You’ve probably heard about little Jeffrey Baldwin. The five-year-old Toronto child was starved to death while in the care of his grandparents, Elva Bottineau and Norman Kidman, who received social assistance for Jeffrey’s care. Both grandparents were subsequently convicted of second degree murder, with Bottineau receiving a sentence of 22 years in prison and Kidman 20 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
One Torontonian, Todd Boyce, is determined to ensure Jeffrey’s memory lives on. Boyce is coordinating the Man of Steel gala fundraiser on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the Stirling Room to raise $25,000 to erect a bronze statue of Jeffrey dressed as superman (reportedly the child’s favourite superhero) in Greenwood Park, near the home where he died. Guests at the gala event will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment.
The jury for the inquest into Jeffrey Baldwin’s death recently released 103 recommendations aimed primarily at the Catholic Children’s Aid Society, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and other provincial ministries, the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Police. One of the jury’s recommendations was to ask the City of Toronto or provincial government to establish a permanent memorial in Jeffrey’s memory.
Tickets for the Man of Steel gala are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and can be purchased online or by calling 416-364-3900.
The Stirling Room is located at 16 Trinity Street in the Distillery District.
