RPTV WEEKLY NEWS – (EP 53) Dixonlicious Fundraiser Raises $100,000 to Provide Meals

By Fred Alvarado Fred is a community journalist with FOCUS MEDIA ARTS CENTRE

Welcome to RPTV Weekly News Show Episode 53 (May 29th to June 9th). In this weekly news show hosted by RPTV reporters Fred Alvarado, Kedar Ahmed, Jabin Haque, and Victoria Nanetti, we present news that impacts on Toronto's Regent Park and the surrounding areas.

Episode 53 features segments on:
* 01:54 min. - BOLD Coalition community meeting discusses the impact of Ontario Line with Member of Parliament Julie Dabrusin (at 01:54 min);
* 06:18 min. - Dixonlicious—Raising funds for 30,000 meals— takes place at Daniels Spectrum on June 6th 
* 11:35 min. - Art Heart marks 32nd anniversary and celebrates Sprung 2023—Reuniting through Art & Wellness (11:35 min)
*18:25 - Community Impact Project free laptops giveaway event on June 4th (18:25 min);
* 20:15 min - Regent Park community celebrates Summer Safety Jam with free BBQ at the big park 
* 20:56 min -  Regent Park celebrates Doors Open Toronto Cultural Bazaar and The Children’s Book Bank celebrates 15th anniversary with book sale for grown ups;
* 25:00 min - Street Haven launches a SMART Hub Community Room at 87 Pembroke St.;
* 29:29 min - Regent Park resident warns community members on vandalized lockers and stolen items at Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre ();
* 30:26 min - City of Toronto installs signs forbidding tent encampment’s in Allan Gardens;
* 31:05 min - Local MPP Kristyn Wong Tam supports Olivia Chow as candidate for mayor

*32:03  min Elections Toronto is Hiring!;

*(32:42 minEvents and Jobs in Regent Park.

This week’s lead story:
Dixonlicious, is back in 2023 after a three-year hiatus. In 2019, the event raised over $100,000, providing 20,000 meals to those in need. This year it surpassed that by 50% so that 30,000 meals can be distributed to people across Toronto.

With the rising cost of living, many Downtown East neighbours struggle with food insecurity, which is why Dixonlicious is an important event to Regent Park community. All proceeds will go towards Meals on Wheels for house-bound seniors, breakfasts, and snacks for children at Dixon Hall’s summer camps, and nutritious meals for men and women who are under-housed.

Dixon Hall’s annual fundraiser Dixonlicious took place at Daniel’s Spectrum, 585 Dundas St. E, on Tuesday, June 6th, from 6 to 9PM for an evening of fabulous food and drinks supporting vital food programs.

The event featured food and beverage stations from restaurants in Regent Park and surrounding neighborhoods of downtown east Toronto in support of Dixon Hall's food programs.

Over 400 enjoyed fine food and drinks. It was great opportunity to mingle with community stakeholders, politicians and other dignitaries.

Dixon Hall began as a soup kitchen in 1929 and has steadily grown, now offering a diverse range of integrated services for residents of east downtown Toronto.

Dixonlicious was sponsored by the P. Austin Family Foundation; TD Bank; BellMedia, and Daniels on Parliament South Tower plus support from many other businesses and individuals who have confidence in Dixon Hall’s commitment to meet the challenge of food insecurity.