Prevention is key to reduce poverty
Ending poverty is a complex problem. We don’t have a magic wand to end poverty and there are many layers to this specific social issue. But what we do have is the desire for a collective effort towards prevention that unites us. It’s partnerships with organizations such as Vibrant Communities Calgary that create a movement that can propel us forward as we support those who are the most vulnerable.
Poverty is often rooted in complex, two-generational trauma from childhood. It presents a predictable trajectory that these young children won’t do well in school. From there, we see the domino effect. If you don’t do well in school, you struggle to find or hold a job, and keeping a roof over your head becomes a feat.
That is why prevention is key. It’s one of many reasons we work directly with young families, supporting their children through the CUPS Child Development Centre and giving them the foundation they need to build resilience to tackle some of life’s ups and downs.
Because we all experience those highs and lows, and some of us have been one moment away from everything crashing down around us. Whether it’s a lost job, a divorce — there’s a sense of “I could be in trouble.” It’s that rudimentary understanding of those feelings that often inspires charitable giving. But it’s getting more difficult.?
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We are seeing the cost-of-living increase exponentially and it’s making an impact. 92 per cent of Canadians have expressed concern and are reducing expenses. The cost of groceries has risen by 10.8 per cent in the last year. And all of these increases are making a bigger division between the haves and have nots. Some who would normally donate to those less fortunate no longer can. Those who can barely feed their families are struggling even more.
It’s charitable giving that reduces that gap and focuses us on the heart of our community. At CUPS, we receive donations that range from thousands of dollars to a five-dollar bill. Each and every cent is valued and it’s the act of giving that creates a sense of unity. No matter how much you can contribute to what we do in the community, the act of giving shows you care. And it’s that united caring that brings us together and gets us through hard times.
To learn more about End Poverty Month in Calgary, I encourage you to visit Enough For All and learn more about the initiatives taking place around our community to tackle this important issue.
Normalize not having an opinion on things you aren't properly informed about.
2 年A systemic lens is important too. Until we recognize and address the barriers to full participation, we will never achieve our collective goal. Traveling to other countries offer glimmers of hope. I am particularly impressed by the approach taken by Denmark and The Netherlands. People are not forced to go through bureaucratic systems to qualify for meager benefits. Housing and health services provide a stable footing as does a living wage or basic income.