Latest news with #French
Hamilton Spectator
29 minutes ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
A Village That Feeds: Breakfast Bash 2025 Raises Over $95K for Student Nutrition in Halton
Halton Food for Thought's 2025 Breakfast Bash brought more than just early-morning cheer to the Oakville Conference Centre on May 27 — it brought together a community with a shared mission: ensuring that no student in Halton starts the day hungry. With over 400 attendees and a festive atmosphere, the annual fundraising event exceeded its $95,000 goal and may climb even higher as final donations roll in. For Aliya Khawari, executive director of Halton Food for Thought (HFFT), this marked her first Breakfast Bash since stepping into the role in 2024. Her takeaway? Enthusiasm and heart. 'You could feel the energy in the room,' Khawari said. 'We have students, parents, volunteers, educators, and community leaders all here for one reason — to support student nutrition. It's a celebration of what's possible when a community comes together to make sure every child is cared for.' HFFT currently supports student nutrition programs across four school boards: Halton District School Board (HDSB), Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB), Viamonde, and MonAvenir, with the latter two representing Halton's growing Francophone population. 'The last three years have seen more French immersion schools joining the program,' Khawari shared. 'That's a beautiful sign of growth and inclusion.' Student engagement and parent involvement are at the heart of HFFT's mission, and this year's Breakfast Bash brought that philosophy to life. From the lively blender bike demonstrations by students from St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School to parents connecting with fellow volunteers who share the same goal — ensuring students are well-fed and ready to learn — the spirit of community was unmistakable. Meanwhile, Appleby College offered a sampling from its student-prepared breakfast menu, giving guests a literal taste of student leadership in action. Ten food vendors served up everything from yogurt parfaits and scrambled eggs to chicken and waffles, with Jackson's Landing and longtime partner Joe Dog's Gasbar Grill among the returning favourites. Kristina Graham, a 12-year volunteer who organizes vendor outreach, says much of the support is built on relationships that deepen with time. 'Most of our vendors come back year after year,' said Graham. 'Joe Dog's has not only stayed with us for a decade — they've brought new restaurants into the fold. That kind of commitment speaks volumes.' She emphasized the deeper impact of the program beyond the food. 'The breakfast before school isn't just about nutrition, it's a social connection. Students sit together, talk, laugh, and start their day with community.' The powerful impact of HFFT was echoed in the stories shared by HDSB students who spoke during the event. Each expressed how the program has positively impacted their lives, fostering a sense of civic and social engagement. For schools like River Oaks Public School in Oakville, the Breakfast Bash is a reminder of the year-round work being done. Teacher Richard Bernard has led his grade 8 students in running their school's nutrition program for over a decade. 'I wanted my students to see themselves as leaders, to know their actions make their school better,' Bernard said. 'It's about empathy, ownership, and community.' His students not only distribute food, but they also serve as role models, building connections with younger students and setting the tone for a supportive school environment. 'These kids are an important part of making our school one of the best places to learn,' Bernard added. The Halton District School Board and Halton Catholic District School Board were both present in full support, with Director of Education Curtis Ennis attending alongside board members. Tables were sponsored by both boards, and a lively silent auction helped bring in additional funds. Looking ahead, Khawari emphasized that Halton Food for Thought has ambitious goals. 'We want to raise at least one dollar per student in the region — that's about $97,000. But more importantly, we want to eliminate the waitlist. Our vision is to onboard every new school that wants to join the program within six months.' She added a heartfelt message to the attendees: 'Just have fun and enjoy today. Look around and see the village that supports you, because it really does take a village.' And on this morning, that village showed up with full hearts — and full plates.
