MIGRANTS BEGIN HUNGER STRIKE IN NIAGARA DETENTION CENTRE

Follow: http://www.facebook.com/NiagaraMigrantHungerStrikers

ACT NOW:

* EMAIL Regional Director Richard.Comerford@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca & CALL HIM at 905-994-6000
* CALL Niagara Detention Centre 905-227-6321. 

Demand that the hunger strikers be immediately transferred to Toronto and get access to urgent medical care.

Emergency Public Mtg
Thursday, December 15, 6:30pm

OPIRG Info Shop - 21 King St. (St. Catharines, ON) 

Sergio Puerto, Sandro Philippe, Jesus Galban, and Ibrahim Ali Farrah refugee claimants from Latin America and the Caribbean and Southern Africa have been jailed at the Niagara Detention Centre for between 3 to 6 months. Other then 10 minutes a day in a concrete yard - they have been locked up without community support. 

In mid-November, they began water-only hunger strike demanding that their release be expedited and that they be moved to Toronto where they hope their files will be processed quicker. On November 23, Jesus Galban, fell six feet and was denied medical aid until they ended the hunger  strike. Officers from Canada Border Services Agency promised immediate action on their file, but did nothing. 

On December 11, 2011, Sergio Puerto, Sandro Philippe, Jesus Galban and Ibrahim Ali Farrah re-initiated a rolling hunger strike.

December Documentary Line Up

Dec 6 - Maquilapolis: City of Factories

Maquilapolis is a documentary about maquiladoras, the multinationally-owned factories that came to Mexico for its cheap labor. Produced in collaboration with the factory workers, the film looks at the ways in which multinationals try to exploit labor in a globalized world, and the consequences this has on workers and the environment. (Subtitled, 68 minutes)

Dec 13 - Blood Coltan

Demand for a mineral called coltan, which is used in mobile phones and computers, is funding killings in the Congo. Under the close watch of rebel militias, children as young as ten work the mines hunting for this black gold. Blood Coltan exposes the web of powerful interests protecting this blood trade. Meet the powerful warlords who enslave local populations, and the European businessmen who continue importing Coltan, in defiance of the UN. (Subtitled, 52 minutes)

Dec 20 - Santa’s Workshop - Inside China’s Slave Labor Toy Factories

Santa’s Workshop takes you to the real world of China’s toy factories. Workers tell us about long working hours, low wages, and dangerous work places. Those who protest or try to organize trade unions risk imprisonment. Low labor costs attract more and more companies to China, and today more than 75% of our toys are made there. But this industry takes its toll on the workers and on the environment. (Subtitled, 33 minutes)

Dec 27 - Holiday Break!

We’ll be taking one week off, and will return on January 3rd.

Niagara Action for Animals Potluck Series: Justice for Migrant Workers - Friday December 2nd - 7 PM EST - Unitarian Congregation of Niagara - Free to the Public

Come join us for a potluck as well as a talk from Tzazna De Las Tunas from Justice for Migrant Workers. A volunteer run non-profit collective, J4MW strives to promote the rights of migrant farmworkers and farmworkers without status.

http://www.justicia4migrantworkers.org/index.htm

Unitarian Congregation of Niagara - 223 Church St. (St. Catharines, On) Beside Delta Bingo. 

Brock Animal Rights Collective Film Screening Series - "MARK" - Wednesday November 30th - 7 PM EST - Brock University - Free to the Public

Come join us on Wednesday November 30th at 7 PM in room Thistle 256 for the third film in the 2011/12 Brock Animal Rights Collective Film Screening Series. This screening will be a co-screening with the Live Free Collective and Queer Action Niagara and director Mike Hoolbloom will also be at the screening! 

We will be screening the documentary “Mark.” Winner of the Best Feature Documentary, The Accolade Competition, La Jolla, CA, 2010. 

Conspire to Resist:A message from 17 people charged with conspiracy

November 22, 2011 — As people across Turtle Island look towards the global wave of protests against the austerity agenda, the memory of the 2010 G20 protests in Toronto looms large as both inspiration and caution. We are seventeen people accused by the state of planning to disrupt the leaders summit – the prosecutors call us the G20 Main Conspiracy Group.

AIDS Awareness

HIV/AIDS is a global threat that knows no boundaries. Individuals from around the world will be coming together on World AIDS Day, December 1^st, to commemorate the theme of “Getting to Zero. Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths.”, and to honour those people living with or having passed away as a result of HIV/AIDS.

World AIDS Day is preceded by AIDS Awareness Week, beginning annually on the 24^th of November. The aim of World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Week is to raise consciousness in the community about issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, including the support and understanding for people living with HIV/AIDS, and the need for the development of education and prevention initiatives.

To raise awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS in our community, AIDS Niagara is planning a variety of events. The kick-off will be held at St. Catharines City Hall on Thursday November 24, 2011 at 11:00am with the Annual Flag Raising Ceremony.

On World AIDS Day, December 1, 2011 AIDS Niagara is hosting an Open House from 10:00am until 3:00pm at our office located at 120 Queenston St., St. Catharines. This is an opportunity to commemorate people who lost their lives to HIV, acknowledge those fighting the battle, applaud progress made and recommit to ending the epidemic. Rapid On-Site HIV testing will be available at this event from 10:00am until 4:00pm.

Also on World AIDS Day there will be a “Celebration of Life” service held at Westview Church, 124 Queenston St., St. Catharines at 7:00pm. This service will Remember, Reflect and Celebrate people living with or having passed away as a result of HIV/AIDS.

Decolonize/Defend Occupy Toronto - Update & Ongoing Support

On Tuesday night, Occupy Toronto was successful in having a judge order that Occupy Toronto can stay until arguments are heard in court on Friday at 11am. The judge will deliver his verdict by 6 p.m. on Saturday.

We are calling on all supporters, allies, and friends to resist the forced eviction of Occupy Toronto.

Solidarity Rallies:
Friday 11am-1pm Solidarity with Occupy Toronto Rally at St James Park
All Out on Saturday 2pm-5pm. Evict Ford. Hell No, We Won’t Go.
Please keep checking http://occupyto.org/ 

as details may change. 
 
