 By Staff
January 7th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Will the lights be on forever?
 Well maybe not forever – but there are reported to be lighting the evening skies until the end of the month with a number of people wanting to see them on until March.
One of our sources said he “posted a mention on two Facebook pages and in less than 24 hours got 200 likes.”
The lights have been a festival season feature for more than 25 years.
Given the mood of the city and the oppressive feelings keeping the lights on would be nice.
 By Pepper Parr
January 6th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
At the beginning of a year people make resolutions.
Losing weight is one that is at the top of many resolution lists.
We care about the way we look.
Some people care much more than others and go to great lengths to change their natural appearance
Emily Lauren Dick, Burlington author, graduated from Wilfred Laurier University where her focus was on Women’s Studies. She began to learn about the intense focus on what women should look like.
The fashion world set the tone, the media picks it up and men were persuaded that THIS is what an attractive woman looks like.
Billions of dollars were poured into the marketing of what women had to look like – the pressure on young women – girls actually, is intense.
For many young people it was not a pretty picture.
Anorexia was prevalent as early as the middle years of school.
 Interviews with 75 women about what they look like and what, if anything, they want to do about it. Emily’s book, Body Positive, is made up of a lot of pictures and interviews she did with more than 75 women who came in all shapes and sizes.
It’s not easy being a girl today. We live in a culture in which Average Girls feel bad about themselves for being unable to achieve society’s ideal standards of beauty. The media makes it nearly impossible for girls to develop a positive body image. Many of you may feel alone in your struggle with your body image. But you should know that your experience is . . . well, average.
Some of the quotes from the interviews actually hurt:
“The media pressures girls of all ages to be perfect and cool-looking, from having the newest Barbie when they’re young to having the perfect everything when they [are] elementary-school age and older. It’s ridiculous because people get teased . . . about their appearance— not even their personality, but their appearance—and it’s so hard not to get wrapped into it. People usually do. I know I do.”
—Madeleine
“The media is the biggest reason for my being anorexic.”
—Alli
“Perfect skin, long eyelashes, big eyes, pink lips . . . I don’t know, I just think it’s pretty. That’s always shown in films and in magazines and stuff. I just love the look I can’t do. I’m just ugly, and I can’t be [bothered] to do makeup—don’t have much money for makeup anyway.”
The book tends to focus on younger women – because Emily feels that is where the most help is needed. “This is the age most impacted by anorexia”, she said.
The objective is to teach people to be who they are and that who they really are is perfectly alright.
This is a book you work with – the pictures themselves say a lot about different sizes and shapes – it is the comments and the questions that are out to readers that makes it worth the time and effort for those who question what they look like and go to some length to change that look.
You can order online anywhere that sells books – specifically Amazon Canada, Chapters Indigo, Amazon US, Bookshop, Indiebound, Books-A-Million, Barnes and Noble, Workman!
 By Pepper Parr
January 5th, 2021
BURLINGTON, ON
Alan Harrington is a bit of a history nut. He has spent a lot of his spare time with the Historical Society and decided recently that he wanted to tell more of the Burlington story.
He chose a building many walk by if we are heading to Spencer Smith Park
He tell us that: “Viewers of CHCH television Evening News are informed at the end of each broadcast ,that the anchor gets “her hair done in Burlington at the corner of Lakeshore & John”.
“Often that is the ONLY mention Burlington gets on CHCH out of Hamilton. But, what building is at the corner of Lakeshore & John? – and how old is it?
 John Waldie, former Reeve of Burlington when it was a town, a member of the federal Parliament at a time when Sir John A McDonald was Prime Minister. “The original store was built by W. Bunton in early 1830 and bought by John Waldie in 1847.
“Waldie was one of Burlington’s greatest entrepreneurs and benefactors. He was Reeve of Burlington for five years, and sat as a Liberal for Halton in the Dominion Parliament from 1887 to 1891.
“Waldie rebuilt the building in 1860 / 1865 to become his General Store which sold “everything”; probably in order to supply needs for his thirteen children.