Hamilton Spectator
33 minutes ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Quebec passes bill requiring newcomers to adopt shared values
QUÉBEC - The Quebec legislature has passed a bill requiring immigrants to embrace the common culture of the province. Newcomers to the province must adhere to shared values including gender equality, secularism and protection of the French language. The law is Quebec's answer to the Canadian model of multiculturalism that promotes cultural diversity. The Quebec government believes the Canadian model is harmful to social cohesion. Quebec can use the new law to withhold funding for groups and events that don't promote Quebec's common culture. Critics have said the legislation is an attempt to assimilate newcomers and could stoke anti-immigrant sentiment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 28, 2025.
France 24
34 minutes ago
- Sport
- France 24
Sinner and Djokovic step up French Open challenges
Women's second seed and former Roland Garros finalist Coco Gauff also targets a place in the last 16 along with 18-year-old contender Mirra Andreeva. World number one Sinner faces his second French opponent in a row at Roland Garros and is expecting a memorable encounter against the 38-year-old Gasquet, playing at the tournament for the 22nd and final time. "I know you're going to support him (Gasquet), it's OK, I know that," Sinner told the crowd after his first-round win over hope Arthur Rinderknech. "I'm just happy to share a court with him." The 23-year-old Italian showed some signs of rustiness against Rinderknech in just his seventh match back since returning from a three-month doping suspension. Sinner made his comeback at the Italian Open earlier in May, reaching the final before losing in straight sets to reigning Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic, fresh off his 100th ATP title last weekend, got his tilt at a fourth French Open title off to a solid start on Tuesday. The Serbian sixth seed will need to be on his guard against crafty Frenchman Corentin Moutet. "I don't know how many more Grand Slams I've got left in my body," Djokovic said after the opening round. "I spent quite a bit of time in making sure that every step of the way in preparation and prevention is respected in order for me to still be able to play on this level." Third-ranked Alexander Zverev meets Jesper de Jong for a place in round three, with Alex de Minaur, Jakub Mensik, Arthur Fils and Joao Fonseca all returning to the court as well on Thursday. Gael Monfils looks to pull off an upset over British fifth seed Jack Draper in the night session after fighting back from two sets down under the lights on Court Philippe Chatrier in his opener. Gauff, Andreeva powering up Gauff laughed off an amusing lapse that led to her arriving on court without any racquets ahead of her first-round win. The American said it actually helped her relax as she targets a first title since last year's WTA Finals, having come up just short in Madrid and Rome. "I think as the rounds go, I think it's just with every tournament you feel more comfortable out there on the court," said Gauff, who plays Czech qualifier Tereza Valentova in her second match. "You have a match under your belt and know how to deal with certain situations. I think the first round is the most nervous I get. After that, you just feel like it's a little bit more smooth sailing." Sixth seed Andreeva, who had an impressive run to the semi-finals at Roland Garros last year, plays American Ashlyn Krueger. Andreeva is playing her first Grand Slam as a top-10 seed after capturing WTA 1000 series titles in Dubai and Indian Wells. Third seed Jessica Pegula plays fellow American Ann Li, while Australian Open champion Madison Keys takes on Britain's Katie Boulter.