Call the offices of Ford and Councillors:
Ford: 416-397-FORD (3673)
Councillors: http://app.toronto.ca/im/council/councillors.jsp 

Defend Occupy:
Park defense is ongoing. If you are going to defend the park, go in groups and stick together! Look for the Movement Defence Committee and know your rights. Together we are stronger.

No One Is Illegal - Toronto Statement of Support for Occupy Toronto

http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org/node/644

As an organization of migrants, settlers, and allies fighting for migrant justice in Toronto, we recognize that migrants, people of colour and undocumented people are among those facing the worst exploitation in this system created for the 1%. As the Canadian immigration system increasingly functions in service of corporations demanding cheap exploitable labour with little regard for human dignity or community -  we recognize the need now more than ever to unite behind a movement like Occupy Toronto  - a movement to reclaim public space, to build points of solidarity between diverse communities of indigenous people, people of colour, migrants, workers, queer, trans, disabled, homeless and poor people, and to start building the kind of world we want to see.

This movement is fraught with challenges that we have been facing and overcoming every day for over a month now. Every day we learn to live together. Every day we grow stronger. Every day we prove that we are all we need.

We are starting to scare them.

Tuesday, one day after Bloomberg in New York joined the crackdown on dissentin Oakland, London, Victoria, Halifax, Vancouver and elsewhere, forcibly preventing people from gathering together and creating a future beyond the tyranny of a capitalist colonial empire, Rob Ford is trying to do the same in St. James Park.

We have faced this before. Many of us dealt with police repression during the G20 last year when we brought thousands to the streets to demand a better world. We will face it again.

We are calling on all supporters, allies, and friends to resist the forced eviction of Occupy Toronto.  A solidarity demo has been called for 11am Friday and let’s all be out to march and EVICT FORD Saturday at 2p.m. Join us. We’re not going anywhere.

Brock Press Article : Queer Action Niagara

Despite a general increase in acceptance and tolerance towards homosexuality over the last decade, queer people are still oppressed in various ways. At times, those whose sexuality differs from the majority may feel invisible or helpless in the struggle against homophobic behaviour. After learning about issues of sexuality in a Sociology class at Brock University, Denis Kelly began to find answers and resources to assist him in forming a group of queer activists.

“My interest in starting this group began after taking a Sexuality and Societies course in the Sociology department at Brock in January of 2009,” said Kelly. “The course provided me with the radical critique of gender, sex and sexuality that I had been looking for.”

In September of 2009, Kelly decided to become involved with Brock Pride in order to have a safe social space for discussion. He started to seek out other clubs which could feed his desire for radical activism.

“During my time at Brock Pride, I became involved with Brock Animal Rights Club,” said Kelly. “I used the skills I developed through participating in activism within the animal rights community to form Queer Action Niagara.”  

A year after joining Brock Pride, Kelly created Queer Action Niagara through OPIRG Brock. Since their formation, they have lauched a letter campain against Isaac’s heterosexist advertising and organized documentary screenings of films which explore oppression, among involvement with other local events.

“Heteronormativity is a term used to explain how structures, laws, institutions and the media privilege heterosexual, cisgendered and monogamous relationships,” said Kelly. “Heteronormativity is ingrained in all aspects of North American Society. These structures can only be changed by humans adopting a radical queer critique of heteronormativity and actively fighting against it.”

Queer Action Niagara attempts to find opportunities to eliminate queer oppression around the Region. They are currently helping Aids Niagara to organize “Transgender Day of Remembrance” at the OPIRG Info Shop on 21 King Street. This event will take place on Nov. 21, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.     

“Queer Action Niagara’s main goal is to provide the tools to critique heteronormativity so that humans, queer or not, can challenge their own privilege and oppression and make positive changes in their own and others’ lives,” said Kelly. “Our objective is not to provide tools or resources to defend against homophobia, heterosexism or heteronormativity, but to challenge individuals, organizations and institutions to rid themselves of these oppressions.”  

Even if an individual may not be directly oppressive themselves, heterosexism and homophobia still exist in the society around them. Simply having a family member or friend who identifies as queer does not help in the fight against hatred, it is everyone’s responsibility to challenge oppressive structures.  

“Don’t be afraid to call people out for being homophobic and heterosexist. You may lose friends, but queer people are losing their lives to increased numbers of suicides,” said Kelly. “Also, get involved with any of the many great activities being organized by the several queer friendly organizations in Niagara.”

Education systems, as well as media, politics and religion are all often associated with the promotion of heterosexism. The entertainment industry and government policies recreate norms which privilege cisgendered, heterosexual and monogamous relationships.

 ”For an example, look at the commotion caused by proposing a sex education curriculum that challenges homophobia and heterosexism,” said Kelly. “This is only possible due to the fact that queerness is considered deviant, at least in children and teens in this case, while heterosexuality is considered normative.”

No matter how you identify your gender, orientation, sex or sexuality, you can become involved in the spread of equality and pro-queer values. Be conscious of the language you use, and make sure you are actively involved in making sure all people feel safe in the activities and spaces you attend.

“A common misconception about the queer movement is that straight people aren’t welcome or that straight people don’t feel welcome,” said Kelly. “It is important that students challenge this misconception. If heterosexuals cannot become allies to the queer movement, then we are fighting a losing battle.”

Read The Rest Here: http://www.brockpress.com/arts-and-life/niagara-queers-take-action-1.2701663?pagereq=1#.TsUt0c11Nvk

Watch entire Democracy Now news report: Occupy Wall Street

Today is a national day of action to mark the start of the third month of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Here in New York, organizers have been distributing posters reading “Shut Down Wall Street! Occupy the Subways! Take the Square!” As we broadcast protesters marched in various parts of the Financial District in an attempt to block the New York Stock Exchange from opening at 9:30 a.m. Labor organizers are planning protests at dozens of bridges across the country today as part of a campaign to highlight the need for increased spending on the nation’s infrastructure. In Portland, protesters are planning to occupy the Steel Bridge. In Seattle, an action will target the Montlake Bridge. In Washington, D.C., protesters will march on the Key Bridge. In New York, a 5 p.m. action is set at the Brooklyn Bridge. The protests come just two days after New York police raided Occupy Wall Street at Liberty Plaza and destroyed the encampment. Protesters have been allowed to return to the park, but without sleeping bags, tents or musical instruments. Democracy Now!’s Ryan Devereaux reports live from Wall Street, where protesters, with help from New York police, blockaded all streets leading to the Stock Exchange. “The plan is for sort of a three-pronged blitz on the Financial District, marches coming from all different directions, and trying to basically swarm the area with people,” Devereaux says. “The NYPD’s response has been equally robust. There are police vehicles, officers and barricades on every single street.”

