TD Contributes $250,000 to the CCL&D in Regent Park
By Lucas on Sep 26, 2014
Since 2010, 540 Dundas Street East in Regent Park has been known as the Daniels Centre of Learning. This is where the Toronto Centre for Community Learning & Development (CCL&D) operates, offering a variety of programs, from math lessons to art classes and community building sessions.
On the morning of September 25, 2014, The Daniels Corporation, TD, and CCL&D announced a $250,000 donation to the centre, which will now be called the TD Centre of Learning.
Heela Omarkhail speaking on behalf of Daniels
“For four years, the Daniels’ name has been associated with the Centre of Learning. It has been a period of tremendous growth for this community hub, which is doing remarkable work to foster social cohesion and lifelong learning in Regent Park,” said Heela Omarkhail, Manager of Community Partnerships at Daniels. “Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and participants that bring life to the centre each and every day. Today, it is our pleasure to pass the torch to TD as they step in to ensure the sustainability of the incredible program being delivered at the centre. In facilitating this partnership, we were thrilled, but not at all surprised to hear that they [TD] share our philosophy of actively engaging in local communities. We commend TD for embracing the importance of building strong communities and we’re so excited to see what new and innovative programs TD’s support of the Centre of Learning will bring to residents of Regent Park and beyond.”
A portion of the $250,000 will go towards a financial literacy program that TD is going to help develop. It’s refreshing to see a large organization not only writing a cheque, but getting involved, following in the footsteps of Daniel’s prolific work in the community. The program will teach children and young adults how to manage their finances, and will go one step further by teaching the participants how to talk to their parents and teach them about home finances. Information and guidance like this goes a long way when it comes to saving for a new home, managing monthly payments, and saving for post secondary school.
Ron McInnis speaking on behalf of TD
“We're excited to support the learning centre helping those that place a high priority on programs focused on developing life skills such as financial literacy and social inclusion which helps participants enhance their social interaction, overall sense of belonging, and community spirit,” said Ron McInnis, Senior Vice President, Greater Toronto Region, TD Bank Group. “TD is committed to making a lasting difference in the communities where we live and work – and look forward to seeing Regent Park grow as a vibrant and strong community for years to come.”
Regent Park resident
The CCL&D prides itself on working with the community on a personal level to help residents make their dreams come true. Not only will they provide support for someone to learn a new skill, but they will help make good use of the new skill. A Regent Park resident of five years spoke at announcement; she told her story of how the CCL&D helped her get certified as a food handler, and then also helped her launch her catering business!
“As an organization that serves approximately 10,000 people each year, it is crucial that we know we can fund a program and house it. This partnership ensures that sustainability in a time when many funders are scaling back donations and grants,” said Alfred Jean-Baptiste, Executive Director, CCL&D.
Daniels and the residents of Regent Park have come a long way. With a new partner like TD, the sky’s the limit. The team at Newinhomes.com is looking forward to watching the community continue to blossom in the coming years.
