Hungering for a New Politics: The Life’s Work of Gerald Vandezande

Please join Gerald’s friends and family in an evening and the following morning designed to remember the work of this tireless Christian activist, member of the Order of Canada and a founder of Citizens for Public Justice, who passed away in the summer of 2011.

See the events poster.

Time and Place:
On Friday February17, 2012, beginning at 7 p.m. at First Christian Reformed Church of Toronto, 67 Taunton Road. (Taunton Road is centrally located, one block east of Mount Pleasant Road, just south of Eglinton Avenue East.)

The evening will feature video material of Gerald delivering some of his heartfelt messages on public justice themes, to be followed by a panel of four individuals who knew him well, and worked with him on a range of issues. Panelists include John Olthuis (who worked with Gerald to establish CPJ), Laurel Rothman and Rev. Susan Eagle (who worked with Gerald on poverty issues), and the Honourable John McKay, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Guildwood.

A video interview with Gerald’s friend, Bob Goudzwaard, will also be shown. Spokespersons from the Vandezande family, namely, Karen (daughter) and Jonathan (grandson) will also say a few words.

A time for fellowship and conversation will follow. Snacks, tea and coffee will be available. Attendees will be invited to make a free will offering to cover expenses.

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Time and Place:
Saturday Morning, February 18, 2012, 9 a.m. - noon, Wycliffe College, 5 Hoskin Ave., University of Toronto.

The morning will feature a panel of speakers who knew Gerald and participated in his work. Panelists will include Linda Tripp (World Vision), Javed Akbar, and John Hiemstra (former CPJ staff, Edmonton.) Participants can then choose to attend one of five different discussion groups, on topics Gerald gave passionate energy to address. Topics include:

• Housing, Child and Family Poverty: (with Greg de Groot-Maggetti and Murray MacAdam)
• Government Relations and Advocacy: (with Joe Gunn and Kathy Vandergrift)
• Neighbours, e.g. refugees, First Nations, Multi-Faith: (with Lorraine Land and Chris Pullenayegem)
• Environment: (with Lynn MacDonald and John Hiemstra)