Poor No More film targets economic well being
By Nelson Daily Staff
Poor No More featuring Mary Walsh
Saturday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. @ Nelson United Church, or 7 p.m. Jan. 21 at St. Rita’s Parish Hall, 513 7 Ave., in Castlegar. Admission is free.
We were always told “If you work hard, things will get better.”
But while corporations protected their profits, hard-working Canadians’ lives and livelihoods have unraveled.
The recession erased jobs and piled up public and private debt, leaving more people poor or insecure. It is for that reason the film, Poor No More, had to be done.
Alex Atamanenko and moderators Deb Kozak (Nelson City councillor) and Andrew Earnshaw (CSPS) will be joined after the film showings by representatives of community service, health, student, women, senior and labour groups for panel presentations and open discussion with the public, to explore what is happening and what can be done to reduce poverty and increase economic justice.
“The Castlegar Social Planning Society is delighted to be partners in the screening of Poor No More in Castlegar,” said Society chair Earnshaw. “Poverty is at the root of many of the social problems that impact Castlegar today.
Movies like Poor No More bring people the kind of inspiration and solutions needed to continue work and make a difference in the lives of children and families in the community, he added.
“This film will help spark conversations about poverty and economic well-being in our community.” said Tasha Bassingthwaighte, coordinator of the West Kootenay Women’s Association.
“Community dialogue is essential for making the necessary changes to create a community where affordable housing, education, living wage and health care are available to all.”
Poor No More, a film directed by Bert Deveaux and produced by Suzanne Babin, was released in April 2010, and sponsored by a wide range of supporters across Canada – from the Anglican Church of Canada to the United Way of Calgary, representing many faith groups, social services, and student, teacher, and nursing organizations, professionals and more.
Go to www.poornomore.ca or www.alexndp.ca/poverty.htm for more information on the film and the growing prosperity for more information on the film and the growing prosperity gap.
