Poverty awareness campaign launches
- EFN Staff | March 10, 2014
Today a poverty awareness group is launching a campaign meant to raise awareness about just how much poverty costs Saskatchewan.
Poverty Costs is a local group lead by the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre, Saskatoon Anti-Poverty Coalition, Upstream, and Unite Co-op.
It says poverty costs the province $3.8 billion dollars annual, and it wants the public to know about it.
The group also plans to call for a "comprehensive poverty reduction plan" for Saskatchewan, noting 100,000 people in the province live in poverty.
"Poverty continues to cost us so much in human suffering, unmet potential, and direct costs associated with addressing the symptoms of poverty," says Rachel Malena, Poverty Costs Team Member and Upstream Coordinator. "We truly believe that together, we can make a better plan."
Poverty Costs has planned a series of events this week to bring attention to the issue. After today's launch and press panel, tomorrow there will be a lecture by Heather Collier, who will discuss Alberta's social policy framework.
On Thursday, "Poverty Costs 101" will take place at Saskatoon's Congregation Agudas Israel Synagogue, and on Saturday, there will be a closing party and concert for change at Amigos' Cantina in Saskatoon.