sgnoticias

By Sergio Granillo (Posted on The Messenger Newsletter, October 2013) It was a dark night of October 2007, during one of those stations of life when the way ahead could not be seen... she woke up with those words stock in her head: “Don’t wait... don’t wait... don’t wait...” In the middle of the night, she jumped out of bed and sat down and wrote all the lyrics to her song “Don’t wait”. This is how Linda Robinson explained how her song was born, during her first concert and launch of her CD –with the same title of that song-. Rather than a frivolous artistic event, it was a testimony of faith of a woman who has endured long years of trails, difficult times, and who has found comfort and light in her faith. Good things happen to good people. Linda has always loved music, born in Toronto; she is now part of Parkdale United Church Choir, The Toronto Song Lovers Choir and The Harbourfront Chorus. For a long time she had dreamed of giving a step up to her singing and song-writing skills. ...

« Il n’y a pas des bons réfugiés, pas des mauvais réfugiés, tous qu’il y a c’est des personnes on besoin. » Par Sergio Granillo C’est la soirée d’avril 29, à l’église de la Communauté du Parc Laurent à Toronto. L’ambiance était dépouillé, les repas sophistiqués : pâtes fait cuir sur place, kebab de bœuf avec sauce de fromage bleu, rôti de bœuf, sushi, crevettes scampis, salade de surimi et, et de vine; pour dessert, des marceaux de fruits et guimauve au tour d’une fontaine du chocolat, des bombons et des gâteaux. On avait aussi divertissement, musique en vivant et une vedette de la télévision et la radio, qui a fait des entrevues aux organisateurs; et pour finir l’événement, une un encan silencieux. Tout ca était la Gala, préparé par L’Alliance pour les Réfugiés de l’Église Anglican Unie (Anglican United Refugee Alliance, AURA), l’événement les plus importante de l’année pour collecter de fonds pour aider des réfugiés. Pendant 25 ans, AURA a sponsorisé des personnes qui viens de ...

By Sergio Granillo (Posted on the Parkdale United Church newsletter, The Messenger) When Christmas is coming, people ask me ‘are you going home for Christmas?’ Well, I don’t have a clear answer for that. I was born in Mexico City, my family and I moved to a smaller town in 1985, Queretaro, where my mom lives… most time of the year. Then, I moved to Canada in 2005, and on November 30th I became a Canadian citizen; Toronto is my home now. This Christmas came as a beautiful present from heaven, because I had the chance to get together with my family for the holidays, after a long year of isolation. I have been looking for a job for several months now; away from my family, because of the recent federal decision of imposing visa requirement to Mexicans who want to come to Canada. The time was perfect, after a long wait, I got a notice to show up for the test of citizenship, I made it and four weeks later I got the results and the date for the oath ceremony. It was barely the right ti...

PARKDALE UNITED’S FIRST ANNUAL SEPTEMBER OUTREACH GALA (Posted on The Messenger, Parkdale United Church Newsletter) By Sergio Granillo Fall is in the air, the wind blows smooth refreshingly, weathered leaves on the lawn and dawn coming earlier giving way to a full moon. Inside the brick walls of Parkdale United Church, the air is full of laughter, excitement and expectation. Volunteers rush to finish the details of the fancy tables decorated with cute flowers and tea-lights shining, the china and silverware are all set on the tables. Rev. Shawn Lucas welcomed the attendees and after saying grace, food was served. Exquisite meals prepared by Chef Veronique, starting by a first course, tossed green salad a la vinaigrette. Few minutes later, the entrée made her way, roasted beef, chicken tights, seasoned potatoes and quiche Lorraine. In an ambiance of elegance, long dresses, black jackets and ties, everybody started the gourmet journey full of taste, the soiree was setting the mood for an...

(Posted in the Parkdale United Church newsletter "The Messenger") “There are not good refugees or bad refugees, just people in need.” By Sergio Granillo It was the night of April 29, in the premises of the Lawrence Park Community Church of Toronto. In a sober environment, refined and tasteful meals were served: Pasta cooked on the spot, beef kabob dipped in blue cheese, roast beef, sushi, breaded shrimp, surimi salad and wine; a chocolate fountain to dip fruit and marshmallows, pastries and cakes for dessert. There was some entertainment too, live music, a radio and TV personality hosted the night and did some interviews with the organizers; a silent auction took place at the end. All of that was the Gala, the most important event in the year to raise funds by the Anglican United Refugee Alliance (AURA), an ecumenical organization dedicated to facilitate the private sponsorship of refugees. For over 25 years, AURA has sponsored refugees from more than 25 countries. Mary Ito, ...

Short courses in finance and banking (Published in The Canadian Newcomer) By Sergio Granillo One of the main concerns when you come to Canada is to get your credentials recognized, to make valid your University degree and your professional experience. It is hard to accept that, at least for a while, you have to start a new career. And the fact of thinking of developing new skills in a different professional area makes a big difference between getting a ‘survival job’ –and staying there for a long time- and making that job a new career path. This is about my personal experience. I have a degree in Communications, more than 15 years working in marketing, public relations and journalism. Shortly after my arrival, I approached to some orientation centres and workshops to learn how to make a resume according to the Canadian workplace. Networking, a word new to me, came across in this workshop; a very useful tactic to get a job and to move up in the workplace. Luckily, I started my networkin...

(Posted in United Church The Observer magazine) By Sergio Granillo A slim high-rise with a small church on its ground floor towers above an old Victorian neighbourhood. Toronto’s Parkdale area was once home to the city’s high-profile inhabitants but is now populated by newcomers and low-income families. Crime, prostitution and drug dealing have followed. But ever since 1976, the slim high-rise, called Phoenix Place, has offered nearly 150 units of safe, affordable housing. “We are the very last option for housing for a number of individuals and families fleeing from countries in political distress or homeless Canadians. Our goal is to offer a transitional home before integrating them into society,” explains Rev. Shawn Lucas, minister of Parkdale United and head of the Parkdale United Church Foundation, which operates Phoenix Place and the adjacent Shalom House. But very soon, social housing will be only half of what Phoenix Place stands out for. A $7.5-million renovation project will e...