 The location when it was the Waldie General Store. J Waldie & Co. General Store below featuring distinctive three second storey windows in this drawing from 1877.
After prohibition ended in 1927, the Brewers Retail (Beer Store) began operations and the building was opened as a Brewers Retail store.
Evolution continued in 1960 when the building became Burlington Motors.
 A fire resulted in the top floor being taken off – how often does an insurance company office file an insurance claim? In 1966 it was renovated again to serve as three retail outlets and then changed further in 1973 with new tenants and new windows being installed as insurance against inclement weather.
Times have changed and now the building is shown as it is today as a hair salon.
Why did it go from three storeys down to just two? Did they want “a little off the top” ?
Actually a fire in 1973 resulted in the destruction of the upper floor while CAIG Insurance was its occupant.
 Corner of John and Lakeshore today. Property is one of the Molinaro holdings. 
Alan Harrington, when he was President of the Historical Society with then Ward 2 Councillor Marianne Meed Ward checking out an historical marker on the waterfront.
By Pepper Parr
January 4th, 2021,
BURLINGTON, ON
Part 1 of a series
If someone asked you to “tell me all about Burlington” , “what makes the city work”, what would you say?
The Gazette has observed and reported on this city for more than a decade now. Like all media we have watched closely as the city has dealt with the pandemic – in some situations remarkably well and in others less so.
We have watched how the provincial government lost the credibility it once had through the stupid, selfish actions of a few while the vast majority of the people in the province did what they were asked to do.
Dealing with the pandemic on a daily basis has shown the city and its administration for what it is – committed people working under difficult circumstances.
There is legitimate concern for the mental health of those several hundred people who have to work from home juggling their cell phones with their keyboards to meet the demands for information and policy directions.
Today and during the balance of the week we will report on stories that point up how the population and the people who lead them have acted and responded.
Today we want to tell you more about the Burlington Food Bank and the superb job it has done under trying circumstances.
 Bailey makes one statement – every day. “If you need help getting the food you need – call us, we are here to help.” Led by Robin Bailey who serves as Executive Director, and a collection of volunteers who make one statement – every day. “If you need help getting the food you need – call us, we are here to help.”
Bailey does a short video almost every day highlighting where food is coming from and also what he needs in the way of food to meet the daily need.
The Food Bank has on occasion delivered food to more than 70 homes in a single day.
 Neighborhood in the city hold a local food drive. That food comes from a wide variety of sources. A neighborhood in the city will hold a local food drive that has dozens, sometimes hundreds of people dropping off bags of food that is then taken to the Food Bank.
There are dozens of locations around the city that have large bins at which that food is left – every supermarket has one, there are bins at the fire stations, and in the churches.
Bailey has access to funds that he can use to buy items that didn’t get to him through the voluntary food chain.
Bailey works within the eco-system that exists at both the federal and provincial levels where people who are at the front-line level exchange views and share solutions to problems while at the same time keeping tabs on just how big a problem the food banks are in place to handle.
 They just show up with large bins or boxes filled with food. Each day a couple of dozen volunteers show up at the food bank to handle the food that has arrived and put in into the short quarantine that all food gets put in.
It then gets placed on shelves where the people who are putting together the food baskets turn to to make up a food package.
There are drivers who take turns picking up food from the many drop off points as well as delivering the food to those in need.
Bailey, who works with Scot Cameron who produces the daily web cast, gets the message out in a short, direct video that rarely runs more than two minutes.
On an almost daily basis people just show up with large bins or boxes filled with food.
The system works with not a dime from the city or the regional government that is responsible for social welfare.
This is just citizens knowing that there is a need and doing what has to be done to fill that need.
The is part of what Burlington is.
Now that we are into 2021 let’s figure out how we are going to get through it – safely.
Take care of each other and stay safe.
Happy New Year !
By Staff
December 30th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
There is something about the strength of a full moon – the tug it has on our emotions and the impact it has on the earth.
Unfortunately that gravitational force does not bring any common sense with it.