To watch: http://www.democracynow.org/

Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 21, 2011 - 6:30-9pm
Location: 21 King St., St. Catharines
Join us on November 21st for a documentary screening and discussion in recognition of 9th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. Let’s remember those who have lost their lives because of anti-transgender hatred or prejudice and also celebrate the diverse Transgender community in Niagara who continue to make strides to improve the quality of life for all.
For more information call:
(905) 984-8684 ext. 120 or 113
Sponsored By:
AIDS Niagara, PFLAG, Quest Community Health Centre, Queer Action Niagara, Transgender Niagara & Transparent Canada

Transgender Remembrance Day

November 21, 2011 - 6:30-9pm
Location: 21 King St., St. Catharines

Join us on November 21st for a documentary screening and discussion in recognition of 9th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. Let’s remember those who have lost their lives because of anti-transgender hatred or prejudice and also celebrate the diverse Transgender community in Niagara who continue to make strides to improve the quality of life for all.
For more information call:
(905) 984-8684 ext. 120 or 113

Sponsored By:
AIDS Niagara, PFLAG, Quest Community Health Centre, Queer Action Niagara, Transgender Niagara & Transparent Canada

Don't Shop When You Can Swap

 

A Post from the Niagara branch of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group

The Ontario Public Interest Research Group ( OPIRG) is a student funded and student directed socially just environmental organization. In preparation for the holiday season OPIRG has decided to hold a Clothing Swap Party as a way to address rampant consumerism and it’s environmental consequences.

OPIRG’s INfoShop in St. Catharines, Ontario.

OPIRG is urging the Niagara Region to consume “smarter” by moving away from the outdated concept of outright ownership – and the lust to own – towards one where we share, barter, rent and swap.

All are welcome to come! Critical mass is important for collaborative consumption. If there aren’t enough people “out there” offering or demanding these goods and services, then these systems quickly wither.

November 23^rd at 7 p.m. in the OPIRG InfoShop at 21 King St, St. Catharines, Ontario is the perfect opportunity for you to clean out your closet, wardrobe, attic , whatever, and swap things that you might actually wear/use!

Change is good right?

Come to 21 King St on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. to hangout, relax, and swap clothing and accessories

How does it work?

1.Bring in gently used clothing or accessories that you no longer need. (there is no maximum)
2. Meet new people
3.Pick up new clothing and accessories for Free!
4. A donation of $2 towards the OPIRG info-shop, if you please

We will be donating everything to community care after.

As seen in: http://niagaraatlarge.com/2011/11/09/don%E2%80%99t-shop-when-you-can-swap/

Brock Animal Rights Food Drive for Human and Non-Human Animals

Monday November 21st & Thursday November 24th
Brock University, in MCA Block hallway
11-3pm
The Brock Animal Rights Club and The Live Free collective will be accepting VEGAN food donations for the RAFT’s monthly vegan serving, as well as ANY food donation for companion animals (cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs etc.) for Niagara Action for Animals’ feral cat colonies and the homeless animals at the Lincoln County Humane Society."
We will also be selling "Paws for Thought" for $2.00. Write the name of your companion animals on a paw and support Niagara Action for Animals TNR feral cat program. We will be having having an outreach table about responsible companion animal care, as well.
Event page: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/event.php?eid=135275916574878

Brock Animal Rights Film Series: No Country for Old Men

Wednesday, November 16th
7:00-10:00 Brock University, in room TH 256
We will be screening the Cohen Brothers directed, No Country for Old Men. Based upon a novel written by Cormac McCarthy, the film won numerous awards and garnered near universal praise upon its release. The film poses numerous questions about our relationships with humans and other species and we hope to watch it with a critical anti-speciesist lens.
Vegan treats will be provided and there will be a discussion following the film.
Event page: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/event.php?eid=197927416951990&notif_t=event_invite

Mama Si Mama Movie Screening

Film Screeing Justice in the Congo
Nov 16th 2011
7pm
Brock University, PL 410
OPIRG Working Group Mama SiMama ( Women Stand Up) will be hosting a Movie Night to raise awareness on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Movie is called Justice in The Congo, and it's a 30 minute documentary on the root causes of the Rape epidemic, which will be followed by a short discussion period.
If you are interested in learning about the Congo, and the role YOU play in this conflict. This documentary screening is a great opportunity, which in the long run will help us in our fight against injustice. Knowledge is Power.
We encourage you to bring a friend or two who you think might be interested in this topic.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to contact masibrock@gmail.com

Clothing Swap Party!

November 23^rd
7pm
OPIRG InfoShop (21 King St.) 
This the perfect opportunity for you to clean out your closet, wardrobe, attic , whatever, and swap things that you might actually wear/use!

Change is good right? Come hangout, relax, and swap clothing and accessories

So how does this “clothing swap” work?

1.Bring in gently used clothing or accessories that you no longer need. (there is no maximum)
2. Meet new people
3.Pick up new clothing and accessories for Free!
4. A donation of 2$ towards the OPIRG info-shop if you please

We will be donating everything to community care after.

For more information email: opirg@brock.org

Clothing SWAP !

Nov 23
7pm
OPIRG InfoShop, 21 King St.
Relax, mingle, and SWAP (exchange) clothes, shoes and accessories you no longer need or wear!
How does it work?
1.Bring in gently used clothing or accessories that you no longer need.
2. Meet new people
3.Pick up new clothing and accessories for Free!
Don't shop-SWAP!

