Tina Winterlik

15 min. for lunch. EXCUSE ME BUT WTF?

2012-02-05T10:07:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Okay, sorry for my rant here but isn't 15 minutes for kids to eat lunch just F...ing ridiculous. Sorry, but I am so upset about this and I'm trying to vent it a bit here. My kid hates it when I swear so please know these are harsh words to come from me.

What's Up? I'll tell you. Recently due to my lack of finances, and because I am a single parent with 24/7 responsibility for my child, I have been forced stop homeschooling to put my child into the system. And what a terribly broken system it is.

And I don't see it getting any better and I keep promising my little girl as soon as I get enough cash together I'm going to bust her out! LOL! Seriously though, I will!

So I have a lot of issues with the system but my BIGGEST is the only 15 minutes for lunch. Isn't that CRAZY! Doesn't it go against everything we are teaching about healthy development. Don't dieticians and doctors and nutritionist and everyone say to eat slowly and let your body digest. I don't understand it. I keep banging my head against the wall on this one. WHY??

Why they say is that the grade ones are next and they have to leave. It's so stupid and it makes me angry. HOW DO YOU FEEL?

What can I do? Nothing right now. I feel so helpless. And I know it's not just my child's school as a friend of mine who lives in the U.S. says it's the same for her grandson in Seattle.

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? Here in B.C. this teacher's are on strike. So we know the system is really a mess. When I was a kid we ate in the class til we were done and then we went outside, no stupid bell ringing to make the kids stop eating and get out. WHAT'S HAPPENING TO OUR KIDS?

Where is the logic? Why? Why? is this being allowed and tolerated.

I think all of you know I am big supporter of an EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD. Why in this day and age we are concentrating so much on Math and Reading when the kids are so detached from food. Everyone agrees that when children are involved in making the food they like it more. IF you involve them in the growing and harvesting and preparing of food they will be so much healthier. With diabetes such a huge concern, when is everyone going to stop and give their head a shake and wake up.

We have all the technology, info, knowledge but we are not passing it on to our kids. WHAT IF? What if tomorrow the electricity went out. Say a solar flare or something crazy happened. Could we survive? Would your kids be okay? Could they provide for themselves. I know that my dad could have. Can I? I'm not sure? Can my daughter? I am trying. I have been trying to give her these tools and this knowledge since she was little but why is it just me. Why isn't it part of our system?

With B.C. having the highest child poverty rate in Canada....why isn't a healthy lunch program part of every school. Why don't we have gardens and green houses and farmer's markets and kitchens preparing lunch for the children. WHY?

Do you think I have a point? Does your child face the same issues mine does? If your school ROCKS and you have an Edible Schoolyard or awesome lunch program can you share it. Can you let me know please. And can we work together to force those in control to change things.

We have the power but we have to unite on this.

Maybe it's not that important to you. Maybe it's just me ranting. Maybe with luck I'll be able to bring in more income so I don't have to put my child in a very broken system. I'm praying for the best but I want the best for every child, not just my child. Creating healthy happy children is all about creating a better future for all of us.

For more info on Edible Schoolyards and awesome Lunch programs check these links.

http://edibleschoolyard.org/

AHAH Lunch Program
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com/2011/03/ahahs-lunch-program-impact-of-healthy.html

The company that set up the AHAHS lunch program:
http://www.naturalovens.com/
http://www.facebook.com/NaturalOvens?sk=wall

What is lunch like for your child? At the school my daughter goes to they don't even wash their hands before lunch??? What's it like at your child's school! Are we going to stand for this? Is this acceptable for Canadian children? Is this acceptable for any child?

PLEASE SHARE THIS WIDELY!
SHARE IT WITH YOUR PAC, YOUR DOCTOR, YOUR FAMILY!! People are not aware and they need to be.

A Tribute to Macarldie

2012-02-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

This is a small video tribute that I created for my dear friend and client Macardie who left us recently. He will be greatly missed. He was an incredibly talented man and was loved by many. Rest In Peace my friend.

