by Susan Bellan

Count Me In ! That’s what we need two thousand residents and businesses who make their home or livelihood in the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood to do over the next six months. Toronto Dollars is launching the 2002 Count Me In Campaign for Youth to raise $20,000 for new free after school programs at the St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre (SLCRC).

During the past year, attendance has gone down at Community Centre for instructional youth programs which used to be free, but now require fees. This is not a good situation, considering that a large number of kids are on their own after school as parents are still working. Over the past few months, there have been disturbing incidents of youth vandalism and bullying. This is in addition to the ongoing problem of drug dealers preying upon vulnerable kids. Our community must do something to arrest this problem and give those youth at risk the means to use their tremendous energy in a positive way.

Here’s how the Count Me In 2002 Program works. Two thousand people exchanging $100 Canadian Dollars for $100 Toronto Dollars, means that $200,000 Canadian Dollars would be transformed into $200,000 Toronto Dollars. Ten per cent of the 200,000 Canadian Dollars, that is $20,000 goes into the 2002 Neighbours Project Fund, while eighty per cent, $180,000 is held in a Reserve Fund. Those who exchanged their $100 now have $100 Toronto Dollars, which can be spent at most stores and restaurants in our area, including the St. Lawrence Market. They get the same $100 of purchasing power as they would have, had they used Canadian Dollars. However the fact that these two thousand people decided to make a difference and help their community, means that $20,000 of new free after school programs can now be offered by the St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre.

So, can we count you in? We are asking every business, every coop resident and condo owner or tenant to show their support for their community by exchanging $100 Canadian for $100 Toronto. Remember, it costs you nothing !

We are also looking for residents who would be interested in helping with after school activities as volunteers or for token Toronto Dollar Honorariums. Perhaps you can teach hip hop, ballet, or jazz dancing ? How about giving reading, math, or computer tutorials ? What about poetry, drama, creative writing, sewing, photography, or arts and craft classes ? Those who are handy could teach basic skills in carpentry and other practical subjects. Bridge and chess enthusiasts could pass on their knowledge. Entrepreneurial mentoring would be welcome for kids who would like to start their own business. The SLCRC would also like to have a summer youth leadership development programme There are many other possibilities and we’d like to hear from everyone who has something they would like to share.

If you would like to provide an after school activity, phone James Honeyman, Recreation Director, at the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Community Centre at 416 392 1347.

Toronto Dollars in conjunction with the SLCRC will be having the official launch of the 2002 Neighbours Campaign for free after school youth programmes at the upcoming St. Lawrence Market Thank You Party on April 4th. However you do not have to wait until the party to show your support. To change your $100 Canadian for $100 Toronto, you can go to the places listed in the box below. If you cannot afford to change your money into $100 Toronto all at one time, we will be setting up a card system which records every $20 Toronto exchanged by supporters. The St. Lawrence Market will be setting up a large poster of a tree in its main lobby and everyone who exchanges $100 will have their name put up on a leaf. All contributors will be also have their names published in this paper at the end of the campaign.

If you would like to help out with this campaign as a volunteer, call Stephanie Connally, Toronto Dollar, Administrator at 416 923-0495.

Where You Can Buy Toronto Dollars
The Toronto Dollar Booth, St. Lawrence Market, Saturdays, 8:00 to 2:00
CIBC, 1 Toronto Street, Mondays to Fridays
Skyline Executive Suite, 119 Front St. East, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week
Frida Craft Stores, 39 Front St. East, Monday to Saturday 10 –8, Sun 11 –6
Toronto Dollar Office, Flatiron Building, Wellington & Church, 416 361-1124

(Susan Bellan is a co founder and director of Toronto Dollars, proprietor of Frida Craft Store on Front Street, and Chair of the 2002 Neighbours Campaign)