Controversy surrounds Chik-Fil-A sponsored event

March 12th, 2013 | Durham Region, News |

Story by Hillary Di Menna

Controversy surrounds a campus event happening on May 10. The UOIT Faculty of Business and Information Technology, in partnership with Junior Chamber International Durham (JCI), will present a live broadcast of Chik-Fil-A’s Leadercast at The Regent Theatre.

The motivational speaking event happens once a year and is broadcast live from Atlanta.

Vice President of JCI Durham, John Black, said the group sees the Leadercast as an opportunity to bring a positive event to the community. “It provides a high level of speaker that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to do.”

A speaker like Condoleeza Rice, former US Secretary of State, would be a costly speaker on her own, so JCI Durham is excited to have the opportunity to broadcast talks from 10 other prominent figures as well. JCI chapters include young people, through membership, in projects trying to make a positive community impact.  The fast-food chain sponsoring the event made headlines last year after its president, Dan Cathy, publicly spoke out against gay marriage.

“I think anything positive the speakers have to say is tarnished by the fact Chick-Fil-A is the title sponsor of the event,” says LGBT activist and former Durham College student, Nathan MacKinnon. “While they may not be benefiting financially from it their name and financial support is attached to it.”

Proceeds of the event will go to JCI and back into the community, says Black. However he admits the costs of hosting the event are so high little profit will be made. MacKinnon questions why the ticket costs are so high if the event is marketed toward students. Early bird tickets are 99 dollars, 149 dollars is the regular price.

Black said he has spoken with PFLAG director for Durham Region, Jayme Harper. The JCI Durham VP believes both parties want to do what is best for the community. A JCI Durham statement on the matter will be released later this evening. Harper wants to be clear that PFLAG has nothing against Durham College, UOIT or JCI, “They are great supporters of LGBT and diversity within the Durham Region. Our problem is with bringing Chick-Fil-A as a title sponsor to Canada, more so to a public event.”

Chik-Fil-A’s Leadercast will be broadcast internationally from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

 

Durham College hosts conference on Social Services at Lakeridge Health

December 6th, 2012 | Durham Region, News | No Comments »

Durham College and the Social Services Department of Durham Region hosted a conference Nov. 14, 2012, entitled The Impact of Social Services: A Lifespan Perspective. The event was held at the Lakeridge Health LHEARN Centre in Oshawa and featured noted author and physician Dr. Gabor Mate.

Third-year Durham College Journalism students covered the event and created the following two video stories.

Come home with The Table

October 23rd, 2012 | Durham Region | No Comments »

This audio slideshow was produced by Bobby Perritt.

The Table, located in downtown Oshawa, is an award-winning restaurant that offers organic, vegetarian options made with local food.

Hobby Stores in Durham Region

October 18th, 2012 | Durham Region, Entertainment, News | No Comments »

DC News reporter Nancy Ellis produced this audio slideshow on two hobby stores located in Durham Region.

Storytelling in Durham Region

March 9th, 2012 | Durham Region | No Comments »

The Durham Folklore Storytellers kicked off promotion of World Storytelling Day, on March 20, at the Traditions of Durham Retirement Community. DC News Reporter Renita Naraine has the details.

Black History Month kicks off in Oshawa

February 10th, 2012 | Durham Region, News | No Comments »

See how Oshawa marks the start of Black History Month. DC reporter Kate Kemp has the story.

Milk bags to blankets

February 10th, 2012 | Durham Region, News | No Comments »

Check out how milk bags are being made into something useful! DC News reporter Adam Frauts tells us how.

City of Oshawa maintains the roads with or without snow

February 3rd, 2012 | Durham Region, News | No Comments »

There isn’t much snow on the ground, but the City of Oshawa maintains the streets with other means to keep the roads safe.  DC News reporter Kyla Morgan has the details on how snow removal helps out everyone in the community.

Meals on Wheels

January 27th, 2012 | Durham Region, News | 1 Comment »

Put a smile on someone’s face by volunteering. Reporter Shannelle Parchment has the story on how you can get involved.

Dagmar keeps skiers and snowboarders happy

January 20th, 2012 | Durham Region, News | No Comments »

The lack of snow this year hasn’t been a problem for Dagmar Ski Resort, which has been open with plenty of the white stuff. DC News reporter Ana Pautassi has more on the story.