In Memory of Macarldie

2012-01-30T18:24:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Wow, I am still trying to come to grips with the loss of my friend Macarldie Nibbs. He's gone.

He was the most Incredible Talented Bright Shining Soul.

He was really beautiful. A beautiful soul that I will really miss.

Even though we hadn't actually spoke in years, we'd communicated in emails and I'd created his website. How I wish I had Skyped you Macarldie.

Life is like that we get so busy and then something happens. BAM! Just like that life slaps you in the face and says "Wake up!"

I didn't even know anything, just noticed the website was down and then emailed and it came back and then I went to the Facebook page and found out that my dear friend Macarldie was gravely ill. Shocked I muddled about wondering what could have happened. Today I learned of his passing and how and I'll just say he passed away in peace. He was deeply loved. I will miss you! I will post more wonderful things about you later.

You can see Macarldie performing in these video on his Youtube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/macarldie

Macarldie- 1995- Loving Life- St. Thomas- Photo by Tina Winterlik ©

Macarldie and the Carving- Jamaica

Macarldie - Jamaica - 1995

St. Thomas

The Westerdam

Tina (Me) on the Westerdam- 1995- Jamaica

The Pachamama Alliance-WATCH THIS!!

2012-01-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

This is a great video, if you haven't seen it before please watch, it's even been a while since I have watched and it's very good to watch again.

Love this Video- Mrrockitman's A Message of Hope 2012

2012-01-27T14:40:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Lately when I feel blue or unnerved by something, I like to watch this video. Have nice friday night!

Happy Chinese New Year 2012

2012-01-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Click here for lots of cool images- from Google

http://www.google.ca/search?q=chinese+new+year+2012+vancouver&hl=en&safe=active&prmd=imvnsu&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=ensdT6-VL_HWiAKhp6DMCA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CAwQ_AUoAQ&biw=1348&bih=532

Info on Parade route on Jan 29/2012
http://www.hellovancity.com/2012/01/17/2012-vancouver-chinese-new-year-parade-january-29-2012-parade-route-map/

Press, Pause, Play- A Must See Film for any Artist

2012-01-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

This is a MUST SEE film for any artist. It really covers a lot of interesting material pertaining to how art and the world of creation is changing.

"Everybody is a filmmaker, photographer, songwriter...."

It's very inspiring, sad, scary and exciting look at where we've been and where we are heading. If you've ever wanted to be a filmmaker, there's never been a better time as far at equipment and materials go. We have access to so many tools that enable so much, but can truly artistic talents really emerge in the creatively flooded arena. PressPausePlay discusses all this. It's almost an 1.5 hr. but I highly recommend you watch it.

From Film Buff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rvlaTg3vPg

"The digital revolution of the last decade has unleashed creativity and talent of people in an unprecedented way, unleashing unlimited creative opportunities. But does democratized culture mean better art, film, music and literature or is true talent instead flooded and drowned in the vast digital ocean of mass culture? Is it cultural democracy or mediocrity? This is the question addressed by PressPausePlay, a documentary film containing interviews with some of the world's most influential creators of the digital era. "

R.I. P. Sarah

2012-01-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Rest in Peace, my dear. Wow, her husband, I feel so bad, and so bad for the family. What a gorgeous person. I love that she was advancing women in sports. What a tragedy. This video really touched me and made me cry. So sad, no words can express it right now....

** Just a little update, the donation goal has been met. Sarah medical bills were a big concern but this link will clarify that it's be taken care of and foundation will be created with any extra funds. http://www.globaltvbc.com/sarah+burkes+donation+fund+reaches+goal/6442563966/story.html

HOMELESSNESS

2012-01-17T13:39:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

In the city, you can't ignore the homeless because they are everywhere. Someone recently said that in the 70's there wasn't homelessness like this? I don't know, but homelessness is a VERY SERIOUS issue and it's all around us. Poverty is all around us. People need to get the government to help change this. Raising the welfare rates and the minimum wage would help this. This is a CRISIS!

