CHFT: News and Features

News and Features

Co-ops
People
Programs

If you have information about exciting news and features from your co-op or people living there, send us an e-mail and we will publish them.
info@coophousing.com

Co-ops

CHFT Charitable Fund Board of Directors

Left to right Cyesha Forde, Kumail Karimjee (President), Felicia Davis, Aarne Juhola (Corporate Secretary), Lily Ng (Treasurer), Janet Gardiner, Donna Charbonneau

2011 CHFT Annual General Meeting

Click here to view the photo album

CHFT Vice President, Michelle Maldonado, runs for the National Board of Directors

Click here to read her biography.

CHFT Sponsors Think Young Resolution

Resolutions at CHF Canada's 2011 Annual General Meeting.

Toronto Youth Take leadership at CHF Canada's Annual General Meeting

Former CHFT Director, Cyesha Forde, and current vice president Domanique Grant will be leading the youth networking session at the CHF Annual Meeting. Cyesha has recently joined the board of the CHFT Charitable Fund. On Saturday afternoon Cyesha and Domanique will be joined the other CHFT vice president to make a presentation on youth engagement to the national meeting. Michelle will be the emcee at the Saturday night dinner dance.

2010 Co-operative Housing Awards Night

This year the Co-op Housing Awards Night took place on November 4, at the

St. Lawrence Town Hall in Toronto.

Click here to view the photos of the winners of all categories.

October 2009

Century of Co-operation Award

See the photo album.

October 2009

St. Lawrence Community Mosaic Unveiling and Reception

See photo album

Feburary 2009

Feburary is Black History Month. Several co-ops have hosted events to celebrate. Below is the list of events:

OWN Housing Co-operative

Hickory Tree Co-op

Atkinson Co-op

Campden Green Co-op

YMCA Youth Leader Corps program at

Campden Green Co-op

Kick-off date – Saturday February 7 at 4:30 pm

Spring 2008

Mosaic Art Project at Bleecer Street Co-op

October 22, 2008

Co-operative Housing Awards Night

Celebrations of the achievements of our co-operative communities at Metro-Central YMCA.

September 16 , 2008

Century of Co-operation Award

CHFT held a special recognition ceremony at Toronto City Hall on September 16. This ceremony recognized people living in housing co-ops who had achieved a century of co-operation. A century of co-operation is reached by taking the combined total of years living in housing co-ops and a member’s age. When the total adds up to 100, the member has achieved a century of co-operation.

The event was hosted by CHFT President, Felicia Davis and Toronto City Councilor Pam McConnell. 17 of this year’s 25 recipients were in attendance along with many family members, riends, fellow co-op members and staff. Several recipients spoke passionately about their life in their co-ops and the importance of co-op housing.

See photo.

February 9, 2008

Black History Month Celebration at Atkinson Co-op

To view the photos click here.

November 2008

Celebrating co-ops achievements at the CHFT Awards Night.

MESSAGE FROM LABOUR COUNCIL
Communications

Jack Layton – A man of passion and courage

We mourn the passing of NDP Leader Jack Layton, whose passion for justice and courage battling cancer inspired all Canadians. His death comes only a few short months after leading the New Democratic Party to a historic victory as official opposition in Parliament, including the dynamic breakthrough for the NDP in Quebec. His personal charisma and determination helped win over two million new votes for the party he so ably led.

Jack's legacy includes many years of visionary work on the environment and powerful advocacy for the unique role of cities in Canada's future. As a teacher, City Councillor, and president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, he constantly strived to create solutions for the key challenges of the day. His work on forcing attention to the tragedy of homelessness was just one example of his wisdom and compassion.

Jack Layton was also fiercely loyal to working people and their struggles. From challenging trespass laws on behalf of union picketers in the 1980s, to leading the lengthy filibuster against unjust legislation hitting postal workers this summer, Jack was everywhere to be found supporting the cause of workers across this country.

