Article

Challenging Calgarians to Change Perceptions of Poverty

News Release

16 May 2018

News Release

For immediate release

Challenge Poverty YYC campaign partners with influential Calgarians to create more empathy towards those in need

Calgary, AB, May 16, 2018 – Today, Vibrant Communities Calgary (VVC) is launching the Challenge Poverty YYC campaign bringing together influential Calgarians with people in the community who have experienced poverty offering unique perspectives on what it’s like living in poverty in Calgary. The goal of this campaign is to create greater empathy for the one in 10 Calgarians living in poverty, to remove the stigma attached to it and to change perceptions of poverty.

VCC advocates for the Enough for All strategy with the mission to end poverty in Calgary and enhance the well-being of all Calgarians.

“We want to end poverty in Calgary,” says Franco Savoia, Executive Director of VCC. “Sounds simple, it’s not. Everyone needs to work together to make sure that poverty becomes a thing of the past. Enough for All is working towards a future Calgary where every person is empowered to participate in our city and can thrive.”

The campaign website hosts compelling stories shared by real people in this city who are experiencing poverty. Influential voices in Calgary including George Brookman, Elyse Bouvier, Mike Morrison and Neil Zeller will use a range of expression on social media including blogging, storytelling, writing and photography, to share their perspectives and bring a new lens to poverty in Calgary.

“I think Calgarians have a perception of what living low-income is or what homelessness is,” says Mike Morrison. “Many who criticize or judge low-income or homeless Calgarians probably couldn’t spend a day in their shoes and have no idea what it would be like and how hard it would be.”

The campaign speaks to Calgarians who are highly engaged in the social space and who care about their city and want to make it a better place.

“Poverty is a major issue in our city, and it’s not always visible,” says Gisele Danis, Chair of the Enough for All volunteer committee. “Every Calgarian can play an important role in eliminating poverty – by learning about it, talking about it and helping someone in need.”

These stories will live on for Calgarians to explore. Use the hashtag #challengepovertyYYC to share how your perspectives are changing.

For more information, please contact:

Jerrica Goodwin
p: 403-538-5641 ext. 102
e: jgoodwin@brooklinepr.com

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