Something has got to give. People will only be held down for so long. Like Marie Antoinette you can not say "Let them eat cake!"

Politicians, Corporations and Banks need to be held accountable. To amass fortunes or aid others to do this when there is such obvious need and such obvious injustice.

These are crimes against humanity to treat people this way and allow these things to happen.

Let's all do our part to Raise Awareness and Raise the Welfare Rates and help stop homelessness and child poverty here in BC.

Very Chilly Day in Vancouver

2012-01-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
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A VERY CHILLY DAY IN VANCOUVER! BRRRR!

Brrr!! I Want To Go Back To Mexico

2012-01-17T11:57:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Brrr!! I Want To Go Back To Mexico :)

I Sure Wouldn't Want To Be Out There

2012-01-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Well Jagrup is halfway thru his challenge. I'm very proud of his efforts. I'm not very proud of the people of BC. I haven't really seen people saying to much. I have been making an effort to try and share his experiences. But I'm WORRIED! I don't think much is going to change. I am TRYING to stay POSITIVE! but based on history, not much will change with out YOU!!

YOU! YES, YOU! We have to make this government stop punishing people because they encounter hardship. It's like debtors prison. We don't actually send people to prison for being poor but we label them and demoralize them and beat them down until they can't stand on there own and then when they reach out someone kicks them.

Sorry for my rant, but it's how I feel. I am not the only one who feels this way. Anyone who has experienced the welfare system in this province will tell you it's not a nice experience.

Anyways unless people starting writing, talking and tweeting about it more, nothing will change. Please can you BE A CHANGEMAKER. Let's change the system. Let's help people stand on there feet, not kick their feet out from under them.

LET'S RAISE THE RATES!! and RAISE THE MINIMUM WAGE!!

Read more about Jagrup Brar Efforts here

http://www.globaltvbc.com/surrey+mla+more+than+halfway+through+month+long+welfare+challenge/6442561044/story.html

http://www.thenownewspaper.com/news/Weary+broke+Surrey+Brar+braces+life+Vancouver+downtown+eastside/6004906/story.html

http://ccapvancouver.wordpress.com/2012/01/03/homeless-jagrup-brar-mla-on-new-years-day/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/bc-politics/crosscheck-how-does-bcs-welfare-rate-stack-up/article2292037/

BRRRRR! It's cold out there, it would be so awful to be homeless. Good Luck Jagrup, and Keep Safe!! I'm saying prayers for you and all the homeless and everyone who has suffered at the hands of this unjust welfare system.

Have You Ever Had to Go to the Food Bank?

2012-01-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Food banks should not be necessary in such a rich province.

Justice so we don't need Charity!

Food banks were established 30 years ago as a temporary measure and it's become part of culture.

I sure hope the Jagrup Brar and these videos can open peoples minds and show what it's like out there. Come On People Please Share this. Be a Changemaker! Let's help the Children of BC and their families rise out of poverty, Raises the Rates and Minimum wage. Write to Christy Clark, write to anyone that may be able to make a change. Do something...PLEASE!

We've had to go to the food bank when we lived in Nelson and it was very humbling (more like demoralizing) and not a nice experience and nobody would want to go and do this. The people were very nice but it's not a nice experience to "prove your poor" so that you and your child can wait in a line for someone to give you some old food. :( What's weirder still, is you run into someone on the street and you know them from the food bank.

My kid has fond memories of the food bank, they gave her muffins or some kind of bread treat while we waited. I hated it. I was always scared we'd get sick from something. Sometimes I went without rather than get sick. Lots of people do. Feed our kids and go without...that's certainly not healthy for anyone but it's a reality for many.

If you've never experienced it I hope this video will open your mind.

Laughing at Myself!!

