Program

Toronto Public Health is conducting a prenatal program called “Having a Baby, Becoming a Parent” at eight community locations across the city. The program is for women three to six months pregnant and will be held in a series of four evening sessions from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. New classes will begin every month. Partners are welcome to attend.

To register, call 416-338-7600.

 

 

Black Youth Helpline

Black Youth Helpline, a registered charitable organization serving all youth, provides ongoing culturally appropriate professional assessments, support and guidance for youth with complex needs. The organization is focused on identifying, understanding and addressing the root causes of problems. Strong emphasis is placed on addressing the needs of Black youth and their parents in a culturally appropriate manner. To access the organization’s supports, youth, parents, schools and other youth-serving partners can contact the helpline at 416-285-9944 or by email at: blackyouth@bellnet.ca.

For more information, visit www.blackyouth.ca.

 

 

Volunteers Needed

The Sickle Cell Association of Ontario (SCAO) is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to provide education and support to those affected by sickle cell and other red blood disorders. The SCAO is currently looking for volunteers with a range of skills and experience working with the community and managing funds for its Board of Directors.

Please apply in writing, with cover letter and curriculum vitae as soon as possible, to sicklecell@look.ca or 3199 Bathurst St., Suite 202, Toronto, ON, M6A 2B2.

 

Cricket Club Practice Schedule

The North Star Cricket Club will hold indoor practices for youths ages 17 and under every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 130 Melford Drive, Unit #5 (corner of Markham Road and Finch Avenue).

For more information, call 416-556-5684 or email the Cricket Club at nscc@nscricket.net.

 

 

Young Mothers Group

The Brampton West-Mississauga Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC) invites young mothers (up to age 22 with a child or children up to age 6) to join its Young Moms Group. The group provides young mothers and their children with the opportunity to participate in various activities, play games, network and have fun. Meetings are held every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the OEYC, located at 57 Mill Street North, Unit 105. Snacks and one bus ticket per person are provided.

For more information, call 905-452-1973.

 

Volunteers Needed

ESS Support Services needs volunteers to help in the Adult Day Services program that runs Monday to Saturday. If you are available once a week from approximately 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., become a volunteer who assists with meals, crafts, games and exercises. A more flexible schedule is also available as a volunteer driver to help get seniors around.

For more information, call 416-255-5969 or visit www.esssupportservices.ca.

 

 

Mental Health Support

The Krasman Centre, a community mental health organization serving York Region and South Simcoe, runs a support group every second Thursday for African-Canadians who live with a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health issue. No fees are required for any of the services provided. The Krasman Centre is located at 10121 Yonge Street, (one block north of Major Mackenzie Drive), Richmond Hill.

For more information, call 905-780-0491, ext. 115.

 

 

 Volunteer Tutors Sought

The Adult Literacy Program at St. Christopher House is seeking volunteer tutors to help adults learn to read, write or perform basic math. Ideal candidates should enjoy working with people and live or work in downtown/west Toronto.

St. Christopher House, located at 248 Ossington Avenue (Dundas St. West), comprises a team of volunteers, participants and staff which develops programs in response to community needs and promotes socio-economic conditions in which individuals and families can thrive.

For more information, call 416-539-9000 or email: literacy@stchrishouse.org.

 

 

Free Women’s Workshops

The Multicultural Inter Agency Group of Peel is offering free workshops for women from the African and Caribbean communities. The workshops’ objectives are to maintain family relationships, provide safety and self-support tips, improve life skills and build capabilities.

Child care will be provided and light refreshments served. In addition, a draw on participant’s names will be held. Limited seating is available.

For more information, call 905-270-6252 or email: info@miag.ca.

 

 

Free Soccer Clinics

B’ELKA Enrichment Centre and the Vaughan African Canadian Association are conducting free soccer clinics for youth taught by dedicated soccer players, including professionals. A clinic is now underway at Beverley Heights Middle School (Keele and Wilson) and pre-registration is currently being held for a free clinic which will be held in Vaughan. The program is open to all Vaughan residents.

To register, email: vaca@rogers.com.

 

 

Visions of Science Clubs

“The Science Zone,” a free 10-week forensic science program for youth from Grades 5 to 8, will be conducted by Visions of Science Network every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, call 416-266-6464, 647-887-1294, visit www.vosnl.org or www.talkvos.org, or email: info@vosnl.org or info@talkvos.org.