Race, Colonialism and the 99% at Occupy Toronto

Thursday, November 3, 2011
St. James Park, King and Church
Who is the 99% Tent.
As people of color and Indigenous people around the world and in Canada bear the greatest brunt of the financial crisis and corporate greed and exploitation, this discussion aims to bring together anti-racist activists and Occupy Toronto participants to speak about building and strengthening multiracial alliances in the 99%.
Harsha Walia is a South Asian activist and writer from Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories who has been active in anti racist, femnist, migrant justice, and anti imperialist/anti colonial movements. She has been at several Occupy movements over the past two weeks.
Tannis Nielsen is an Indigenous (Metis) artist / educator, whose academic interests center upon the theories born from the European Enlightenment period, that have served as an "attempted" justification for imperial domination over Indigenous peoples.
This workshop is part of the 'Who is the 99%' series at Occupy Toronto: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=207889142617698

Vagina Monologues Luncheon

Nov 4
1-4pm
OPIRG InfoShop, 21 King St.
The time has come for anyone interested in being a cast member of the Vagina Monologues 2011-2012 to come forward and meet up.
The point of the Luncheon is to meet everyone and for everyone to meet potentially interested cast members. Its just a plain ol' meet n' greet! Even if you are still on the fence about being in the 'VM FAM' please come anyways to discuss some of the importance surrounding V-DAY.
Please RSVP to this event ASAP so we know how many refreshments to prepare. Also, if you have any allergies let us know!
Contact: Elyse & Jenn
RSVP email:vaginamonologues.brocku@live.ca
If you have any questions of if you get lost on your way to the Luncheon here is a number you can call/text 905-360-0515.

Documentary Night

Nov 1
8pm
OPIRG InfoShop, 21 King St
The Dark Side of Chocolate
While we enjoy the sweet taste of chocolate, the reality is strikingly different for African children. The Dark Side of Chocolate is an investigation of child labor, slavery, trafficking, and other abuses on cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast.

"After God come Cuban Doctors"

Nov 2 2011
Brock University: Thistle Complex, Room 241
7pm
Cross Canada Tour: Cuban doctor, Dr. Jorge Tomas Balseiro Estevez, from the frontlines in Haiti's earthquake and cholera epidemic speaks at Brock University.
Everyone is welcome!
Admission: Free, Donations appreciated for Cuba' medical work in Haiti-"Cuba for Haiti."

Kind Cycle: InfoShop Opening

Nov 16
8pm
Kind Cycle InfoShop Opening
Highlights: Live music and a magician!
OPIRG working group Kind Cycle will be holding a InfoShop opening on Nov 16th to introduce the public to Kind Cycle projects and volunteer team!
Kind Cycle was developed after the success of OPIRG Brock's Migrant Bike Program, that brought donated bicycles to migrant workers in Virgil, giving the workers greater independence and the ability to go where they wanted, when they wanted. KC has now expanded to assist community members with fixing their own bicycles and providing free advice and labour to accomplish this task.

Kind Cycle InfoShop Opening

Nov 16
8pm
Kind Cycle InfoShop Opening
Highlights: Live music and a magician!

OPIRG working group Kind Cycle will be holding a InfoShop opening on Nov 16th to introduce the public to Kind Cycle projects and volunteer team!

Kind Cycle was developed after the success of OPIRG Brock’s Migrant Bike Program, that brought donated bicycles to migrant workers in Virgil, giving the workers greater independence and the ability to go where they wanted, when they wanted. KC has now expanded to assist community members with fixing their own bicycles and providing free advice and labour to accomplish this task.

Queering Animal Liberation

Info Table: Queering Animal Liberation
Oct 27th
MC A Hallway @ Brock University
11-3pm

QAN (in partnership with the Live Free Collective and BARC) will be having a “Queering Animal Liberation” table. The table will focus on intersections between queer and non-human animal oppression. If you would like to volunteer at the table or have any questions, please e-mail queeractionniagara@gmail.com.

Documentry Night

Oct 25
8pm
OPIRG InfoSHop: 21 King St
Screening: Darren Brown- Ghost Hunter
Derren Brown investigates the world of Lou Gentile, a top American ghost hunter who for the last 20 years has been helping the haunted and possessed of America.
He believes he can photograph and take recorded messages from ghosts and that the power of ghosts can even kill you. Derren has always claimed he does not have paranormal powers but instead uses magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship in his work. However, Lou publically claims that he has evidence to support the existence of the paranormal.
Screenings are free and open to everyone.

Queering Animal Liberation

Info Table: Queering Animal Liberation
Oct 27th
MC A Hallway @ Brock University
11-3pm
QAN (in partnership with the Live Free Collective and BARC) will be having a "Queering Animal Liberation" table. The table will focus on intersections between queer and non-human animal oppression. If you would like to volunteer at the table or have any questions, please e-mail queeractionniagara@gmail.com.

Queering Animal Liberation

Info Table: Queering Animal Liberation
Oct 27th
MC A Hallway @ Brock University
11-3pm
QAN (in partnership with the Live Free Collective and BARC) will be having a "Queering Animal Liberation" table. The table will focus on intersections between queer and non-human animal oppression. If you would like to volunteer at the table or have any questions, please e-mail queeractionniagara@gmail.com.

Men Against Rape and Sexual Assault

Volunteer Meeting
October 19th
7pm
Room: Th 256, Brock University
MARS is an new initiative within the Brock community. This peer-led program offers anti-oppression workshops to help Brock students unpack gendered violence. This is the first year of the program and will provide volunteers as exciting opportunity to be a part of a ground-breaking movement promoting gender equality.
* There will be a film screening, all are welcome.

Documentary Night

Oct 18
8pm
OPIRG InfoSHop, 21 King St.
Screening: Tough Guise: Violence, Media & the Crisis in Masculinity
Tough Guise examines the connection between our concept of masculine identity, and the portrayal of males by the media and in popular culture. The filmmaker Jackson Katz argues that widespread violence in American society needs to be understood as part of an ongoing crisis in masculinity.

Documentary Night

Oct 4
8pm
OPIRG InfoShop
21 King St
Documentary Night: BBC Dispatches: The Lost Girls of South Africa
The Lost Girls of South Africa offers a glimpse of what life is really like for young girls growing up in South Africa. It follows the stories of four girls, aged 11-13, who become victims of child rape.

Nathan Runkle of Mercy for Animals To Speak at Brock University

October 11th
12-2pm
Sankey Chamber at Brock University
Renowned farm animal advocate to speak at Brock:
Nathan Runkle, Founder and Executive Director of U.S.-based Mercy for Animals, will be giving a free public talk. The presentation, titled "Inspiring Compassion: Putting Our Ethics on the Table", will focus on how industrial farming has changed the way cows, pigs and chickens are treated and how our food choices can become a powerful tool in preventing cruelty to animals. Nathan’s presentation at Brock is sponsored by the Department of Sociology.
Mercy for Animals is the fastest growing farm animal protection group in the United States, gaining international attention with their undercover investigations and powerful ad campaigns.