2012-01-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Oh my God, you know they say you have to "laugh at yourself." Well I was laughing so hard at this I was crying. (I do say some of these, but I have heard this all in Kitsilano or Nelson at one time or another. ) Too Funny and True Too!! Enjoy!!

R.I.P. Milo :(

2012-01-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

R.I.P. Milo :( Ah, such sad news. I loved this video of him holding hands with his partner Nyac (who has also passed away), it's so sweet and I know I won't even be able to tell my little cherub about this as she'll be so sad. You'll be dearly missed you adorable little thing. You brought so much happiness to so many. You can read more here

What is Play? Seriously?- Video

2012-01-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

OMG! We need to move to Finland. They have it figured out. Do you play enough? Listen how important play! This video made me smile, laugh out loud & cry! Watch It and Then GO PLAY!!

Bernadine Fox's PAINTING BOOTCAMP

2012-01-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Hey Do you want to learn to paint or draw. Check out Bernadine's classes. She's a lovely, funny, charming person and fantastic artist and I'm positive you will enjoy yourself.

Bernadine Fox

Bernadine Fox BFA
cell: (778) 869-0733
email: info@bernadinefox.ca
online portfolio & website: www.bernadinefox.ca

PAINTING BOOTCAMP

This course is suitable for anyone who wants to shake up their artistic practice, throw yourself into different styles of painting, or push yourself to paint quickly. Expose your work to new ideas and new ways of working. Get back into your painting groove while trying on different techniques and styles of painting.

You can use whatever medium you feel most comfortable with and/or want to experiment with. Painting occurs outside of class time. Classes are structured to include an instructional lecture on upcoming exercise and handouts. Participants will be expected to produce one painting a week and bring it to class to take part constructive feedback in a group setting. The latter is designed to be empowering and positive.

Course Details

Cost: ~~$185.000~~ $100.00

Pre-registration is required.

Time: Sat 1 pm to 3 pm

Dates: Jan 25^th to Feb 29^th 2012

Number of sessions: six Class Size Limit: six

Location: William Clark Studios,

#7, 1310 Williams, Vancouver BC

Payment can be by cash, cheque, VISA, MasterCard, Paypal, or installments.

Cancellations: A $45 administration fee will be charged on all cancellations. No refunds when cancellation is received within 48 hours of the first day of class. Class may be cancelled due to low enrollment.

BERNADINE’S DRAWING CLASS

for the Mature Student (45+)

Drawing is the foundation of all art forms and strengthens our hand/eye coordination. This drawing course focuses on training your eyes to see, your brain to interpret, and your hands to create. The objective is to introduce (or reintroduce) you to a variety of drawing exercises designed to improve your skills through an analysis of what is being seen and how that is interpreted on paper. By employing these drawing exercises, you will see a dramatic improvement in your drawing ability within a short period of time.

This class is geared towards both experienced and inexperienced individuals (over 45) who are looking for a supportive environment to practice, rediscover, and/or engage their creative drawing ability.

Course Details

Cost: $185.000. Pre-registration is required.

Time: Saturdays 10 am to noon

Dates: Feb 4^th to Mar 10^th2012

Number of sessions: six Class Size Limit: six

Location: William Clark Studios,

#7, 1310 Williams, Vancouver BC

Payment can be by cash, cheque, VISA, MasterCard, Paypal, or installments.

Bernadine Fox BFA
cell: (778) 869-0733
email: info@bernadinefox.ca
online portfolio & website: www.bernadinefox.ca

twitter: @bernadinefox
facebook: Bernadine Fox
blog: http://bernadinesblog.blogspot.com/

YouTube: foxbernadine

Keep Toxins out of Make Up

2012-01-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Keep Toxins Out of Makeup. This video is trying to drive the message home.