On behalf of the Executive, Staff and members of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, we offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He will be well missed.

Althea with the microphone during the building of the playground at Wilcox Creek.

Althea Miller

We have lost another leader in our co-op community. Althea Miller passed away suddenly this week at the age of 45. Althea lived at Rouge Valley Co-op in Scarborough for over a decade . In 1997, she started working for the members of housing co-ops. Since 2002, Althea worked for Community First. She was the Manager of Wilcox Creek Housing co-op.

Althea touched many people’s lives but her greatest impact was on young people. She was instrumental in running a breakfast program at the co-op. She recognized the need for a children’s playground . She worked to fundraise the money and the playground was built. Wilcox Creek was recognized for this outstanding achievement at the CHFT Co-op Awards Night in 2008.

Althea was fearless. When there were shootings in the area, she showed calm and determined leadership. She made sure all members were supported during the crisis. Even in the worst of times, Althea brought her sense of humor to every situation.

Althea truly believed in co-ops and was able to explain the idea using humor and her broad vision of the opportunities co-ops provided. Althea was a loving mother to her son, Brandon. Her Community First colleagues had great respect for her. Those who met her have many fond memories

At CHFT, we remember her hard work, determination, wonderful sense of humor and her dedication to the principles of co-op housing. Althea was part of the bedrock of the co-op housing movement.

Tom Clement- executive Director of CHFT

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Gaye Hachie,1949-2011

On July 22, 2011, Gaye Hachie an original member of forWard 9 Co-op in east end Toronto, passed away at the age of 62. Gaye and her husband Bob lived in the co-op for 38 years. It was where they raised their two sons, Aaron and Patrick. Gaye served many terms on the co-op board. She also served as president on several occasions.

forWard 9 was founded to keep affordable non profit housing in the Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto. The co-op was able to acquire houses and two apartment buildings in the 1970’s. Gaye was one of the leaders in the co-op who developed a plan to upgrade the buildings and secure additional mortgage financing from Canada Mortgage.

In the 1990’s, Gaye went to work for Toronto Women’s Co-op. At one time, the co-op needed re-financing to repair some building problems. Gaye was again able to get secondary financing from Canada Mortgage. By doing this she was able to include the protection of the low income members of the co-op. Gaye also volunteered with sector groups such as Alliance for Affordable Co-operative Housing who worked to keep co-op housing affordable for low income members.

Gaye continued working at Toronto Women’s Co-op until her sudden passing.

Gaye inspired a new award at CHFT. She wanted a long time, forWard 9 member to be honoured. This member was 99 years old and had lived in the co-op for 31 years. We came up with the idea of the Century of Co-operation award. Last year, Gaye received a Century of Co-operation award on behalf of her husband who was unable to attend the ceremony.

This year Gaye would have qualified for her own Century of Co-operation award. Gaye has truly left her impact on forWard 9 Co-op, Toronto Women’s Co-op, and the wider co-op housing sector. Anyone who knew Gaye enjoyed her wonderful sense of humour.

Her hard work and dedication to co-op members represents the true spirit of housing co-ops in this city. CHFT would like to express our sympathies to her family and friends. A memorial is being planned later this month.

-Tom Clement, Executive Director of CHFT

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Penny Bethke

The co-op housing movement has lost a long time activist and leader. Penny Bethke passed away on Saturday, June 11th, 2011. Penny played many roles in the co-op housing movement. She worked at the Labor Council Development Foundation for many years where she became the Executive Director. She was on the board of the Co-op Housing Association of Ontario where she served as vice president and president in the early 1990’s

Penny was also a director for over a decade of Metro Credit Union and Alterna Savings. Penny also worked as a co-op manager for Campus Co-op where she had once been a member as a student.

-Tom Clement

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A Message from Campus Co-op

It is with great sadness that we at Campus Co-op Residence Inc. inform you of the sudden and unexpected passing of our General Manager, Penny Bethke, on Saturday, June 11, 2011.

