Education in Brief

In June, we addressed the timely topic of Philanthropy in these Economic Times at a 'Patio Chat.' Sixteen partners and guests were welcomed into the beautiful home of SVPT partner, Debra Campbell, to hear from Doug Kerr, formerly of Tides Canada Foundation and United Way of Greater Toronto, and Dr. Michael Hall, the Vice-President of Research at Imagine Canada. 

Our film screening, back by popular demand, was held in August at the very hip, Camera. We did this event 'Hot Docs' style and the film's protagonist, Brian Henry, joined us to bring this film to life. EMPz 4 Life, by renowned Canadian documentarian Allan King, follows a group of young black men living in Scarborough's Malvern area while capturing the commitment, passion and frustration of Henry, an impassioned volunteer youth worker. This film provides a window into some of the challenging and critical issues facing youth in one of Toronto's 13 priority neighbourhoods. The discussion left us with a sense of hope as a result of the great strides being made by grassroots community leader, Brian Henry.

In September, a group of our Partners spent an evening in the shoes of women surviving on social assistance through playing The Poverty Game. This powerful simulation developed by women on welfare allows players to experience the lives of these women during a fictional three months. From completing welfare forms, to making excruciating financial trade-offs, the participants were left with deeper insight into the experiences of so many around us in Toronto. This program will be repeated for any partners who wish to participate in this game. 

In October, former Prime Minister the Right Honourable Paul Martin spoke passionately about social enterprise. He's strongly committed to advancing social improvement through his commercial and philanthropic ventures. Martin shared his thoughts about his personal philanthropic journey, especially since leaving politics, and told us how he has become both a strong advocate for, and active participant in, social enterprise, and his work to support Aborginal business through funding management and leadership capacity. Since his presentation to us, he's mentioned Social Venture Partners at another event, and told us how impressed he was by the partners he met.