 A full moon in the process of rising over the city One Gazette reader learned that the 6 foot social distance had been reduced to 3 feet for some – and the moon had nothing to do with it.
“Saw a family of cousins, aunts and uncles greeting on the street, mask-less, hugging and exclaiming, “So nice to see you again”, while the cousins piled into a van.”
Our reader suggests that family might want to touch base with each other around the 9th of January and ask how they feel.
The vaccine exists – but we have to be inoculated with it before it can do any good.
I am sure that most people listen for the number the province publishes on how many new infections are reported and how many deaths are recorded.
Adhering to what the lock down requires us to do individually is not always easily – but it is the only way we can stop the spread of the virus.
There is no rocket science to what we have to do. The rocket science has already taken place – the vaccine was determined and manufactured in record time.
We now wait for the next full moon and see what the governments report.
By George Wolfson
December 29th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It is well known that real money gambling makes entertainment more exciting and the experience of visitors intriguing.
Financial motivation is very important for those gamblers who come to casinos to try their luck not only for fun but also in the hope of getting a cash prize. If you find yourself interested in gambling, below you will find the most popular reasons why people are involved in this sphere.
Key Motivations by Experienced Gamblers
 Monetary rewards greatly affects our behavior. Money is a very strong human stimulus. Receiving monetary rewards greatly affects our behaviour and turns off rational thinking. The desire to gamble and take risks has become a modern phenomenon in the financial life of gamblers. Take a look at these five examples:
1) Businesswoman
She is an ambitious and professional businesswoman with a very difficult job. She works in the world of finance and experiences the ups and downs of the financial industry on a daily basis. She feels the need to relax after work without burdening herself with the need to go out. Therefore, she takes advantage of online gambling on livecasino.land. When she plays slot machines, she’s not doing it to win. As a professional, she knows how to set limits on gambling.
2) Team leader from the event planning industry
He is in charge of a team of people at his job. In the evenings, if he has free time, he prefers to stay away from people. When he plays slots, he prefers to win, but not always, as slots are just fun. He understands his statistical odds of winning and doesn’t expect more.
3) A professional bartender
He enjoys extreme outdoor sports and works seasonally. In the off-season, he visits mountains for skiing and snowboarding. His hobby is what makes him happy. He likes to live on the edge. When he gambles, he is not motivated to win: he rather enjoys the thrill of risk-taking. As someone who doesn’t like routine, he loves slot machines. His motivation to play is based on emotion. This is a typical example of someone who loves slots because of the chemistry that takes place in the brain and the release of dopamine associated with it.
4) A university student
He works part-time and likes experiments. His lifestyle is intensive and he doesn’t have much free time. He enjoys spending time with his friends, loves playing computer games, and knows all the slots available on the market. He loves the gamification elements that most of these games offer.
In Conclusion
 Behavioral psychology explains some of the reasons people gamble. So, what really motivates players to enjoy gambling? The reasons and motives are numerous. In general, it can be explained by behavioral psychology. We have given just a few examples of players, who enjoy gambling at online casinos. For a deeper understanding of the issue, psychologists need to study the reasons why people play in detail.
However, we made a non-scientific effort to explain why people play.
 By Pepper Parr
December 26th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Another lock down begins.
Another month of limitations on what we can do and who we can be with.
The only nice thing about Christmas Day and the realization that we have a difficult time ahead of us is the snow – there is something in the Canadian psyche and our DNA that welcomes snow.
 The flower pots lost their colour weeks ago – now they collect snow. The silence the snow brings; the trees that are covered in the stuff; watching kids playing in it, and for those who enjoy getting out on cross-country skis, the joy of winter is experienced again.
City hall reports that the streets have been cleared.
Still a day of pure holiday left. Enjoy.
By Staff
December 23rd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Established in 2007, BurlingtonGreen is an award-winning, non-partisan, registered charity. Through awareness, advocacy and action initiatives, we work with the community to protect nature, mitigate climate change and to create a healthier, more environmentally responsible Burlington.
