On Sunday, August 18, I participated in “Walk in the 6” in support of the Sick Kids Hospital. The event was founded by Kaitlyn O’Brien and her personal trainer Victor Miranda in 2016. Kaitlyn was born in the Port Union area with an extremely rare genetic disorder called VACTERL syndrome. She was a patient at SickKids for 18 years and underwent more than 52 surgeries to make her daily life livable.
Victor Miranda, Jennifer McKelvie and Kaitlyn O’Brien at the “Walk in the 6” in support of Sick Kids Hospital.
It was a real honour to meet someone who has undergone such hardship, but exudes happiness, gratitude and a determination to give back. She’s also an incredible athlete and is now training for her first full marathon. We have some truly inspiring people and events in our community, I am so privileged to be inspired every day. All funds raised from “Walk in the 6” will support the SickKids Urology Department and the highest needs of the hospital. You can still donate online at sickkidsfoundation.com.
Toronto Homeshare Program
For the first time in history, there are now more Torontonians over the age of 65 than children aged 15 and under. Looking ahead, the number of people in Toronto aged 65 and over is expected to almost double by 2041. This growth requires the city to implement meaningful change to long-term care that will meet the diverse and complex needs of residents. Toronto HomeShare is a city program that matches older adults wishing to share a spare room in their home with university and college students seeking affordable housing. In exchange for reduced rent, between $400-600 per month, the student provides companionship and/or help with light household tasks.
Read more about this program in the story on page7. Information regarding HomeShare is available by contacting Andrea Austen at 416-392-5140.
Keeping in Touch
With the summer well underway, many of our projects to improve school zones, resurface roads and refresh greenspaces are coming to life. Our constituency staff have been busy liaising between constituents and city staff to help ease the headaches from all this construction. We’ve been knocking on doors, meeting with residents and participating at summer events in Scarborough-Rouge Park. It’s been fun meeting residents this summer!
As we transition into fall, I encourage you to get in touch with my staff and me – we are here to help you. I have extended my constituency office hours, we are now open Monday to Friday from 8 am – 6 pm and can be reached at 416-338-3771. To keep up to date with local news, please sign up for our e-newsletter at www.jennifermckelvie.ca, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter via my handle, @McKelvieWard25.