Straits Times
38 minutes ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic step up French Open challenges
Italy's Jannik Sinner in action during his first round match against France's Arthur Rinderknech in the French Open. PHOTO: REUTERS PARIS - Jannik Sinner takes on the retiring Richard Gasquet at the French Open on May 29, while Novak Djokovic looks to sharpen his game in the second round in his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title. Women's second seed and former Roland Garros finalist Coco Gauff also targets a place in the last 16 along with 18-year-old contender Mirra Andreeva. World No. 1 Sinner faces his second French opponent in a row at Roland Garros and is expecting a memorable encounter against the 38-year-old Gasquet, playing at the tournament for the 22nd and final time. 'I know you're going to support him (Gasquet), it's OK, I know that,' Sinner told the crowd after his first-round win over hope Arthur Rinderknech. 'I'm just happy to share a court with him.' The 23-year-old Italian showed some signs of rustiness against Rinderknech in just his seventh match back since returning from a three-month doping suspension. Sinner made his comeback at the Italian Open earlier in May, reaching the final before losing in straight sets to reigning Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic, fresh off his 100th ATP title last weekend, got his tilt at a fourth French Open title off to a solid start on May 27. The Serbian sixth seed will need to be on his guard against crafty Frenchman Corentin Moutet. 'I don't know how many more Grand Slams I've got left in my body,' Djokovic said after the opening round. 'I spent quite a bit of time in making sure that every step of the way in preparation and prevention is respected in order for me to still be able to play on this level.' Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his first round Frech Open match against Mackenzie McDonald of the United States. PHOTO: REUTERS Third-ranked Alexander Zverev meets Jesper de Jong for a place in round three, with Alex de Minaur, Jakub Mensik, Arthur Fils and Joao Fonseca all returning to the court as well on Thursday. Gael Monfils looks to pull off an upset over British fifth seed Jack Draper in the night session after fighting back from two sets down under the lights on Court Philippe Chatrier in his opener. Gauff laughed off an amusing lapse that led to her arriving on court without any racquets ahead of her first-round win. The American said it actually helped her relax as she targets a first title since last year's WTA Finals, having come up just short in Madrid and Rome. 'I think as the rounds go, I think it's just with every tournament you feel more comfortable out there on the court,' said Gauff, who plays Czech qualifier Tereza Valentova in her second match. 'You have a match under your belt and know how to deal with certain situations. I think the first round is the most nervous I get. After that, you just feel like it's a little bit more smooth sailing.' Sixth seed Andreeva, who had an impressive run to the semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2024, plays American Ashlyn Krueger. Andreeva is playing her first Grand Slam as a top-10 seed after capturing WTA 1000 series titles in Dubai and Indian Wells. Third seed Jessica Pegula plays fellow American Ann Li, while Australian Open champion Madison Keys takes on Britain's Katie Boulter. Other past and present Grand Slam champions Marketa Vondrousova, Victoria Azarenka, Sofia Kenin and Barbora Krejcikova are also on the schedule. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Kuwait Times
an hour ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Paris fountain flows red to slam Gaza bloodbath
PARIS: Pro-Palestinian activists hold a Palestinian flag and placards reading 'Gaza: Emmanuel Macron must act', 'Gaza: Ceasefire' and 'Gaza: Stop the bloodshed' after pouring red paint into the Fontaine des Innocents during a demonstration on May 28, 2025. - AFP PARIS: French activists dyed a Paris fountain red Wednesday to symbolize what they called the 'bloodbath' of Palestinians in Gaza. Activists from Oxfam and Amnesty International poured dye into the Fontaine des Innocents in the heart of the French capital, while others held placards saying 'Cease fire' and 'Gaza: stop the bloodbath'. 'This operation aims to denounce France's slow response to an absolute humanitarian emergency facing the people of Gaza today,' the activists, which included the French branch of Greenpeace, said in a joint statement. 'France cannot limit itself to mere verbal condemnations,' said former minister Cecile Duflot, executive director of Oxfam France. Clemence Lagouardat, who helped coordinate Oxfam's humanitarian response in Gaza, denounced the Zionist blockade of the besieged territory. 'The people in Gaza need everything, it's a matter of survival,' she told AFP. The Zionist offensive has killed at least 53,977 people in Gaza, mostly civilians. Continued of Page 6 Israel has now stepped up a renewed campaign to destroy Hamas, drawing international condemnation as aid trickles in following a blockade since early March that has sparked severe food and medical shortages. 'There is a genocide going on and political inaction is becoming a kind of complicity in this genocide,' said Jean-Francois Julliard, head of Greenpeace France. 'We call on (President) Emmanuel Macron to act with courage, clarity and determination to put an end to this bloodshed.' The activists urged states 'with influence over (the Zionist entity)' to press for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, an arms embargo on the Zionist entity, the revision of a cooperation agreement between the EU and the Zionist entity and other measures. Macron has accused Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of 'unacceptable' and 'shameful' behavior in blocking aid to the Palestinians in Gaza. – AFP