Mama Si Mama

In the Congo (RDC), for the past 14 years, rape has been used to oppress and generate fear. The ongoing civil war has been a platform for an outrageous rape epidemic.
Women are being used at the forefront of this war - they are taken from their homes and violently attacked. MASI (Mama Si Mama) which translates to STAND UP WOMAN, is a non profit organization that provides care for the women who are survivors of war-motivated rapes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The goal of the organization is to help these women integrate back into society, by providing them with different means to become more independent; so they can survive and provide for their family.
The are three main issues that MASI focuses on:
- Breaking the silence of the mineral focused war that is taking place in the Republic Democratic of the Congo
- Empowering women
-Helping women so they can help themselves.
If you are interested in getting involved with Mama Si Mama contact:
Olivier Kayitaba at masibrock@gmail.com

OPIRG presents... DISORIENTATION WEEK

======MONDAY=====
.3pm-4pm
DIG presents: Questioning our Food System; interactive workshop, discussion, and will include planting herbs in recycled containers!
Location: Brock University, Room:TH 315
Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=261693913863246&ref=ts
6pm-7pm
Talk from Author John Bacher about his new book: Two Billion Trees and Counting (a must-attend for any environmentalists!)
Location: Brock University, Room:TH 240
=====TUESDAY=====
11am-1pm
Vegan potluck /volunteer meet-n-greet
Location: OPIRG on-capus office, Room: 204 (student alumni building(next to Union Station)
7pm-9pm
Activist Art 101 workshop (buttons, zines, silk screening & more!)
Location: OPIRG InfoShop (21 King St., downtown St.Catharines)
=====WEDNESDAY=====
3pm-4:30pm
Love Your Body! (open discussion workshop)
Location: Brock University, Room: WH 8G
Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=235114003202720
7pm-10pm
Queer Theory 101 & Homotopia film screening
Location: Brock University, Room:TH 240
=====THURSDAY=====
1pm
Workshop: accessing resources on campus

Health Care Rally Sep 13 2011

HUGE HEALTH CARE RALLY TOMORROW
ADVOCATING FOR CLEAR COMMITMENTS
ON KEY HEALTH CARE ISSUES IN ONTARIO ELECTION CAMPAIGN
Toronto: -- Dozens of buses will travel to the Ontario Legislature tomorrow where they will be joined by thousands from the GTA for a huge health care rally. Advocates have organized this rally to try to raise the profile of key health care issues leading into the election.
Where: Queen’s Park (Ontario Legislature), Toronto
When: Rally at 12 o’clock noon, march down University Avenue (hospital row) to Elm St. and
then back up to Queen’s Park for a final rally.
Visuals: Floats, lots of banners and signs, thousands of concerned citizens,
Hospital nurses, doctors and support staff will line University Avenue (hospital row).

PFLAG Meeting!

PFLAG Canada, St. Catharines Chapter
Monthly meeting Tuesday, September 13, 7:00pm
Quest Community Health Centre , Suite 100, 145 Queenston St., St. Catharines
PFLAG Canada is Canada's only national organization that helps all Canadians who are struggling with issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. PFLAG Canada supports, educates and provides resources to parents, families, friends and colleagues with questions or concerns, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We provide a safe, supportive environment for discussion of issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their families. We welcome anyone interested in learning. For more information call 905-937-0202 or see www.pflagcanada.ca/StCatharines.htm

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT !

Candle Light Vigil and March
Thursday, September 15
6:00 P.M.
St.Catharines Public Library: James St.
Take Back the Night is a powerful opportunity to build connections, assertively reclaim our right to safety, and courageously stand up against violence.
This year’s event will be held at the St. Catharines Public Library courtyard and will include information tables from local agencies, live music, banner painting, face painting, popcorn and much more...and of course, a loud and empowered march! See you there!
We will be collecting food and necessities for the YWCA this year.
Speakers:
Josie Penny- Author “So Few on Earth”
Carole – Survivor
Daria Zmiyiwsky – The Standard
Emma Christie – Student
Music by : BroadBand & Friends!
Everyone Welcome!!!
Come support the women and children of Niagara!

No Impact Week!

The No Impact Project and YES! Magazine are partnering up to finish off the summer with a weeklong experiment in low impact living!
During No Impact Week, participants all over the world will join in this retreat from consumerdom, enabling us to live in a more environmentally-conscious way, and to discover how these lifestyle changes can increase our sense of personal fulfillment, health, happiness, and time with family and friends. This is not about telling people to deprive themselves and have less, but to replace the destructive behaviors that are ruining our environment with behavior that’s better for both the planet and people. Over 30,000 people in every corner of the globe have participated in a low-impact living experiment of their very own through the No Impact Week. Now it’s your turn!
Beginning Sunday, September 18th participants will work through a series of eight daily challenges, from decreasing trash production to eating locally and sustainably.
If you are interested in participating email: opirgbu@gmail.com
People can document their experiences- perhaps we can make a mini OPIRG documentary?

No Impact Week!

The No Impact Project and YES! Magazine are partnering up to finish off the summer with a weeklong experiment in low impact living!
During No Impact Week, participants all over the world will join in this retreat from consumerdom, enabling us to live in a more environmentally-conscious way, and to discover how these lifestyle changes can increase our sense of personal fulfillment, health, happiness, and time with family and friends. This is not about telling people to deprive themselves and have less, but to replace the destructive behaviors that are ruining our environment with behavior that’s better for both the planet and people. Over 30,000 people in every corner of the globe have participated in a low-impact living experiment of their very own through the No Impact Week. Now it’s your turn!
Beginning Sunday, September 18th participants will work through a series of eight daily challenges, from decreasing trash production to eating locally and sustainably.
If you are interested in participating email: opirgbu@gmail.com
People can document their experiences- perhaps we can make a mini OPIRG documentary?

