Centre for Youth Development and Mentoring Services receives ground-breaking grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to assist new Canadian children succeed

$232,800 to support academic success and sports programs in west-end Toronto

TORONTO, May 11, 2012 /CNW/ - In an innovative partnership, the Children's Aid Foundation and the Children's Aid Society of Toronto have secured a three year funding commitment from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to be granted to The Centre for Youth Development and Mentoring Services (CYDMS). Local MPP Laura Albanese and Bahadur Madhani, the Chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Toronto Grant Review Team were on hand Friday evening at York Humber High School to congratulate the organizations involved with the initiative.

"I am very pleased that the Centre for Youth Development and Mentoring Services has a three year funding commitment from the Ontario Trillium Foundation," said Laura Albanese, MPP York South-Weston.  "This group offers the type of free academic and athletic focussed programs that the youth of York South-Weston need and deserve. The Centre for Youth Development and Mentoring Services brings the type of community minded leadership that will help to make our area an even greater place to grow."

Based in the west end of Toronto, CYDMS will now be able to expand its tutoring, mentoring, recreation and parent support programming to reach more new Canadians. The grant ensures that those families and youth that live in the Weston and Etobicoke areas of Toronto will continue to have access to helpful and meaningful services and programs in their community, aimed at ensuring that their children and youth have a place to turn for free academic assistance and athletic involvement.

"The Centre for Youth Development and Mentoring Services was built on the premise that leadership on social issues is a shared responsibility and an obligation. Through the youth that come into our programs, our goal is to make our city and the world a better place," said Sadiq Ali Hashi, Chairman, Centre for Youth Development and Mentoring Services. "We could never have dreamed of the success we've had without the support of our partners the Children's Aid Foundation, the Children's Aid Society of Toronto and our funder, the Ontario Trillium Foundation," added Abdi'qani Mohamed, Executive Director, Centre for Youth Development and Mentoring Services.

"I am impressed by the selfless enthusiasm and single-minded commitment that the leaders of the CYDMS bring to this project," said Len Gamache, President of the Children's Aid Foundation. "Having operated until now on a shoestring - using their own funds - it is a pleasure for us to be able to help provide the fundraising and grant stewardship that will allow them to extend their programming to more youth in need of academic counselling and recreation opportunities."

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A leading grant maker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.  For more information, please visit: www.otf.ca

The Children's Aid Society of Toronto works with children and their families when children have been or are at risk of being emotionally, physically, or sexually abused or neglected. Through their Community Development program, the Society may also assist in the development of initiatives that strengthen families and support communities.   

Rob Thompson, Director, Communications
Children's Aid Society of Toronto
416-924-4640 ext. 2086