Story
Isabella Gamk
1960-2024
Isabella Gamk, 1960-2024, was HIV+ and an advocate for people receiving ODSP and Ontario Works.
She founded “POOF” – Protecting ODSP and Ontario Works, a Facebook group, after Doug Ford was elected Premier, the first time.
Behind her rough exterior was a kind and compassionate woman. She lived in constant pain, and let it be known by either saying so in her frequent videos, or getting angered at someone or something, but never her constant companions, her pups, Glisten and Sparkle. Isabella knew how to organize people and she listened to issues that were important to them. She included and encouraged people to get involved in community organizing activities. She was a fearless advocate for people who were marginalized. She wasn’t afraid to get arrested fighting for increased social assistance rates and homelessness prevention. She even ran for Mayor of Toronto and many voted for her. Both times she ran.
She was courageous and cared about other people and brought awareness to their lived experiences.
She will be missed!
Written by:
Amie Guerin
Susan Chopin