 Our “Branching Out” strategic plan guides our impactful work. We collaborate with residents, businesses, organizations, and governments to ensure the rights of the environment are respected and together we make direct and tangible improvements to the local environment through the delivery of a wide variety of programs, events and services.
If you are passionate about creating a healthier environment and want to create positive change for a more sustainable future in Burlington, we invite you to check out the rewarding employment opportunities outlined below.
Video or phone interviews will be scheduled during business hours and ideally, we aim to onboard the successful candidates at the beginning of March, working remotely and potentially returning to our office located at Nuvo (former Crossroads Centre) at 1295 N Service Rd, Burlington, ON.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
No later than January 10th, 2021 at 5:00 pm, please send a 1-page cover letter and resume to Amy Schnurr, Executive Director at hr@burlingtongreen.org with your name in the subject line and on the file name of each attachment. In your cover letter, tell us what’s motivating you to apply and what skills or expertise you have that will be most important to be successful in the role you are applying for, and where you might be challenged.
Please note that we will not accept résumés without an accompanying cover letter and we thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
More details on the job description and requirements CLICK HERE
 By Staff
December 22nd, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
School, what little there is left of it, will be out soon. This time for quite a bit longer.
 Winter ice on a fast flowing creek is not safe to walk on – stay away from the creeks. With everything shut down and the kids still wanting to be outdoors the creeks and stream are inviting places to be adventuresome.
Conservation Halton reminds residents of dangers that can exist near streams, rivers, ponds and lakes around this time of year and urges people to keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways.
 A trail in the winter is beautifully quiet. Get out and enjoy them. While those of us in the environmental field know the call of the great outdoors only too well, this year more than ever, we want to remind all nature seekers to be extremely cautious when outside this winter. We ask that you “Target Trails and Steer clear of Streams”.
While temperatures have declined since November’s unseasonably warm days, we are experiencing frequent freeze-thaw cycles, resulting in the melting of accumulated snow and ice cover. This runoff will create hazardous conditions near all waterways, by contributing to higher water levels and increased velocities in local watercourses. As well, slippery and unstable streambanks and extremely cold water temperatures can also lead to very hazardous and dangerous conditions close to any body of water.
Be safe this winter and remember the following tips:
• Keep family and pets away from all bodies of water
• Avoid all recreational activities in or around water
• Tailor your winter outdoor activities to trails at your local parks and Conservation Areas
 By Staff
December 20th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
It’s the people in this city that make the difference. Sometimes the best ideas come from our youngsters.
Mayor Meed Ward learned of a 9 year old who came up with a neat idea. A 9-year-old had a fantastic Christmas wish – to have a tree in our City that anyone in our community could put an ornament on.
 The City of Burlington’s Parks and Recreations Department made Patrick’s wish come true with the help of his big sister Julia.
A Halton Holiday Tree will be at the Rotary Centennial Pond in Spencer Smith Park from now until Dec. 25! Folks can leave a donation for the Burlington Humane Society and then hang an ornament on the tree.
Eight year old Emmett Stem decided to use his newly learned baking skills to make and sell cookies to support the Halton Women’s Shelter.
The Gazette bought five boxes and donated them to the fire fighters who will be working during the holidays.
 Fire Chief Karen Roche with eight year old cookie baker Emmett Stem While delivering the boxes to Fire Chief Karen Roche, he got a chance to sit behind the wheel of a fire truck.
Chief Roche had to lift Emmett into the truck – he legs were a little on the short side.
“What great and creative way to spread some much-needed holiday cheer this year” said the Mayor. She got that right.
 By Staff
December 16th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
There is really nothing that exciting about the statement that set out what a Legislature wants to do.
On this case – it is important.
Terry Fox has a relationship with Burlington that is unique. He ran through hundreds of small communities – somehow his short trip through Burlington stuck. Citizens got behind the fund raising that was done each year. Burlington was always there in a big way.
A year or two ago a group of citizens got behind the creating of a marker that stands today in Spencer Smith Park for all to see.
Now there are Canadians who want to see the image of Terry Fox on the new $5 bill that is going to be created.
CLICK HERE to add your name to the petition.
 Tony Gabriel, a Canadian Football Great liked the idea and told Craig Gardner what he would like to see done.
Gardner put Gabriel in touch with Oakville North Burlington MO Pam Damoff who arranged to have a petition created for people to sign.
The numbers have been a little on the disappointing side. Just over 1000 signatures so far.
Burlington can do better than that.
Slip over to the petition and ask your friends and neighbours to sign with you.
 Tony Gabriel and Pam Damoff beside the Terry Fox marker at Spencer Smith Park. Here is the wording behind the petition.
Whereas:
Terry Fox has become a national symbol and is a true hero, universally admired for his ability to remind us of the power of hope and the possibility of dreams;
His example of grit, determination and selflessness have formed the embodiment of the modern Canadian identity;
After following extensive consultation, the Bank of Canada has submitted an eight-person short list to the Minister of Finance to select the next Canadian to be featured on the five dollars bank note; and
Terry Fox is one of the eight on the shortlist.
We, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to select Terry Fox as the finalist for the next great Canadian to be honoured and featured on the back of the newly proposed five dollars bank note.
Open for signature
December 3, 2020, at 4:06 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
January 2, 2021, at 4:06 p.m. (EDT)
CLICK HERE to sign the petition
By Staff
December 15th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Kendall Cooper and Ian Elliott have been named as the 2020 recipients of the Keys to the City.
 Kendall Cooper – multiple medal-winning hockey player Kendall Cooper is a multiple medal-winning hockey player from the Aldershot community who, last year, received the Aldershot Honour Roll’s youth award and at age 16 was part of the gold medal winning team in Japan in Women’s Under 18 Hockey where she assisted in the gold-medal winning goal, and since then became Captain of the team for 2020 and won the silver medal as Captain.
Kendall is not only the first young person to receive Burlington’s Key to the City, she is also the first woman to do so since this program began in early 2019.
 Ian Elliott – A Different Drummer Books. Ian Elliott is the heart and soul behind our beloved local independent bookstore, A Different Drummer Books. Having worked there since 1990, Ian is now owner and helming this unique bookshop through it’s 50th year here in Burlington. With the many additional challenges businesses have faced throughout COVID-19, the continued success of a small local business is all the more meaningful.
Ian’s dedication to promoting emerging authors and engendering a love of literature in people of all ages from our community is truly remarkable. Countless community events, thoughtful reading recommendations, and quiet charitable contributions are just one of many reasons this business has survived five decades and enjoys a dedicated fanbase of loyal customers.
 Art work by Teresa Seaton is given to the recipient. Launched by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in 2019, the Key to the City program at the City of Burlington honours individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to our community. Whether it be through sport, philanthropy, business, arts & culture, volunteering, advocacy or leadership, the recipients of a Key to the City will have created a unique and meaningful legacy that will positively impact our community for years to come. Keys may also be given to visiting dignitaries or in recognition of our twin city relationships.
Previous Key to the City recipients include Mike ‘Beard Guy’ Taylor, City of Itabashi Japan and Gordon Schottlander.
 By Staff
December 13th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
They refer to it as the Hawthorne Community – made up of Hawthorne Dr., Juniper, Concord and Treminere.
Friday night the results of two weeks of local advertising using social media and whatever else was available to tell their neighbours about a local food drive.
Ward 4 Public School Board Trustee, Margo Shuttleworth, and her husband along with neighbours Colin and Trish Duncan called it a – ‘Hawthorne area light up the night’ event.
 The community just showed up – with close to 3000 lbs of food. It worked. The community brought in 2496 pounds of food items and $200 in cash.- people just came – dropped food off and went back to their homes.
It was silent and it was successful. Burlington’s communities at their very best.
 They light up the street – did hydro know about this?  Filled the garage as well as the front lawn. How many people took part. “No idea”, said Shuttleworth, who called the event super successful.
By Staff
December 13, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Those that got the message and were aware – came out in small groups.
 Families gathered on the streets with the older ones running alongside to keep up. The traffic on Twitter was heavy – so the word was being passed around.
