A Very Passionate Plea Marian But....

I have never heard of The Necessary Angel Theatre Company so I can't judge what you accomplish but the bottom line is when money is scarce let us shift our largesse to nourishment of the physical body of children with programs like the breakfast clubs.

Letters

Funding is necessary

Joe Warmington ("Hefty book of horrors," April 26) invited readers to share his indignation by looking at the list of grants given by the City of Toronto in 2005, and so I did. I saw a total of just over $36 million (not $44 million) distributed to roughly 850 organizations everywhere in the city. I saw community groups, seniors centres, boys and girls clubs, a diverse range of organizations dealing with crime, health care, street people, literacy, employment, disability and the nourishment of body (food banks and meals on wheels) and soul (the arts). I know every single one of these organizations employs people, must keep scrupulous books and adhere to rigorous mandates and objectives, and provides a degree of service to the citizens of Toronto that is incalculable financially. For every dollar spent (or wasted, according to Warmington) there is an enormous return on investment, in the form of healthier children, safer streets, tourism income, building stock, busy restaurants and hotels, and employed young people. Warmington singled out Necessary Angel Theatre Company's grant, and wondered why such could possibly be "necessary"? Companies like Necessary Angel are but one stitch in the fabric of this city. Ours is a volunteer board. We hire writers, directors, designers, musicians, actors and stage crew. We fundraise from individuals and corporations. We adhere to the highest standards of artistic and financial accountability. We give back far more than we are given by the city, because we feel the social, cultural, artistic life and future of this city is ours in trust. These are plants that deserve to be watered; without them the city would die.

Marian Botsford Fraser
Vice-President
Necessary Angel Theatre Company