Ocean Connolly says she is not the Grinch after a small and peaceful protest at the Windsor Bright Lights display at Jackson Park on Friday night.
Connolly calls city priorities and spending misguided and wants councillors to know that the rising homelessness, child poverty, and drug overdose issues in the city need more attention.
Connoly says spending to address people's basic needs must come before splashy displays to enhance the city's image.
"To be spending millions on this once a year flashy thing, there are more responsible ways to create events that our citizens can enjoy," said Connolly.
Connolly said she believes that councillors are turning a blind eye to serious city problems and paying too much attention to things like the Bright Lights display and the downtown water park.
"It can't be about image, it needs to be about real change at the root of the problem and we have a huge poverty problem here. We have one of the highest child poverty rates in the country," she added.
Connolly said the rally is not just all talk and no action. She plans to get more involved and do more to address the issues.
"We want to get more involved in seeing what local organizations are up to and it has to be a whole city effort. If we can collaborate a little more, we can do some really great things," Connolly said.
Connolly is calling on the city to investigate why homelessness and child poverty are such big problems and to create long-term solutions instead of relying on frontline workers and shelters.
She also collected clothing for the Windsor Overdose Prevention Society after the rally.