Santa was in town – making visits to different parts of the city.
Kudos to the Parka and Recreation people for making this happen.
Use of face masks was spotty.
But people did have fun.
If a picture is worth a thousand words – here is several thousand.
 A little warmer and it could have been a picnic.  That child had the best view on the street.  Santa had quite a welcoming crew on this street.
 The old Ho Ho man himself  The snow man waves to Santa as he passes by.  The message that was there for everyone to read – Stay Safe – Follow the rules. Photography was done by Denis Gibbons who recently wrote a piece on how he thought the Canadian teams in the National Hockey League should be organized for the next season
Worth reading.
Gibbons on bringing the game back home.
By Staff
December 11, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
 A rendition of what a Terry Fox $5 bill could look like. There are still a couple of weeks left – to sign the Petition that has been created supporting the idea of having Terry Fox on the next version of the $5 bill.
Burlington and Terry Fox have a long standing, very tight relationship.
Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff has joined forces with Canadian Football great, Tony Gabriel, urging people to slip over to the web site that has the petition.
Craig Gardner, who stage-managed the Terry Fox Run for Cancer in September, which set a new donation level despite the COVID circumstances, would very much like to see the petition go viral.
 Tony Gabriel with Oakville North Burlington MP Pam Damoff in front of the Terry Fox Monument at Spencer Smith Park. We can do it.
Link to the Petition is HERE
Log and share the link with your Facebook friends.
 By Staff
December 11th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE: Due to heavy rain forecasted and exposure to the elements for Santa and his volunteer firefighter driver, Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail for Saturday, Dec. 12, has been rescheduled to Sunday, Dec. 20, weather permitting.
Affected neighbourhoods are Alton Village, the Orchard, Corporate, Pinedale and Elizabeth Gardens. Santa will be back on the trail on Sunday, Dec. 13.
When Santa’s Holiday Magic Trail resumes, follow along or post his whereabouts using the hashtag #SpotSantaBurlON.
The Parks and Recreation people pulled a chestnut out of the fire and came up with a way to get Santa in front of the people.
The traditional annual Santa parade became a COVID victim.
 Santa stepping into his “Sleigh” for his Magical Tour of Burlington. The brain trust at Parks and Recreation sat around a table and looked for a way to provide a way for Santa to get to the children.
Pumper #4 got a mention – that was all it took.
The antique Studebaker Fire truck was hauled out of storage in Kilbride and became the “sleigh” that Santa would use to tour the city.
He has already waved at the children in Rural Burlington, Tyandaga, Brant Hills and Mountainside as well as Headon Forest, Palmer, Tansley and Millcroft
 Families gathered on street corners waiting for the fire truck with Santa waving. On Saturday he is scheduled to be in Alton Village, the Orchard, Corporate, Pinedale and Elizabeth Gardens. The weather people are talking about rain much of Saturday – not to worry – there is a rain day in the schedule.
On Sunday, the 13th the fire truck will tour Longmoor, Shoreacres, Roseland and Dynes.
When you spot Santa use the hash tag: #SpotSantaBurlON to tell your friends and neighbours where he is.
The city is not releasing the route the fire truck will be taking – they don’t want to encourage crowds of people lining the street and spreading that nasty little virus that has really spooked Christmas for so many.
December 19th, Santa and the fire truck will be touring Aldershot, Central and Plains.
December 20th has been set aside as a Make-up inclement weather date, if needed.
 By Pepper Parr
December 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
There are some things that you don’t want to miss watching.
The tearing down of the Berlin Wall in Germany.
President Obama speaking to the students at Notre Dame University.
There are others of course.
This evening Burlington Green has arranged for a screening of the film I am Greta. Her story is one parents will want their high school level students exposed to – great stuff.
 Greta Thunberg’s international crusade to bring climate justice to the forefront is an important story, the film explore the behind-the-scenes journey about how she become a force of nature.
Registrants will be sent a confirmation email with a ZOOM link to the event.
REGISTER HERE TODAY!
