Anti-poverty week is a week where the causes, effects, and solutions of poverty are discussed more so than any other time of the year. This year, it took place from October 14th to October 20th. Many organizations plan events during this week and the following weeks to play their part in alleviating poverty.
Poverty awareness was said to have originated in France in 1987. People gathered at the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza in Paris, France to witness the unveiling of a commemorative stone for Father Joseph Wresinski. Father Joseph was the founder of ATD Fourth World, an organization that aims to eradicate poverty through advocating for human rights. The organization still exists, with connections in 146 countries and projects in 32 countries. Four years after Father Wresinski passed away, the United Nations declared October 17th, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. October 17th 1984 was the day that hundreds gathered in Paris to sign the Universal Declaration of Rights, which honored the victims of extreme poverty. Today, we not only recognize October 17th as a day for the eradication of poverty but October 14th to October 20th as an entire week dedicated to anti-poverty.
Anti-poverty week is a time to recognize that poverty is an ongoing problem that will be an issue that our world faces for many years. Poverty has existed for a long time, yet we have no solid solution to ending it. That is what Anti-poverty week is for. People learn about poverty and what they can do to make an impact in this global issue, such as donating, volunteering, and educating others around you.
A local project that will be occurring from November 10th to November 27th is a holiday food drive with Second Harvest Food Bank, Samaritan House, and San Mateo High Schools. The drive will collect food and monetary donations to help those in need of assistance in the San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The organizations involved, Second Harvest Food Bank and Samaritan House, are both committed to helping those in need. Second Harvest Food Bank collects canned goods and package for redistribution to their clients in Silicon Valley. The food bank feeds approximately 260,000 children, and adults every month. Samaritan House provides many services to those in need such as food, shelter, and health clinics.
Anti-poverty week and events related to poverty must be brought further into the light. Poverty is an issue that has been around for a very long time with no change in sight. Only we can make the change by supporting events such as these and raising awareness to this issue. We must begin to understand and accept the fact that poverty will not go away without action, and that everyday should be a day to help those in poverty. Anti-poverty week was October 14th to the 20th but if you missed it there is still Anti-poverty month which is all of January in 2019 and it will continue to be for years to come. The food drive is from November 10th to the 27th, so make sure to contribute to bring some much needed cheer to someone less fortunate than you!