As you may or may not know, Penny had battled cancer courageously for the past 10 months. While good news and progress on beating the cancer were less than hoped for, she was on a path to manage and contain the disease. However, on Friday morning, Penny was rushed to hospital with increasing difficulty breathing. The cancer had overtaken her lungs, and there was no recovery possible. Penny died peacefully and quietly, with her family around her.

Penny used her extensive experience to teach leaders. She shaped Campus Co-op by engaging with staff, board members and membership in ways that allowed us to collectively and individually grow and flourish. Her patience and joy in teaching and explaining were legendary. She was in the rather unique position of having been a Co-op member, a board member, an alumnus board member, and finally our General Manager.

The board and staff were meeting in Kimberly, Ontario on our annual retreat to discuss CCRI growth, change and continued improvement the weekend of June 10-12. As board members, we have been privileged to forge this path, and to have had Penny’s wise counsel and direction. Indeed, it was while we were at a full day board meeting in January that our founder, Arthur Dayfoot, passed away at age 96. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year we feel these milestones even more deeply, and reflect on the amazing contributions of these lives.

In checking the retreat minutes, we determined that at the time of Penny’s passing, we were in three groups discussing ‘Branding” of our incredible community, maintenance of our beautiful Victorian and Edwardian century homes in the Annex, and the development of a new Community Food Co-op within ours. Penny would have contributed so much to each of these discussions.

We will always remember Penny for the important life lessons she taught us: be passionate in your work, do your very best at your tasks, be creative, walk a mile in the shoes of others (particularly those less fortunate), commit to lifelong education, respect the environment and conduct yourself in everything you do with the utmost integrity. Also, understand and use Robert’s Rules, and take in the Film Festival every year.

Though this is obviously a difficult time, we are even more dedicated to pursuing our collective vision of an outstanding student housing co-op. We know Penny would approve.

Click to view the obituary.

In Memoriam – Diane Frankling

September 12, 1953 - March 25, 2011

On Friday, March 25, Bleecker Street Manager and social activist Diane Frankling passed away.

The rundown buildings on Bleecker Street had been managed by City Home. In 1990 they were converted to a co-op. Diane has been the manager since the conversion.

Diane’s involvement in co-ops spanned four decades but it was at Bleecker that Diane’s best work was done. She set about working with the members to create an inclusive community. Diane didn’t just talk about diversity, she insured that Bleecker set an example for the rest of the co-op movement.

Diane was fearless in taking a stand on issues of diversity. She worked to ensure that people who are HIV positive had decent affordable and secure housing. She ensured that young people in the co-op were part of every activity. People of all races, sexual orientation, ages, and income were part of the leadership at Bleecker Co-op. In particular, Diane’s contribution to young people in the co-op and beyond is difficult to measure.

Bleecker Street Co-op has received countless awards from all levels of the co-op housing movement and numerous other community based organizations. They have been a winner of the CHFT award for youth every year since it was established. It is for this reason, that CHFT has decided to name our youth award, The Diane Frankling Youth Award.

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Living in Diversity- CHFT TV

Brian Burke

Brian Burke, his daughter Yvette, and his wife Marg Bacon

We have lost a great friend, mentor and a true leader of the co-op housing movement. Brian Burke was a member of Riverdale Co-op who worked at CHFT for over 15 years. Brian was a modest, humble man who did his best to keep out of the limelight.

It was over 20 years ago that Brian introduced us to the idea of conflict resolution. The idea was simple. It helped people to resolve conflict without following a legal route. In those days the term eviction prevention had not been coined. Brian began talking about different ideas of community development that few had thought of at the time. He quietly inspired us to embrace new ideas.

Brian had a belief that people provided with the tools would make good decisions. It was a guiding principle for him and he passed it on to many of us. Much of our CHFT member services program revolves around this principle.