By Staff
December 10th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Burlington Foundation announced it has awarded $141,000 in funding to 10 charities through the second round of the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), funded by
the Government of Canada.
Echoing the previous round, this funding supports charities who are addressing
critical needs affecting vulnerable community members in Burlington greatly impacted by COVID-19. Through the first round, the Foundation was pleased to deliver $335,370 to 18 front-line charities serving Burlington, bringing the total funding delivered between Rounds 1 and 2 to over $476,000.
With the second wave of Covid-19 striking communities and driving an unrelenting demand for emergency relief, the second round of the ECSF has been a critical way that support has continued to flow to charities serving our most vulnerable.
Established by the Government of Canada as a $350 million fund in May, the fund
has been implemented with Community Foundations of Canada, in partnership with local foundations across the country, the Canadian Red Cross and United Way Centraide Canada.
 Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO of Burlington Foundation. “It is anticipated that one-third of charities may not survive the financial destruction of this pandemic,” says Colleen Mulholland, President and CEO of Burlington Foundation.
“That distressing potential reflects why Burlington Foundation continues to monitor community closely and is committed to bringing vital, rapid relief to our charities and the most vulnerable community members they serve.”
Charities Awarded Round 2 Funding:
Imagine Canada, an advocacy and research group that aims to strengthen the charitable sector, released a report earlier in the pandemic that vividly describes the devastating impact that Covid-19 is having on our charitable sector, with many charities struggling to stay open while having to rapidly pivot services and programs. As reported in May, 69% of charities have experienced decreased revenues with nearly three quarters of charities (73%) reporting that donations are down. In September, Imagine Canada shared that our charitable sector is expected to suffer a loss that could reach upwards of $15 billion in revenues this year.
“The staggering loss of revenues that we have experienced is likely to continue well into the immediate future – and at a time when the need for the services of many charities is on a steep rise, “says Colleen. “Since the start of this pandemic, Burlington Foundation has been honoured to partner with generous fundholders, donors and our federal government to deliver rapid relief – providing $783,540 to 65 charities working tirelessly to support
our community.
“As this challenging year comes to a close, we continue to monitor our most pressing needs and are pleased to currently have $150,000 in remaining Pandemic Response Funds for a further granting initiative early in the new year. Never has the support of community been more important than right now. Please considering giving what you can – 100% of your gift supports our local charities.”
By Pepper Parr
December 7th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Why the city could not say they were grateful for the initiative and the money that the Burlington Seniors’ Community Initiatives (BSCI) put up to refurbish a bus shelter and install the fittings to make it heated is hard to understand.
What we got was notice of a photo opportunity where the Ward Councillor, perhaps even the Mayor, will strut their stuff and talk about the how great the city is.
The Burlington leadership team, referred to as the BLT, will also be on hand for the photo op.
The people who raised the money were at one time the operators of many of the services that were provided at the Seniors Centre.
 The Bistro, the heart of the Seniors’ Centre. The Bistro, which is a very profitable operation, was an idea the seniors came up with.
They were unceremoniously pushed out when the City Manager at the time sent one of his threatening letters telling them their time had come to an end.
There is a reason for the bus shelter being across the street from the entrance to the seniors’ shelter where the bus could pull up – no one has said just what that reason is.
Hopefully the recognition of Burlington Seniors’ Community Initiatives contribution towards the purchase and installation of the City of Burlington’s first heated transit shelter is full-throated and heartfelt. Not a lot of respect of the one group for the other.
Will there come a time when the seniors get to have more direct involvement in their affairs?
 Regional Chair Gary Carr getting a workout on a piece of equipment while Mayor Meed Ward does her Hallelujah while peddling away on equipment paid for by a senior citizen group. BSCI put up the money for the sports equipment at Burloak Park; they recently put $5000 into the Meal Bag program at Wellington Square and paid for some much needed PPE at another church – the Baptist church got funds to do an upgrade of their kitchen.
Hopefully some of that remarkable history will get a mention at the photo op on Friday: 1:15 pm at Transit Stop 45 on Burlington Teen Tour Band Way.
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