Greater Toronto

By Adit Kumar

"Our target is to raise $100,000 tonight" said Naushad Hirji, Chair of Social Services Network (SSN), Markham, at its First Annual Fundraising Gala, held on Thursday evening, June 2nd, 2011 at the Hilton Suites, Markham.
The target was significantly dented as one anonymous donor matched the $30,000 raised through ticket sales by donating an equal sum. Other donors from the crowd of close to 400 persons who attended the function also chipped in while a silent auction and raffle also brought in added funds.
SSN was raising funds to establish a Community Health Centre (CHC) in the Markham/Richmond Hill area within the next few years.
Speaking at the event, Adrianna Tetley, Executive Director of the Association of Ontario Health Centres, said the association "represents the 73 Community Health Centres throughout Ontario. And very soon we hope the Social Services Network will form number 74."
With the nearest CHC being in Vaughan, Mrs Tetley noted that "When a new Community Health Centre is created here in Markham/Richmond Hill, community members will have a voice and a choice - in how services are designed. You will decide how the centre is operated." She added that residents in this area "would greatly benefit from culturally appropriate care in the language of their choice," pointing out that "over 62% of your community is South Asian, Black or Chinese."
The executive director called on all three political parties to expand CHC service to over 250,000 more Ontarians in the next four years." She challenged that "if the parties wanted to get elected in your communities they must support your call for a Community Health Centre." She also called on the Mayors of Markham and Richmond Hill "to add their voices to your call for a CHC" further suggesting that area residents "sign the petition" and participate in all upcoming candidate meetings to "make your voices heard."
Other speakers included Minister Michael Chan, representatives of the other levels of government, organizers and well-wishers.
The program was hosted by Angie Seth, of OMNI News. Dances were provided by Shiamak Davar's Dance Studio, Neha Karamchandani and her group and Shireen Ali. Vocalist Farahri, stand-up comedian, Rasul Somji and sitarist Shyra Khosla also performed.