News Release
May 16, 2024

At a special ceremony at the Toronto Reference Library today, Mayor Olivia Chow will be joined by members of Toronto City Council and Daniele Zanotti, President and CEO, United Way Greater Toronto, to honour the recipients of the 2024 Toronto Community Champion Award.  

Launched in 2023, the annual Award recognizes the extraordinary contributions community organizations make to support the health and solidarity of Toronto residents, particularly those from Black, Indigenous and equity-deserving communities. 

This year, 25 organizations will receive the Toronto Community Champion Award for their “community collaborations” that outshone over 300 nominations.   

The Award is presented in partnership with the United Way Greater Toronto, which has pledged $1,000 to each award recipient. This special contribution celebrates the efforts of recipient organizations to: build partnerships to strengthen communities; fill gaps through the programs and services they offer; and forge deep connections within the areas they serve to benefit the health and well-being of community members and residents. 

The full list of award recipients is as follows: 

Etobicoke and North York  

  • New Circles Community Services 
  • Thorncliffe Park Urban Farmers 
  • Jane/Finch Centre 
  • LAMP Community Health Centre 

Scarborough  

  • Agincourt Community Services Association 
  • East Scarborough Storefront 
  • Malvern Family Resource Centre (MFRC) 
  • Next Generation Arts 
  • The Reading Partnership 
  • West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre 

Toronto and Downtown Toronto 

  • The Children’s Book Bank 
  • Community Music Schools of Toronto  
  • Dixon Hall 
  • Toronto Nepalese Sports Centre 
  • Oasis Dufferin Community Centre 
  • Making Art Making Change 
  • StepStones for Youth 

City-wide 

  • Centre for Independent Living Toronto 
  • La Passerelle I.D.É. 
  • Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre 
  • Na-Me-Res 
  • Kids Up Front 
  • Toronto Community Crisis Service 
  • Trans Pride Toronto 
  • Vivi’r LGBTQ+ 

Honourable mentions were also given to the following organizations: 

  • Access Alliance Multicultural Health & Community Services 
  • The African Centre for Refugees in Ontario-Canada 
  • Arts Intersection Agincourt 
  • FCJ Refugee Centre 
  • Green Hope Foundation 
  • Riverdale Share Community Association 
  • Scarborough Simbas (Muslim Children’s Aid and Support Services) 
  • TNO – The Neighbourhood Organization 

More information is available on the City’s Toronto Community Champion Award webpage 

Quotes: 

“Community organizations are the backbone of every thriving neighbourhood and our most important partners in driving positive change at the grassroots level. Today, I am pleased to congratulate the well-deserving 25 award recipients that are changing the face of Toronto by helping us bridge gaps, uplift communities and ensure equity in every corner of our city.” 

– Mayor Olivia Chow 

“It is a privilege to celebrate our city’s champions—those dedicated staff, volunteers, and organizations whose commitment has not only sustained but also uplifted our community through some of its toughest times. Despite the challenges we face, these award recipients embody the spirit of Toronto—vibrant, dedicated, and relentlessly hopeful. Let’s be inspired to act and carry this spirit forward—whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word—each contribution helps build a stronger, more supportive city.”  

– Daniele Zanotti, President and CEO, United Way Greater Toronto

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 climate action, 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