| RAMP is a volunteer organization with a mission to reduce regional, generational poverty by raising awareness and supporting programs that are working to lift people up and out of poverty. Awareness ~ Impact ~ Support |
| SHAPING A NEW TOMORROW Muskoka Brewery is the only employer in Muskoka who pays the staff a Living Wage! You are probably thinking, of course they do; we all have to because there are laws about paying minimum wages. The voluntary Living Wage is different. It is a wage scale determined by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The Ontario Living Wage is calculated based on community-specific data which determines the expenses a family with two working adults and two children would incur. The Muskoka Brewery has voluntarily decided to pay the Living Wage and will adjust it as new rates are calculated for Muskoka. So many Muskokans are working for low wages. They face impossible choices — buy food or heat the house, feed the children or pay the rent. The result can be spiralling debt, constant anxiety, and long-term health problems. In many cases, it means that the adults in a family are working long hours, often at two or three jobs, just to pay for basic necessities. Individuals that earn the Living Wage can face fewer of these stressors and thus make more productive employees. |
| RAMP PROGRESS REPORT |
| Our Awareness campaign is up and running. We had an anonymous “angel”, whose profession is marketing, donate their expertise to develop the ads and rack cards. This year we are concentrating on simply raising awareness that Muskoka has a big issue with poverty. Metroland has become an active supporter of RAMP. You will have seen the ads in local newspapers such as the Examiner, Forester, Muskoka Life and the Muskokan. All told, they have donated almost $15,000 to reach out, carrying (broadcasting, spreading, publicizing, airing) RAMP’s messages. Our dramatic rack cards will be presented to our champions. These rack cards will also be distributed around the District of Muskoka courtesy of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber or Commerce. Look for them in the places that you frequent for shopping and services. |