Charities
2023 & 2024 - Urban Squash Toronto
Urban Squash Toronto (UST) is a charitable organization that combines an intensive after-school, 7 days-a-week, yearlong education program with concentrated athletics (principally squash). We support under served youth in the Jane-Finch community to reach their full academic, athletic and personal potential.
Our program includes a professional academic program (Oxford Learning & York University teaching placements), mentoring, community service, leadership and athletics. Students start at UST in Grade 6 and remain in the program throughout high-school.
Students at UST successfully meet their commitment to an overall improvement in academic performance, striving for a B or better average. Furthermore students each show a dramatic growth in their self-confidence, athleticism, a greater sense of community belonging and a healthy lifestyle. Their expectation, and our goal is that over 90% will go on to pursue post-secondary education. Comparatively, only 55% of the population, age 20-24, in the Jane-Finch corridor have attended college or university (City of Toronto Priority Neighbourhoods – Overview of Demographics and Community Service Jane – Finch #2).
2020, 2021 & 2022 - Covenant House
Every year, thousands of youth experience homelessness and sex trafficking in Canada.
Covenant House provides a safe space for youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk.
Over the last decade, we have seen a shift. More young people are staying with us for longer periods of time. This is because the youth we serve are facing more complex challenges. In addition to abuse, neglect and family breakdown, more youth struggle with mental health, finding affordable housing and getting stable, meaningful jobs.
But there's more to the story.1
Homelessness or trafficking can happen to anyone. However, young people who face added barriers because of disability, sexuality or racial identity are often over-represented. And 61 per cent of youth at Covenant House2 are from average and upper-income households. For them, the street appeared a safer option than staying at home.
These youth are some of the most vulnerable and some of the most resilient. With the right opportunities, they can build a better future.
2018 and 2019 - Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
The largest foundation supporting childhood disability in Canada, Holland Bloorview Foundation was established in 1996 to inspire community interest and raise funds in support of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. It is Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital focused on improving the lives of kids with disabilities. Holland Bloorview is a global leader in applied research, teaching and learning, and client and family centred care. Our vision is to create the most meaningful and healthy futures for all children, youth and families.
2017 - Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation
Lyme disease is an improperly tested for disabling disease that has for decades been an under-reported, poorly recognized serious threat to the health of Canadians, tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, and our businesses who employ outdoor workers. Lyme disease is on the rise in Canada, yet diagnostics, treatment, physician and public awareness are largely inadequate. The Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme) is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting Lyme Disease research, education and treatment.
2015 and 2016 - Ovarian Cancer Canada
Ovarian Cancer Canada is the only registered Canadian charity solely dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer. We provide leadership by:
- Supporting women living with the disease and their families
- Raising awareness among the general public and health care professionals
- Funding research to develop early detection techniques, improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure.