2020 has changed everything about our world from the way we do business and socialize, to the way we grieve. On October 7th the Townsend Smith Hospice Foundation hosted an online vigil on Zoom. Miltonians had to register in advance and were sent a link via email to log on, in order to participate.
Youth Innovators of Milton (YIM) is a group of youth that have come together to support their community. As a group we decided to take action and raise money for the Milton District Hospital Foundation. We believe the hospital is a vital part our of community. The front line workers have risked their lives everyday to save ours. During this Covid-19 pandemic, the hospital is in urgent need of funds which will allow them to acquire the proper equipment and resources to provide ideal care for their patients
Thank a Veteran Because
We have freedom to say
Thanks be to God
Whatever our faith
Thank a Veteran
Because
They marched through the horror
Protected our world
So we have tomorrows
Thank a Veteran
Even the chilly weather couldn’t stop the dedicated volunteers of The Milton District Horticultural Society for their fall cleanup day at the Milton District Hospital, Serenity Garden. This garden was designed by Co President Jennifer Mirosolin and Karen Ditoro, the driving force of the volunteer gardens recently. It was installed by society members with the aid of several local businesses who donated supplies, funding and services. The Serenity garden has been tirelessly maintained by the members and they are exceptionally proud of how it has matured in the last couple of growing seasons.
The pandemic has forced everyone to re-think and re-evaluate how to operate, how to survive as a business or organization and most importantly how to thrive. “For Milton Rotary, the year got off to a rocky start in terms of fundraising with the cancellation of our annual Denim and Diamonds Spring Gala,” says Rod McLachlan, Milton Rotary public relations director.
With a commitment to aiding and focusing on Milton youth, projects and programs with decades of historical success were suddenly at risk. But fortunately for the local charitable service organization, one long-time fundraiser is well positioned to stem the bleeding – the annual Rotary Online Auction, says McLachlan. This year’s auction runs from November 7-21 at www.RotaryOnlineAuction.ca
The Music Exchange was developed for musicians & fans to connect together as a community. It began as a local open mic & jam during the early weeks leading up to our lockdown and has since blossomed into much more. A positive & safe spot for everyone looking out for each other and raising each other up.
It has been a unique year but Milton District Hospital Foundation was thrilled to be able to celebrate their Gift of Health Gala virtually on Friday, October 23rd.
The Virtual Gala was a great success and raised $138,500! Proceeds from the Gala will have an immediate impact on Milton District Hospital because it funds the equipment required to provide our community with high quality healthcare. Since government funding does not cover the cost of equipment, our hospital depends on donors in the community to provide our healthcare professionals with the resources they need to care for their patients.
For the past eight years, Arts Milton has hosted Milton Culture Days. On the last weekend of September each year, in partnership with the Town of Milton and hundreds of local Activity Organizers, Arts Milton has opened the doors of the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton to thousands of community members. Together they have enjoyed a wide selection of free arts and culture activities.
In 2020, it was clear that this type of gathering was not going to be possible. But Arts Milton did not disappoint Miltonians! This year’s Milton Culture Days consisted of 80 activities over a four-week period from September 25 – October 25. Offerings included a mix of outdoor on-site events, pre-recorded activities, livestreamed workshops and self-guided challenges.
A few years ago, members from the Italian Cultural Centre of Milton (ICCM), Milton Green, Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources (P.O.W.E.R.), Field and Stream, and vectorI.A.S. (Invasive Species Action & Awareness) came together to create a pollinator garden on the grounds of the ICCM. The garden has done well and has provided food and shelter to various bees, butterflies and other creatures. However, it was time for a refresh! So, on October 17th, Sustainable Milton gave the garden new life! A number of those who were part of the original group dug in and were joined by some amazing new recruits. A few weeks prior, Sustainable Milton was very fortunate to have had the expertise and guidance of Sean James, Milton’s local sustainable landscaping hero with a national and international reputation. Sean helped to identify what was in the garden and provided ideas to enhance the diversity of species.
Milton hosts Shoe Strike as part of Global Day of Climate Action
by Rick Di Lorenzo
On Friday, September 25th Sustainable Milton hosted a “Shoe Strike” where hundreds of pairs of shoes were rallyed together for Climate Action in Downtown Milton while their owners stayed safely away. Shoes, boots, and other footwear were part of a display on the front lawn of St. Paul’s United Church. Residents dropped off their shoes for the day, shoes that weren’t picked up at the end were donated to local charities.