Nick's Samba Drum Lessons at Shadbolt Center

2012-01-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Brazilian Samba Drumming

Instructor Nick Apivor

January 25- February 29

$108.99, 6 sessions

16 years +

8:00- 9:30 pm

Barcode 261198

You don't need to be a drummer or even play an instrument to take part in this fun high energy class. Play various instruments and learn basic arrangements and simple movements used at the Carnaval in Rio. Instruments provided in class time.

Brazilian Samba Lessons with Nick Apivor

http://nickapivor.blogspot.com/

http://nickapivor.blogspot.com/p/video.html

Discover us at:
Shadbolt Centre for the Arts
6450 Deer Lake Avenue
Burnaby, BC V5G 2J3
http://www.shadboltcentre.com/

Lovely Full Moon Meditation

2012-01-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Check out this lovely Full Moon Meditation. It' really nice.

LOCKED IN POVERTY- BC- 400,000 PEOPLE

2012-01-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

http://www.raisetherates.org/resources.html

Families and children were hit very hard by the welfare cuts of 2002 - almost 1 in 4 children in BC live in poverty, a third of food bank users are children, and single parents are more than 60% likely to live in poverty. The 2007 provincial budget welfare increase did little to change this. More information on the effects of welfare policies on families and children can be found here.

http://www.raisetherates.org/resources.html
http://mlaonwelfare.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/welfarefactsheet.pdf
http://mlaonwelfare.com/

Would You or Your Loved Ones Like To Live Like This?

2012-01-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Would you want to live like this? Check out this video and get in touch with what is the Real World Out there for many British Columbians. Please Watch this video then please STOP and think if this were you, or your sister, mother, someone you loved. Do you want them to suffer like this? Do you think they deserve to be treated in such a terrible way. STOP and think about the children. What damage is being done...they are raised with anxiety of always wondering where the food, walking everywhere because you can afford buses, no treats or fun because there is just nothing in the budget for that.

Why? Why and how did the system get so cruel. Originally it was meant just for women and children. There is no reason that people should be treated this way in a country so rich and proud. The BC government has created really cruel policies that wear people down and prevent them from getting welfare or demoralize them so badly they refuse to take welfare. Those that must take it in order to care for a child are only allowed until the child is 3, then there must be extenuating circumstances. With very low rates there are no decent places to rent, one must use all the money and have barely any for food.

None of this can lead to healthy outcomes. Since the changes to the Welfare system in the last 10 years the damage is becoming more obvious. It's the child who really suffer. With constantly stressed out parents, no one can be healthy. That all takes it's toll in the long run on the health care system, on the whole system. An heavily burdened stressed child will carry that psychology their whole life.

Think about the Great Depression, did your parents/grandparent ever forget that moment when there was no bread in the house or whatever catalyst was of the memory that imprinted them and they told you your whole life.

It's CRUEL & INHUMANE, we NEED people from EVERYWHERE to READ this and SPEAK UP!

OTHERWISE nothing will change. NOTHING!!.

Historic Welfare rates since 1980
In 1986 Emery Barnes, MLA for Vancouver Centre, spent a month on welfare. At the end he said the welfare for a single person should be $700. Today that would be $1,290 a month. After he had lived on welfare, the rates were modestly increased from $375, which it had been since 1981, to $384. http://mlaonwelfare.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/welfarefactsheet.pdf

PLEAAAASSSEEE PEOPLE, DON'T TURN YOUR BACK, START SHARING, TALKING, DEMANDING THAT THERE IS CHANGE!! otherwise we (you and I, ALL OF US) will the price and we will pay dearly I can assure you.

Listen Carefully at .51 "Your all businessman here, Don't Make them Better Citizens,Doesn't it Make them Better Customers"

Welfare Fact Sheet-Ever Wonder How Much People Get On Welfare?

