What To Know For Friday October 27th…
Headlines to know for today;
- Mayor receives city’s first poppy: The Royal Canadian Legion has presented Mayor Josh Morgan with the first poppy given out in London. At a small ceremony on Thursday, the mayor was pinned by Vimy Legion Poppy Chairperson Richard Waring at city hall. Morgan expressed that being a part of the annual tradition has always been a great deal to him. Morgan then presented London police Chief Thai Trong, commanders of the Canadian Armed Forces, Navy and RCMP officers with poppies. This comes a day before the Royal Canadian Legion launches their 2023 Poppy Campaign. Londoners can expect boxes of poppies at their local restaurants, convenience stores,and community centres. The campaign will run until November 11, and will be followed with a Remembrance Day celebration at Victoria Park with a parade. Donations to the Legion can also be made online at www.legion.ca.
- YMCA in east London to shut down: The Bob Hayward YMCA on Hamilton Rd will be closing permanently on November 24. Due to declining membership and increased maintenance costs, and COVID-19, these were all contributions in the decision. On a Facebook post, the YMCA of east London said “We also sincerely appreciate the support of our members, past and present. We care deeply about providing them with the health and fitness support they depend on us for.” Current members will have their membership transferred over to the Center Branch Y location with free membership until the end of the year.
- Aboriginal health center celebrates 25 years with expansion: After 25 years of service, the Southwestern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre will celebrate with the opening of a new facility on Wednesday. The new 493 Dundas St location will provide privacy and accessibility for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in London. The centre’s old location lacked parking and accessibility since it was a repurposed house. They have been looking for a new site since 2013. Pharmacy services, physiotherapy, medicine gardens, sacred fire space, even a sweat lodge will all be available at the new location. Currently over 35,000 indigenous people from London, Windsor, Newbury, Owen Sound, Waterloo, Wellington, and the surrounding First Nation communities use the services provided by the Southwestern Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.
- Local Olympian makes history again: Olympic Gold medalist Maggie McNeil of London has made history again in the 2023 Santiago Pan Am Games. She has won seven medals in the competition including five gold, one silver and one bronze. This makes her the only Canadian to win five gold medals and the winningest female swimmer at the games. McNeil’s next competition will be the 2024 World Aquatic Games taking place in Doha in February, and the Paris Olympics next.
