Haven on the Queensway is one of six organizations receiving Ontario Trillium grants.
Six South Etobicoke non-profit organizations including Haven on the Queensway are recipients of an Ontario grant to help them better serve the community.
A total of $518,600 in funding was made to the groups by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) capital grant stream.
“This funding will help to ensure that our community has safe and ready access to critical programming, activities and spaces,” said a release from MPP Christine Hogarth’s office.
The groups receiving the funds are MABELLEarts, A Greener Future, Furniture Bank, Second Harvest, Haven on the Queensway and the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment.
Toy Drive by Haven on the Queensway to help children.
“These organizations play an important role in building a strong community through their advocacy and outreach,” Hogarth said. “This support will enable these organizations to better serve the people of Etobicoke-Lakeshore and continue to make a positive difference.”
She said the grants help to improve the infrastructure that residents need to thrive whether it’s purchasing equipment, building a new space, or completing renovations, retrofits or repairs.
These grants support projects that are having a positive impact in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, she said.
“This support will enable these organizations to better serve the people of Etobicoke-Lakeshore and continue to make a positive difference,” Hogarth said.
MABELLEeats volunteers and supporters at event.
Neil Lumsden, the province’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, said non-profit organizations deliver programming that makes a difference, whether it’s helping people train for new careers or learn new things.
“That’s why capital grant support is so important,” Lumsden said. “This funding will help ensure these spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
Heather Fullerton, of Haven on the Queensway, said the funds will give their group and clients a much stronger ability to access digital communications.
“We are truly grateful for this fantastic support and look forward to seeing the improvements in action,” she said.
Second Harvest volunteers.
Leah Houston, Executive Director of MABELLEarts, said her group is addressing generational inequities and building public realm where it’s needed most.
She said vulnerable communities need opportunities to build the social capital they need to respond to the challenges they face including climate change, the housing crisis and increased isolation.
“We are truly grateful for this fantastic support and look forward to seeing the improvements in action,” Houston said.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, with a mandate to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Ontario by investing in community-based initiatives and strengthening the impact of the province’s non-profit sector.