Ray Greek Lecture @ Brock University

Ray Greek Lecture @ Brock
On Saturday, September 17,
Brock University: Pond Inlet from 7 to 9pm.
Ray Greek, MD is a world-renowned critic of animal research. Dr. Greek is board certified in anesthesiology and has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. During the course of his medical career, he performed experiments on animals and conducted clinical research. He is president of the not-for-profit Americans For Medical Advancement (http://www.afma-curedisease.org/).
In addition to being published in peer-reviewed scientific literature, Dr Ray Greek is the author, along with his wife, Jean Swingle Greek, DVM of three popular science books on the topic of attempting to extrapolate the results of animal experiments to humans: Sacred Cows & Golden Geese (Continuum 2000), Specious Science (Continuum 2002) and What Will We Do If We Don't Experiment On Animals? (Trafford 2004.)

Brock Animal Rights Club Meeting

BARC's First Meeting of the School Year
Monday, September 12th
6:30p.m.
Brock University: room MCC304.
The meeting will consist of meeting new members and introducing the group, discussing last years events and gathering ideas for this year!Please come with your ideas for this new academic year! All are welcome!
Background info on BARC: dedicated to raising awareness about all forms of animal-exploitation throughout the Brock University and Niagara communities. Through educational outreach, we hope to encourage inclusive compassion towards all animals (both human and non-human). BARC promotes a vegan lifestyle (plant-based diet and cruelty-free living) as the most effective and compassionate choice people can make to help animals, world hunger, the environment, and personal health. For more information contact brockanimalrights@gmail.com

Volunteers Needed During Brock's O-Week

Volunteers needed to pick up water bottles during Brock’s O-Week. OPIRG is getting ready for it’s Disorientation Week (Sep 19-24) and as part of our fight for a more just community we are focusing our opening on bottled water! We have plans to construct a structure out of plastic waterbottles collected during Brock’s O-Week! If you are available during Sep 6-10th to pick up plastic water bottles and drop them off at the OPIRG office email opirgbu@gmail.com!

Help Create a Sign for the New InfoShop

Creators, artists, and crafsters are needed! OPIRG has moving it’s InfoShop to 21 King St. and is looking for artists to create an outdoor sign for the shop! If you have creative ideas for an “ OPIRG InfoShop” outdoor sign email us at opirgbu@gmail.com

WEEKLY EVENTS NEWSLETTER September 5 - 11

People from all walks of life are invited to participate in the research, education, and action facilitated through OPIRG Brock – including not only students but interested community members. All events listed occur in St. Catharines unless indicated otherwise. For a map of the Brock Campus please see: http://www.brocku.ca/parking-services/campus-map. To learn more about OPIRG Brock please see our website at: www.opirgbrock.org. To submit events for inclusion in the newsletter please email opirgbu@gmail.com the Thursday of the week before the event; we’d love to hear from you!
Volunteer Opportunities
Dis-Oriontation Week Committee Call Out
OPIRG Brock volunteers have struck a committee to start planning for Dis-Orientation Week at Brock this year! If you’ve got ideas we’d love to hear them. Please contact opirgbu@gmail.com to get involved!
Food Not Bombs - Niagara serves every Sunday from 3-5pm in Montebello Park
Food not Bombs is in need of volunteers for food pick-up on Saturday. Pretty please! If you haven't done it before, all you need is some time on Saturday around 2pm, and a way to transport the food (a bike cart, a car, or a big backpack).

Volunteers Needed for Niagara Action for Animals

For quite a few years, Niagara Action for Animals, has had a table at the Toronto Vegetarian Food Fair. We are looking for some volunteers to staff the table there this year. Following are the dates and times and if you can help, even for a few hours, it would be much appreciated - no special qualifications needed!!
Friday, Sept. 9th from 4 - 9 pm
Saturday, Sept. 10th from noon - 9 pm
Sunday, Sept. 11th from noon - 7 pm
Please drop us a line, if you think you could spare some time! It's an awesome event with lots to see, so you may want to take it in, in any case.
Contact:nafa9@sympatico.ca

Now is the Time we Can Make a Real Diffrence!

Rally
Tuesday, September 13
12 o’clock noon
Get on the Bus:Queen’s Park Toronto
IMPROVE access to public long term home care services
STOP hospital cuts
PROTECT and improve equality and public health care
Ontario’s provincial election is coming up on October 6th. It will be a tight contest and politicians will need to listen to the issues Ontarians care about. Now is the time when we can win real commitments from the political parties on the key health care issues.
GET ON THE BUS!
The following people may be contacted in order to secure a place on a bus:
Please call to book your seat. No bus(es) from your area? Please let us know if you can organize a bus from your community at ohc@sympatico.ca or 416-441-2502
Niagara Location: Niagara Niagara Health Coalition 289-271-6581 or niagarahealthcoalition@yahoo.ca

OPIRG Brock Weekly Events Newsletter

WEEKLY EVENTS NEWSLETTER
August 29- September 4
People from all walks of life are invited to participate in the research, education, and action facilitated through OPIRG Brock – including not only students but interested community members. All events listed occur in St. Catharines unless indicated otherwise. For a map of the Brock Campus please see: http://www.brocku.ca/parking-services/campus-map. To learn more about OPIRG Brock please see our website at: www.opirgbrock.org. To submit events for inclusion in the newsletter please email opirgbu@gmail.com the Thursday of the week before the event; we’d love to hear from you!
Volunteer Opportunities
Rocky Railway High (Closure)
Participate in Art for Change!

Good Man Walking Calendar 2012!

Please Join Gillian’s Place for the much anticipated launch of their Good Man Walking Calendar 2012!
Sunday August 28, 1-3 pm, The Pen Centre, St. Catharines, Sears Court
You and your guests are cordially invited to join Gillian’s Place for the launch of the 2012 Good Man Walking Calendar. All proceeds to support the work of Gillian’s Place. Be there for the unveiling of the photos, meet the models and have your calendar signed. Be the first to purchase your calendar on this day for a discounted rate of $15.00*
*after this date, the calendar can be purchased for $19.95 in selected stores and online.
For more information, please visit www.walkamileinhershoes.ca

Potluck talk with Jo-Anne McArthur of We Animals

Friday, September 2nd
7 pm
Unitarian Church, 223 Church St., St. Catharines (beside the Delta Bingo).
"We Animals is an ambitious project which documents, through photography, animals in the human environment. The project began in 1998 when I was becoming more aware of the abuses animals suffer at the hands of humans. The title is intentionally broad in subject matter, interpretation and implication. The premise of the project is that humans... are as much animal as the sentient beings we use for food, clothing, research, experimentation, work, entertainment, slavery and companionship. The goal of the project is to break down the barriers that humans have built which allow us to treat non-human animals as objects and not as sentient beings."  check out http://www.weanimals.org/
SPECIAL: Please remember to bring a food donation as our donation program will now be cycled through a vegan food serving program at The RAFT! We will accept any non perishable vegan food items, but we are especially keen on the following: Chocolate Almond Breeze, Rice Krispies, Croutons, Soup and Pasta.

