Cathy Crowe headlines 2011 June Callwood lecture
TORONTO (Monday, May 16, 2011) – Toronto Public Library is proud to present the fifth annual June Callwood Lecture with Toronto street nurse Cathy Crowe, a passionate defender of the homeless. Dying for a Home: Fighting for our Social Programs will be presented on Thursday, May 19, 7:00-8:30 pm in the Atrium at Toronto Reference Library.
The annual June Callwood Lecture honours the life, work and legacy of journalist, author and social activist June Callwood (1924 - 2007). It provides a platform for the exploration and discussion of contemporary social justice issues. The event is free and open to the public.
Hosted this year by Councillor Adam Vaughan, Cathy Crowe will provide a street-level perspective on the need for social housing and why we need social programs now more than ever. Working in the area of homelessness since 1988, she follows the pulse of health issues affecting homeless people including shelter conditions and inadequate, unsafe housing.
Along with remarkable colleagues, homeless activists and friends, she has fostered numerous coalitions and advocacy initiatives. Crowe co-founded the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee which declared homelessness a national disaster and she is a frequent commentator and writer on issues related to poverty, housing and public health.
At the event, Common Thread Community Chorus will also lead the audience in a sing along of protest songs. People wishing to support the annual June Callwood Lecture can make a gift to the June Callwood Endowment Fund through the Toronto Public Library Foundation at www.tplfoundation.ca
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow more than 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
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Media Contact:
Anne Marie Aikins, Manager, Community Relations, 416-393-7212 media@torontopubliclibrary.ca