New policy could put breakfast club program in danger, says volunteer
Neika Linsay is a volunteer at the Empringham Mews
breakfast club. She says the club is vital for many kids in the
neighbourhood. (CBC)
Some Toronto Community Housing Corporation residents say
much-needed programs are in danger because of changes to the
corporation's insurance policy.
Residents were told in a memo that they need $5 million liability insurance for organizations using TCHC spaces.
Neika Lindsay volunteers at the Empringham Mews breakfast club in Malvern, which she says has been feeding hungry kids for four years.
"It's vital; there are kids walking around with no breakfast," said Lindsay.
It would be affected by the insurance changes.
The club cobbles together food donations, and Lindsay spends her own money to keep it running. Lindsay says the insurance changes mean it will cost $50 a day to operate the breakfast club.
"That's $250 a week. Our budget alone doesn't even get to $300," she said. "We just can't simply afford it."
The TCHC memo, obtained by CBC News, says private events in common
spaces, such as birthday parties, baby showers and memorials also
require liability insurance.
"We're trying to balance the availability of space with the need to protect the corporation and our shareholder – the City of Toronto – from exposure to liability risk," said Lisa Murray, a manager for the TCH.
Murray says the TCHC common space policy is being reviewed and updated. Residents are being consulted.
She adds that the breakfast club isn't at risk.
"We'll work something out. We're not going to end the program because somebody can't get insurance," she said.
Residents were told in a memo that they need $5 million liability insurance for organizations using TCHC spaces.
Neika Lindsay volunteers at the Empringham Mews breakfast club in Malvern, which she says has been feeding hungry kids for four years.
"It's vital; there are kids walking around with no breakfast," said Lindsay.
It would be affected by the insurance changes.
The club cobbles together food donations, and Lindsay spends her own money to keep it running. Lindsay says the insurance changes mean it will cost $50 a day to operate the breakfast club.
"That's $250 a week. Our budget alone doesn't even get to $300," she said. "We just can't simply afford it."
The breakfast club is run out of a Toronto Community Housing Corporation unit. (CBC)
"We're trying to balance the availability of space with the need to protect the corporation and our shareholder – the City of Toronto – from exposure to liability risk," said Lisa Murray, a manager for the TCH.
Murray says the TCHC common space policy is being reviewed and updated. Residents are being consulted.
She adds that the breakfast club isn't at risk.
"We'll work something out. We're not going to end the program because somebody can't get insurance," she said.
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