Join Justicia for Migrant Workers to Demand Justice, Respect and Dignity

Get on the Bus, come and support Migrant Worker Solidarity Caravan
Sunday September 4, 2011@ 12: 30 pm
Salem Chapel First British Methodist Episcopal Church
92 Geneva Street, St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 4N2
On September 4 to October 2nd, 2011 Justicia for Migrant Workers (J4MW) will be expanding on last year's Pilgrimage to Freedom with a series of actions and caravans to expose the hidden realities that agricultural workers face. For this year's Pilgrimage to Freedom Justicia for Migrant Workers has chosen to revisit several of the stops of the Underground Railroad. The towns that we will be visiting, as part of the Underground Railroad, promised a land of freedom, hope and opportunities, but are now hubs of agricultural activity that are highly dependent on exploitative temporary migration programs for labour. The caravan will highlight the current labour laws, the restrictions of migrant worker programs, the profits of the agricultural industry and how Canadian society profits from the indentureship of migrant labour. We ultimately want to ask: do these towns still symbolize freedom and hope or do they now evoke oppression and exploitation?

OPIRG Brock Weekly Events Newsletter

OPIRG BROCK
WEEKLY EVENTS NEWSLETTER
August 22-28
People from all walks of life are invited to participate in the research, education, and action facilitated through OPIRG Brock – including not only students but interested community members. All events listed occur in St. Catharines unless indicated otherwise. For a map of the Brock Campus please see: http://www.brocku.ca/parking-services/campus-map. To learn more about OPIRG Brock please see our website at: www.opirgbrock.org. To submit events for inclusion in the newsletter please email opirgbu@gmail.com the Thursday of the week before the event; we’d love to hear from you!
Volunteer Opportunities
Dis-Oriontation Week Committee Call Out
OPIRG Brock volunteers have struck a committee to start planning for Dis-Orientation Week at Brock this year! If you’ve got ideas we’d love to hear them. Please contact opirgbu@gmail.com to get involved!
Food Not Bombs - Niagara serves every Sunday from 3-5pm in Montebello Park

Raging Grannies of Niagara

When I was asked to join the newly-formed Niagara Raging Grannies, I protested that I don't have any children so I will never be a grandma. "Never mind" came the reply, "Are you raging?" The answer was obvious on March 4th, 2005, I made my debut at Brock University at a teach-in on "The Causes and Consequences of the War Against Iraq."
The aim of the Raging Grannies is to help raise public awareness about social issues. Wearing eye-catching hats and dressed in wild granny clothes, we make our points using satirical songs and humorous skits written by various granny members.
The first group of Raging Grannies was formed in Victoria, British Columbia in the winter of 1987. Most of the founders had been working on peace and disarmament issues. What were these Grannies raging about? Mainly, they were involved in groups protesting what was happening to the environment. They were raging against a system that has allowed institutions to perpetuate atrocities against our planet. These were women who felt the future of our grandchildren would be jeopardized if they did not act immediately.

Calling on all students of Brock University to speak out to stop gun violence

Schools should be safe places. While tragedies can strike anywhere, we know stronger controls on guns make them less likely to happen by making it harder for dangerous people to get access to guns.
Students and teachers across the country have worked together for over 20 years to promote strong gun control along with survivors and families of victims, public health, safety, women’s and police associations.
While the government claims that non-restricted guns are harmless “duck guns” or “family guns”, this category includes many powerful semi-automatics include the gun allegedly used in the Norway shooting to kill 69 and injure hundreds, as well as certain sniper rifles.
More details on how you can help keep campus safe and speak out to stop gun violence are in the attached handout.
Write. Call. Email. Tweet. Raise Awareness. The Time to Act is NOW!
The COALITION for Gun Control
www.guncontrol.ca • Twitter/CGCguncontrol • coalitionforguncontrol@gmail.com • 416-604-0209

OPIRG Weekly Newsletter Aug 15-21

August 15-21
WEEKLY EVENTS NEWSLETTER
People from all walks of life are invited to participate in the research, education, and action facilitated through OPIRG Brock – including not only students but interested community members.  All events listed occur in St. Catharines unless indicated otherwise.  For a map of the Brock Campus please see:  http://www.brocku.ca/parking-services/campus-map.  To learn more about OPIRG Brock please see our website at: www.opirgbrock.org.  To submit events for inclusion in the newsletter please email opirgbu@gmail.com the Thursday of the week before the event; we’d love to hear from you!
Volunteer Opportunities!
Dis-Oriontation Week Committee Call Out!
OPIRG Brock volunteers have struck a committee to start planning for
Dis-Orientation Week at Brock this year! If you’ve got ideas we’d love to hear them. Please contact opirgbu@gmail.com to get involved!
Food Not Bombs - Niagara serves every Sunday from 3-5pm in Montebello Park.

OPIRG BROCK NEWSLETTER Aug 8-14th

OPIRG BROCK
WEEKLY EVENTS NEWSLETTER
August 8-14
People from all walks of life are invited to participate in the research, education, and action facilitated through OPIRG Brock – including not only students but interested community members. All events listed occur in St. Catharines unless indicated otherwise. For a map of the Brock Campus please see: http://www.brocku.ca/parking-services/campus-map. To learn more about OPIRG Brock please see our website at: www.opirgbrock.org. To submit events for inclusion in the newsletter please email opirgbu@gmail.com the Thursday of the week before the event; we’d love to hear from you!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCMENT :
OPIRG BROCK is hiring for a Volunteer, Organizational and Research Coordinator!
Here are the details:
Job Title: ORGANIZATIONAL, RESEARCH and VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR
OPIRG-Brock is a student funded and directed, non-profit organization, which is committed to facilitating the active participation of volunteers in addressing critical social and environmental issues of public interest. OPIRG endeavours to foster a non-hierarchical working environment by following consensus decision-making processes.