2012-01-08T22:46:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Ever wonder what a person on Welfare gets! Think it's easy to get Welfare or to live on Welfare...Think again. You may have heard about the MLA taking the Welfare Challenge

Check this out to get a better understanding of what it's really like.
http://mlaonwelfare.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/welfarefactsheet.pdf

Many people are quick to judge or simply say "they made their choice" or "it's not my problem" but it is. It's everyone's problem. The children living in poverty are going to grow up with issues...the consequences of people living in poverty are obvious to many but many are obliviously to it. Please, PLEASE read this. EDUCATE and get informed about what the government has done and how things need to be changed. So many people are suffering unnecessarily.

We help people around the World, yet in our own backyard we deny people food and shelter. IT'S INSANE!! IT'S CRUEL! IT'S INHUMANE! Think about that. Please!

Here are a few Stats from the Welfare Fact Sheet

*The Average Rent in Vancouver for a 1 bedroom apartment is $1,045 which is nearly 3 times the $375 the government allows for shelter.

*Even the rent for most Single Room Occupancy shelter in the Downtown Eastside is $425 a month.

*Support Payments are No Support
The single person’s welfare payment for ‘Support’ is only $235. This is for everything apart from housing. So out of this money a person on welfare has to buy food, household supplies, personal care items, clothing, and the other costs of daily living. In addition they have to pay the costs of looking for work such as a phone or pay phone and transit. Of course totally out of the question is even a few dollars for some entertainment.

In reality, the typical rent for even the grim SROs, is more than the $375 a month the government allows, an extra $50 comes out of the $235. This only leaves $185 a month for all support costs.

*A Single Person on Welfare Cannot afford a Healthy Diet
If all of a man’s welfare went on food (so no clothes, no soap toothpaste or haircuts, no travel, not one cup of coffee or a glass of beer, no culture or entertainment) he’d still not have a healthy diet. A woman would have a few dollars left after eating.

*Single Parent Families cannot afford to Live or raise Healthy Children
A single parent family with a child receives $570 a month for shelter and $376 a month for support. In addition they, like almost all parents, receive child benefit payments from the Federal government including:
• Canada Child Tax Benefit which is made up of a Basic Benefit and National Child Benefit Supplement
• Universal Child Care Benefit

And from the BC government:
• Basic Family Bonus
The Canada Child Tax Basic Benefit is a non-taxable benefit of $113.92 per month for each child under 18 years of age. The National Child Benefit Supplement amounts are:
• $176.50 per month for the first child;
• $156.00 per month for the second child; and
• $148.50 per month for each additional child.
However there are conditions to these monies.

Punishing Children
Children of a parent in receipt of welfare do get extended medical coverage but the development of a healthy child is about much more than covering the costs when they are ill. There is child care subsidy but it does not cover the real costs of childcare so a single parent actively looking for work – which they are required to do – has to subsidize good child care out of their meagre support money, such as spending even less on food. Once the child is 3 years old the parent faces having their welfare cut if they do not find a job or follow the government’s instructions to seek work.

For more info please check the Welfare Fact Sheet and Follow Jagrup's Blog http://mlaonwelfare.com/

The MLA Welfare Challenge
Can you Live on $610 a month?
Raise the Rates: www.raisetherates.org

Fabulously Excellent-Burning Man - Dr. Suess-Video

2012-01-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

OH WOW!!! YOU JUST HAVE TO CHECK THIS OUT!! Super Cool! If you have a safety on your Youtube (I did for Angel) you'll have to take it off as there's the tiniest bit of bare bottom, otherwise, .... It's really FABULOUSLy EXCELLENT! It's Dr. Suess and it's really AMAZING. Check It Out!

Happy 2012 From Tina Winterlik

2012-01-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2011
http://tinawinterlik.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/zipolita @zipolita
http://gplus.to/zipolita Google+

Hi Everyone, I thought it was time for an update. I haven't created a Self-Promo Video for a while and since my direction was changing quite a bit this year, it was a little tricky. Looking back at the year I realized I really learned a lot last year. Watch the video and I will explain more. Happy 2012 to all my loyal friends and readers. I really appreciate YOU!!