by Digger

(Read full story located at Pravda.ru (english version)

On February 3rd, Vancouver's Carnegie Community Center was the host of Canada's 2008 First Annual Poverty Olympics. This event was promoted to hold to task promises by Vancouver's Olympic Partners who won the bid to host the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics. Unverified reports state these promises were to include: affordable housing legacy, protect rental housing, making sure homelessness doesn't increase and to make sure poor residents are not involuntarily displaced, evicted or subject to unreasonable rent hikes as a result of the Games.

Itchy the Bedbug, Chewy the Rat, and Creepy the Cockroach were the official mascots as this event took place only blocks away from where the real games will be held. Sponsors of this event are not at all happy with Vancouver's slower than anticipated remedies or promises.

Perhaps parading HIV victims, drug users, dealers, homeless folks isn't quite the attaction or attention Vancouver's residents or government was hoping to display. While this movement is most likely composed with the best of intentions... maybe their efforts would be put to better use by dealing one on one with elected government officials. Some goals declared by the Poverty Olympic committee are to raise by 50% welfare rates and an increase in social services.

Readers should not be confused to think Vancouver's Olympic award is creating poverty, increasing crime, HIV or homelessness. I'm curious and wonder aloud if the groups sponsoring this "awareness" have taken any steps themselves to help these unfortunate people instead of just screaming at others for assistance? Have they helped to create jobs, set up shelters, soup kitchens, medical aid? The Poverty Olympics hosts their own website which does not state what they do beyond protests veiled as awareness. Under the "Who We Are" heading, only the following quote is listed: "The Vancouver Poverty Olympics are brought to you by a group of concerned citizens and community groups who want the 2010 Winter Games? legacy to be one of reducing, not increasing, poverty and homelessness." Am I missing something, or are they? No mention of how they are helping in day to day lives of those they claim to assist.

Their energy, money and time certainly could be put to better use by taking positive steps and action vs public displays of so called events ranging from long jumps over bed bug infested mattresses to jello curling. How about donating clean mattresses, setting up drug counselling programs and serving real food instead of wasting it?

Sometimes the best of intentions are displayed with such distaste as to put off potential volunteers and supporters. Meet with local officials to develope decisive plans, set up workshops for employment assistance and help people help themselves. Increasing poverty payments could have a negative effect and rewards those who refuse to help themselves.

Afterall, those who sponsored these events surely aren't living on the streets or dealing in drugs and prostitution. Help those you want to help first hand and increased government assistance will soon follow. Positive moves invite positive results.

Tens of thousands of jobs have been and will continue to be created by Vancouver hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. Have Poverty Olympics organizers assisted in bringing those in need to the new job opportunities from construction to cleaning crews associated with the upcoming games? Have they worked with local communities and businesses to create new jobs thru this venue? Or are they just clamoring for more federal funding which may never reach those intended to help? Keep the pressure on Vancouver officials, local entrepreneur's, and put the pressure on yourselves as well as those you seek to help.