Media Release


February 7, 2005

Minister supports local fund raiser for homelessness

Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for Housing, will participate as a celebrity server at a “live-to-air” community pancake breakfast hosted by CBC Radio’s St. John’s Morning Show with Jeff Gilhooly, on National Toque Tuesday, February 8. Funds raised at the breakfast will go to Canada’s national homelessness charity, Raising the Roof, and the Community Food-Sharing Association. The breakfast will take place from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. at the Gower Street United Church (Lecture Hall).

Each year since 1998, on Toque Tuesday, Raising the Roof volunteers work to raise funds for local agencies that reach out to homeless men, women and children. In St. John’s, proceeds from Raising the Roof toques will go to four local agencies that help the homeless:

* The AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador
* Choices for Youth
* Stella Burry Community Services
* St. John’s Native Friendship Centre

“A home is one of the most basic necessities of life; unfortunately, there are many who can’t enjoy that necessity. It is vital that the community and government work together to help make a difference,” said Minister Burke. “I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take part in the Toque Tuesday campaign and be a part of the solution.”

For further information contact:

Jenny Bowring
NLHC
(709) 724-3055
E-mail: releases@nlhc.nf.ca

Jacquelyn Howard
Human Resources and Employment
(709) 729-4062, 689-2624