Attention: OPIRG IS HIRING

OPIRG BROCK is hiring for a Volunteer, Organizational and Research Coordinator!
Here are the details:
Job Title: ORGANIZATIONAL, RESEARCH and VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR
OPIRG-Brock is a student funded and directed, non-profit organization, which is committed to facilitating the active participation of volunteers in addressing critical social and environmental issues of public interest. OPIRG endeavours to foster a non-hierarchical working environment by following consensus decision-making processes.
The Role of Term Staff:
OPIRG has a high turnover of volunteers. Term Employee: Any Employee who is hired on contract to temporarily replace a Bargaining Unit Member on leave of absence, in whole or in part, as approved in writing by the Union. Said contract may not be renewed without consent of the Union. Term employees are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1281.
Job Description:
i. Organizational/Board Development
· Coordinate strategic planning, the development of annual goal plans and budget, and staff/board recognition

Thank you Bike Delivery Ride Participants !

A big thank you to everyone that came out to participate in our Bike Ride to Migrant Workers adventure this past Sunday!
We had a big group of local volunteers, members of the UFCW union, and a number of university and high-school students from Toronto join us!
We also had two dedicated Kind Cycle volunteers set up a Bike Fixing station during the Open House in Virgil. They worked in the + 38 degree weather fixing worker's brakes, patching up tires, and performing general maintenance!
Last but not least the Art of Breaking Boundaries FreeSkool class coordinator presented "The Migrant Workers of the Niagara Region " banner to the AWA Center coordinator and the migrant workers. The Art of Breaking Boundaries had spend all of June creating a design and putting together a very large banner for the center.

Disorientation Week Committee Needs Volunteers

Disorientation Week Committee Needs Volunteers

Submitted by Milica.Njegovan on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 17:26

OPIRG held it's first Disorientation Week meeting this past tuesday and we have earmarked Sep 19-24 as Disorientation Week at Brock University!

We have a tentative schedule of activities representative by the following themes:
-Environmentalism
-Activist 101
-Gender and Sexuality
-DIY Lifestyle
-Animal Rights

If you'd like to join our committee, or if you'd like to collaborate on programming send an email toopirgbu@gmail.com

Our Next Disorientation Week meeting is on July 26, at 5pm, in the OPIRG InfoShop.

ART Opening: The Art of Breaking Boundaries

ART Opening: The Art of Breaking Boundaries

Submitted by Milica.Njegovan on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 17:40

Friday July 15, 8-10pm, OPIRG Brock InfoShop , 10 Summer St.

Since January the Art of Breaking Boundaries FreeSkool class has been meeting in the OPIRG InfoShop, on a clandestine alley in the downtown of St Catharines. We are artists, lovers of art, collaborators, brainstormers, and creative thinkers with a political kick! We believe in art as a medium for progressive social change and so with silk screens, button makers, brushes, and collage we worked together to express ourselves and bedazzle the growing alternative community in St Catharines!

Disorientation Week Committee Needs Volunteers

Disorientation Week Committee Needs Volunteers

Submitted by Milica.Njegovan on Wed, 07/13/2011 - 17:26

OPIRG held it's first Disorientation Week meeting this past tuesday and we have earmarked Sep 19-24 as Disorientation Week at Brock University!

We have a tentative schedule of activities representative by the following themes:
-Environmentalism
-Activist 101
-Gender and Sexuality
-DIY Lifestyle
-Animal Rights

If you'd like to join our committee, or if you'd like to collaborate on programming send an email toopirgbu@gmail.com

Our Next Disorientation Week meeting is on July 26, at 5pm, in the OPIRG InfoShop.

Another reason to celebrate: Today OPIRG made the front page of Niagara This Week

Article on: Niagara This Week
Written by: Catherine Nowe-Huffman
Pedal power for farm workers
Student volunteers ride bikes out to Virgil
Pedal power for farm workers. Andrea DesRoches, Melissa Nguyen, Michael Dirisio, Milica Njegovan and Ben Krawec were all smiles for a great cause amidst the overly warm and humid weather Sunday as they prepared to lead other volunteer cyclists on a ‘Bike Delivery Ride’ from the core of St. Catharines down to Virgil to deliver bikes to the Agricultural Workers Alliance Centre.
There was a small army of people this Sunday at the downtown headquarters of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group that is active through Brock University.
Their pedal-powered mission was simple: deliver used bicycles to farm workers.
The second annual ‘Bike Delivery Ride’ was run out of the Summer Street Downtown InfoShop, from which OPIRG Brock runs a number of community outreach programs.
Student funded and student directed, OPIRG Brock is strictly focused on social justice and environmentalism, explains Milica Njegovan, programming and community connections coordinator.
“The migrant worker issue is of utmost importance because it is a cross-over issue dealing with multiple oppressions in respect to social justice, race, labour and class, as well as being an environmental issue concerning sustainable transportation,” said Njegovan.
Literally working hand in hand and putting their pedals in motion, the volunteers and students have given several, if not many hours each week towards the two-year cause. Members of OPIRG Brock have also established the ‘Kind Cycle Project’ which functions to assist community members with the attention and repair that some of the donated bikes may need before they are delivered through the Migrant Worker Bike Program.
Ben Krawec tries to put in a good seven hours a week with the program while he prepares to start his studies towards being a paramedic at Niagara College this coming September.
“We are a small group who would like to expand,” said Krawec. “We’re not superhuman. We’re just ordinary people that see a need and try to fill it.”
In the simplest of terms he added, “As much as we would like to expand on the project and increase our influence, I think it would be far more beneficial if other people would independently start their own similar projects and fill the many other needs that face our region.”
Expressing the great necessity for all to have affordable and sustainable transportation within the Niagara area, the group wasn’t about to let the warm humid weather dampen their spirits.
“Some people think of this as a charitable effort,” said Ron Walker, an OPIRG member and former teacher, “but it’s more of a solidarity action.”
Riding down Queenston Street to Niagara Stone Road and on to Virgil, the group was diligently followed by an entourage of vehicles that carried anything that may be needed during the cycling run.
For further information on how to get involved, please visit www.opirgbrock.org.