Access has been experimenting with different ways of giving back to community. Last year, for example, Access initiated a scholarship for Masters students in the School of Community and Regional Planning at UBC as well as sponsored the Toronto chapter of WTS - Women in Transportation. We also contributed to CISV - a local and global youth organization focused on building peace through inter-cultural understanding, exchange, experiential education and action.

Earlier this year, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, we donated to Food Banks Canada to support food security for our most vulnerable families and individuals through local food banks across Canada. Last month we asked staff what organizations they wanted to see supported by Access. Our team seized the opportunity and came up with a fantastic list of organizations doing great work to create a more resilient, equitable, just and loving Canada. We wanted to celebrate these organizations by naming them here and inviting you to donate as well.

IndigenEYEZ “Our mission is to inspire an intergenerational legacy of well-being among First Nations people in BC and beyond. We blend land-based learning with the arts and best practices in community-building.”

Covenant House Vancouver “Providing love and hope to Vancouver's homeless and at-risk street youth. We help young people aged 16 to 24 who have fled physical, emotional and sexual abuse; those who have been forced from their homes; and those who have aged out of foster care.”

The Downtown Eastside Womens’ Centre “Founded in 1978, DEWC is one of the few safe spaces within the Downtown Eastside exclusively for self-identified women and their children. High levels of violence, homelessness, addictions and poverty characterize the Downtown Eastside community. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, injustice and injury.”

Habitat for Humanity, GTA “We mobilize volunteers and communities to help working, lower income families build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.”

Toronto People with Aids Foundation “Programs and services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) across four categories: Practical Support, Community Access, Health & Therapeutic Care and Dreaming & Engagement.”

The Stop Community Food Centre “The Stop has blossomed into a thriving community hub where neighbours participate in a broad range of programs that provide healthy food, foster social connections, build food skills, and promote civic engagement.”

The 519 “We respond to the evolving needs of the LGBTQ2S communities, from counselling services and queer parenting resources to coming out groups, trans programming, and senior’s support. The 519 is responding to the essential needs of LGBTQ2S communities and our neighbourhood during the COVID-19 crisis. We are here every day serving takeaway meals, checking in on our communities, providing information and referrals, and delivering critical services for LGBTQ2S communities including youth, seniors, and newcomers.”

Sistering – A woman’s place “Sistering is a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women in Toronto who are homeless or precariously housed. We have been serving this community for over 35 years, validating women’s experiences regardless of outcomes. These marginalized women come from diverse backgrounds and include: women with substance use and mental health issues; women who have experienced, or are experiencing, trauma and violence; immigrant and refugee women; women with disabilities; and women without legal status.”

Covenant House Toronto “We advocate so that all youth can have lives free from homelessness and trafficking. Our comprehensive youth-driven programming is centred on unconditional love, absolute respect and relentless engagement.”

Native Child “Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for children and families in the Toronto Native Community.”

We hope to keep finding new ways to give back meaningfully to the communities we are part of - and to love our neighbours!