Poverty awareness focus of Vernon rally

By Jennifer Smith Morning Star Staff Oct 17 2007

Thousands of people around the world today are refusing to stay silent or seated in the face of poverty. Instead they are standing up and speaking out against broken promises. The annual Stand Up poverty awareness rally began Tuesday at 9 p.m. and continues until 9 p.m today. Locally, the Vernon library courtyard area will be the site of action from 3 to 6 p.m. today.

“We’re trying to remind people that the millennium development goals (initiated by world leaders to end extreme poverty by 2025) haven’t really been put into use,” said Rae Campbell, who along with Kyle Vinoly is organizing the event for its second year in Vernon. “It’s been almost 10 years since they were put in place and nothing’s seemed to happen.” The worldwide event saw nearly 500,000 people stand up last year against poverty and inequality, 534 of those were in Vernon. This year’s event will include entertainment, a food drive and winter clothing drive. Organizers of the event are working with the Mission to give away clothing to people who need them. Coun. Juliette Cunningham of the City of Vernon’s affordable housing committee will also be speaking on the realities of poverty in town. “Poverty is a little bit closer to home than a lot of people realize,” said Campbell, adding that some people are living on $6 a day. Everyone is encouraged to stand up and speak out to make governments honour their promises.