He introduced us to plain language. He was well read and knew how to communicate ideas clearly. For Brian it was really a way of ensuring democracy in co-ops. He wrote and edited over 20 plain language publications. The Co-op Housing Bookstore grew from Brian’s work.

I was in Kenya this summer and visited UN Habitat. The UN staff raved about our plain language materials. Brian’s vision was even a little broader than I realized.

While at CHFT Brian organized his work schedule so he could be home when his daughter arrived from school. His daughter Yvette was greeted by her father everyday. His example and influence encouraged men in the office to take their parenting more seriously.

He never wanted any awards. He finally agreed to accept the CMHC Award for Co-op Housing which was awarded at the 1998 CHF Canada Annual Meeting in London, Ontario. In his speech he called on the delegates and the leadership of the co-op housing movement to embrace diversity.

Brian will be sadly missed but his lasting influence on the co-op housing movement remains.

Tom Clement- Executive Director of CHFT

See more tributes to Brian Burke.

Brian Burke's Obituary by the Toronto Star

Randy Padmore

July 11, 2010

Randy Padmore Park

The Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto
City of Toronto and Randy’s Vision Team celebrated the opening of the

Randy Padmore Park.

Community sponsors for this event are:

Alterna Credit Union
Atkinson Co-op
Community First Developments
Scadding Court

ARTHUR RANDOLPH PADMORE

June 12th, 1957 to May 22nd, 2009

“Randy”

Randy Padmore was among the first residents of the Alexandra Park community, and spent his lifetime giving back to the neighbourhood that gave so much to him. Between Ryerson Public School and St. Christopher House, Randy became involved in neighbourhood sports such as basketball and lacrosse. Randy was more than just a familiar face in the neighbourhood – he was an unmistakable presence! From Kensington Market to Queen Street West, his unique involvement with the people was a significant contribution to all. His passion and excellent work with the youth and families of the Atkinson Housing Co-op and the Alexandra Park neighbourhood re-shaped a community in a way that only Randy could.

More about Randy Padmore

September 2008

Toronto Regional Champion Campaign: Increasing Women’s Participation in Regional Government.

On September 17, the City of Toronto launched a new initiative, the Toronto Regional Champion Campaign.

Mayor David Miller and Toronto Regional Champion Chair, Councillor, Pam McConnell introduced the 26 young women who will spend the next year learning the job of a municipal councilor...

See details

Programs

Toronto East Rotary Club Community Service Scholarship Award

Open to young adults in the Toronto area who have been accepted to attend an accredited post secondary institution. Applications will be accepted from those who are still in the application stages, but the award will not be given until acceptance is finalized. Interviews will be conducted as part of the selection procedure..

Print Application Form and read more...

Summer 2009

CHFT-NACHU Youth Exchange Program

The second part of the exchange is well on its way. The Kenyan youths are set to arrive later this week. Click here for the youths' bios and partner information.

Spring 2009

Rooftops Canada: Youth Exchange Program
Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto (CHFT) – National Cooperative
Housing Union (NACHU), Kenya,

Both NACHU and CHFT are concerned about developing youth leadership in co-ops. They are implementing programs that build this leadership.

Four young leaders from Toronto co-ops have been chosen to be part of an exchange program with Kenya. The exchange is organized by Rooftops Canada and the National Co-operative Housing Union in Kenya.

The co-op youth will be in Kenya for 11 days where they will meet with young Kenyans to develop a joint project. Later in the summer, the Kenyans will travel to Toronto to continue the work.

Details

November 10, 2008

Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Forum

The forum was scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Carpenters' Local 27 Training Centre.

To see the flyer for the event please click here.

November 10, 2008

CHFT and the Scarborough YMCA lunched a meeting for co-op staff in Scarborough about Youth Services at Campden Green Co-op.

Details

September 23, 2008

Update on Garbage, Recycling and Green Bin Composting

Right At Home

Report on the consultation on human rights and rental housing in Ontario- Ontario Human Rights Commission