POINT by POINT

POINT Student Volunteer
Resource Guide</ br>

POINT has just published the second edition of its popular "Student Volunteer Resource Guide". The new guide has been expanded and updated with the latest information on volunteer opportunities for youth in local North Toronto-based organizations, and a number of organizations across the City of Toronto. In addition to information on youth volunteer opportunities, the guide also offers a list of eligible and ineligible activities for students to complete their 40 hours of community involvement in order to receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

left to right: Doug Lougheed, POINT Volunteer with Mary Ouchterlony, POINT Board Member and Head of Guidance at Northern Secondary School and Robert Milne, Principal of Northern Secondary School.

The guide also discusses student volunteer responsibilities and rights, having a volunteer interview, statistics about youth volunteers, and online volunteer opportunities. The resource guide has been delivered to 22 high schools in the local area, including the public, private, and separate school systems.

Second Suites:

Getting an Electrical Safety Inspection

If you are planning to set up a second suite rental unit in your house, then complying with electrical safety regulations is of prime importance. After a second suite has been created, homeowners should call the Electrical Safety Authority and arrange for an inspection. Ensure you specifically request a General Inspection for Fire Code compliance of Two Unit Residential Dwelling. The inspection requires that both the homeowner unit and the rental unit be inspected. Fees for this will be $79/unit totaling $169.06 including tax. Electrical inspections can be arranged and paid for over the phone if you use a credit card, simply call 1-877-esa-safe. In general, the inspector will check to ensure that the electrical service you have is safe and useable. A visual inspection will be done to see if the existing wiring and electrical service meets the requirements of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Inspections are based on the requirements defined in the Code that existed when the work was done. Following an inspection, a homeowner is required to correct any electrical defects in the units that do not meet safety requirements defined by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Prior to making these corrections, you will be required to file an application for electrical inspection to ensure that any electrical wiring work that is done meets Code requirements. Once all electrical safety standards and requirements have been met you will receive a certificate of inspection. For more information or general inquires call the Electrical Safety Authority 905 507-4949 or http://www.esainspection.net/. Learn more about electrical safety, and many other important aspects of having a second suite, such as financial benefits, by attending the Second Suites Housing Forum on Sunday, February 15, 2004 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. The forum will be held in the North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, 200 Eglinton Avenue West, and is being organized by POINT and Landlord's Self-Help Centre.

United Way 'Days of Caring'
and POINT

POINT was delighted to participate once again in the 10th annual United Way "Days of Caring" program. During "Days of Caring", United Way member agencies like POINT, are matched with volunteers who are recruited from workplaces that run United Way fundraising campaigns. The volunteers are given time off by their employers and spend the day working on the projects or activities under the supervision of agency staff or volunteers. This year, POINT hosted four employees from Procter and Gamble Co. who assisted with the Seniors' Dining Program on Wednesday, October 29th. The Procter and Gamble employees did a great job in decorating the dining room with a Halloween theme, selling tickets, greeting clients, and serving meals to over 60 seniors that day!

North Toronto Community Fair: 2003 Highlights

Janice Fisher, a POINT Volunteer, assisting a visitor at the Fall Fair

The 6th annual North Toronto Community Fair, organized and hosted by POINT, was held on Thursday, October 23rd at the Yonge Eglinton Centre. People of all ages and interests had an opportunity to learn about the broad range of social, recreational and health services being provided in the North Toronto area. Nineteen North Toronto-serving agencies and organizations took part in this year's very successful event. Staff and volunteers were on hand with great interactive displays, a variety of printed materials, and were eager to inform people about their programs and services. Participating agencies and organizations included: Amnesty International - Group 65; Anne Johnston Health Station; Central Eglinton Community Centre; Delisle Youth Services; Distress Centre Toronto; New Directions; North Toronto Green Community; Parents in Transition; Parkdale Golden Age Foundation; POINT; SAINTS; Self-Help Resource Centre; SPRINT; Sunnybrook & Women's College Hospital - Health Information Centre; Toronto Police Services - Division 53; Toronto Public Library - Northern District Branch; Toronto Vegetarian Association; Yorkminster Meals on Wheels; Youth Assisting Youth. Many thanks to all of the following entertainers and demonstrators: Singers, Jay Douglas and Melinda Cudanin; Parkdale Golden Age Foundation for its great healthy eating demonstration and food samples; and the Centre for Classical Martial Arts for its impressive martial arts show. Also, special thanks to the following Yonge Eglinton Mall merchants who donated items and gift vouchers for the fair draw: Cotton Ginny, HMV Canada Inc., Pharma Plus, Indigo, Allure Hair Group and Spa, and Legs Beautiful.

Mark Your Calendar!

• Second Suites Housing Forum

  Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m - North Toronto Memorial Community Centre - 200 Eglinton Avenue W, 1st floor - Multi-Purpose Room
• 
  

• Jazz Concert - Spring 2004 Fundraiser

  Date and Time to be Confirmed - Watch our website for details

Seniors' Community Dining Program

Made possible through partnerships with: SPRINT, Parkdale Golden Age Foundation, POINT, The Departments of Parks and Recreation, and City of Toronto Public Health.

Location:

POINT Mission Statement

To serve the people who live, work and study in North Toronto by improving availability and increasing awareness of the social and health services in the community through information, education, and advocacy.