Here’s a letter I received the other day from the Danzig Kids Come First organization. They are aiding the families affected by the Danzig neighbourhood mass shooting in Toronto in July of this past summer. I was happy to donate to their cause and help these families out in some small way. I encourage you to consider ways you can donate in your local community. Perhaps now would be an excellent time to give back to the Newtown community as well. It doesn’t necessarily have to be “things” either – time is just as valuable especially during the holiday season. 

Dear Tosca,

Once again thank you and, Robert Kennedy Publishing, for the generous donation of 100 copies of the Eat-Clean Diet for Families and Kids book for Danzig families.

In early August following the Danzig tragedy of July 16, 2012, some Danzig moms began organizing a Peace Walk in the Danzig neighbourhood. Other local residents also joined in. We were remembering and also  trying to raise our concerns about  the lack of hope and peace.  Hope and peace missing, in the lives of children, because of stigmatization, poverty, fear and the feeling of  hopelessness in Danzig and other similar high risk communities nearby.

Education is very important in the challenge of changing attitudes, cultural divides when dealing with the complexities, the whys and the consequences of violence, despair, broken homes, lives  and hearts.

Education is also very important in the health and well-being of our children. DKCF has decided to try and find ways to educate moms and other family members about healthy lifestyle choices for their children and other family members. Hence our request for this wonderful educational book.

The books donated to Danzig were wrapped in “green” good for the environment wrappings. Not a bit of scotch tape was used in the process. Good old fashioned, economical, fun ways of doing things were taught as books were wrapped. Library users also dropped in to help.

The books will be delivered quietly and anonymously to every Danzig home on Christmas Eve by the Danzig moms in the pictures I sent separately this morning.

Christmas morning will bring a delightful, educational and unexpected family surprise for Danzig children and parents.

The challenging work of Danzig Kids Come First has resulted in a major repair blitz to Danzig homes, playground equipment for the little ones and a concrete ping pong table for older children and their parents will probably be installed in the spring.

All because Danzig moms decided that deeds are more important that words.  We have been successful because we refuse to give up. More importantly, though, without the kindness and generosity of individuals and companies helping us when we asked for help, we would have accomplished very little.

Companies like Robert Kennedy Publishing and, so many other benefactors are helping Danzig Kids Come First moms organize, fundraise, raise awareness and even get long overdue repairs made to homes in Danzig. It is our hope that future funds raised by DKCF will also be used to benefit other nearby high risk, poor Toronto Housing Corporation communities in our area.

Our Facebook site is being updated and will be finished on Dec 21st. It is called Danzig Kids Come First.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone, at Robert Kennedy Publishing, happiness, good health, hope and peace during this special time of the year and throughout 2013.

With appreciation,

Brenda Mignardi, President
Melissa Warren Paul, Vice President
Jennifer Clark, Secretary/Treasurer
Patty Haley, Community Liaison, TDSB