News Release
March 21, 2023

Yesterday, Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park) announced 25 recipients of the Toronto Community Champion Award at an award ceremony at the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library.

Part of the Stronger TOgether initiative, funded in part by the Government of Canada, the Toronto Community Champion Award recognizes organizations that provided exceptional support for Torontonians through the pandemic.

Residents were invited to nominate organizations that made a positive and lasting impact on their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Toronto Community Champion Award provides an opportunity for the city to honour the collective commitment and unwavering determination of our communities to support each other through some of the most unprecedented times Toronto has ever experienced.

Recipients were chosen by a selection committee made up of community leaders from Volunteer Toronto, United Way Greater Toronto, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto and City staff. Priority was given to organizations that were community-focused; demonstrated an inclusive and innovative approach to their work; served vulnerable populations; and provided community service as their primary focus.

Organizations honoured for their work include those that provided support to vulnerable residents, including people with disabilities, newcomers, the elderly or equity-deserving communities; worked to reduce social isolation; connected residents to vaccines; and addressed challenges such as homelessness and food security.

In addition to the 25 recipients, 22 Honourable Mentions were selected from the nominations received.

More information on Stronger TOgether and the Toronto Community Champion Award, including the complete list of award recipients, is available on the Stronger TOgether webpage.

A promotional video for Toronto Community Champion Award is available on the City of Toronto Culture YouTube channel.

Stronger TOgether is a free and accessible program that provides opportunities for people across Toronto to reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic, focused on recognizing disproportionately affected communities and those who continue to live with the effects of the pandemic.

As of March 9, Team Toronto has administered more than 8.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine since the start of its vaccination campaign. This includes protecting more than 2.5 million people in Toronto with their primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine. Updated COVID-19 vaccine data is available on the Toronto Public Health Vaccine Dashboard.

Quotes:

“A heartfelt congratulations to all 25 organizations honoured with a Toronto Community Champion Award, and thank you to all nominees. You have provided exceptional support for Torontonians through the pandemic and will continue to be community leaders as our city comes back stronger than ever. From supporting the elderly or vulnerable populations to provide connection and support when it was needed most, your work during the pandemic and beyond shows resilience and strength.”

– Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park)

“Our culture unites us, entertains us, moves us and brings us together in good times and bad times. The Reopening Fund was created to honour the people and organizations that made a difference during the pandemic and to support the resurgence our cultural sector. Our government is proud to support the City’s Toronto Community Champion Award, part of the Stronger TOgether program. I’m so happy to see our arts, culture and heritage events resuming in communities across the country.”

– The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations