Poverty Eradication Month Sparks Conversation in Stony Plain

October 17 marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and Stony Plain is bringing poverty awareness to the forefront. Poverty Eradication Month is an annual campaign aimed at sparking community conversations and building awareness of the social and economic impacts of poverty.

Addressing poverty in the region is an ongoing priority for Stony Plain. The Town is working to identify housing and service needs through data collection initiatives including the Tri-Region Housing and Service Needs Estimate and the Tri-Region Short-Term Non-Market Housing Study. This data is used to better inform strategic decision-making, establish a more comprehensive understanding of poverty in the community, and help to further develop the Poverty Reduction Strategy to lift residents out of poverty.

“The economic costs of poverty range from increased health costs to increased costs resulting from child poverty; the social costs of poverty are even greater,” says Mayor William Choy. “Poverty Eradication Month creates an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations within our community. Ending poverty in Stony Plain will make us all stronger, healthier, and more connected.”

“Systemic poverty is the root cause of many health and social problems. Creating lasting and meaningful plans that approach poverty eradication from a human rights framework works to build a more resilient community where everyone is supported,” says Community Development Officer Sharida Csillag.

Community members are invited to attend a Lunch & Learn with guest speaker Renée Vaugeois, Executive Director of the John Humphry Centre for Peace and Human Rights, on October 17. The session costs $5 per person and is being hosted at the Family Connection Centre from 11:30PM to 1:30PM. Participants are asked to bring a vegetable to contribute to a community soup courtesy of Alberta Parenting for the Future Association, and a portion of ticket proceeds and vegetables will be donated to the Family Connection Community Centre Community Fridge.

An educational display will be on display at the Stony Plain Public Library throughout the month. Community members are encouraged to visit the display to learn more about poverty in the region and connect with local resources.

Visit the Stony Plain website to learn more Poverty Eradication Month in Stony Plain and visit the Stone Soup for Poverty Elimination page to register for the session.