Go Green Youth Centre

Elevating Our Leaders-in-Training (LITs): Highlights from GGYC’s March 2026 LIT Training Day

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:25:24 GMT

On Saturday, March 14, Leaders-in-Training (LITs) accepted for our 2026 March Break Sports & Education Camp gathered at Valley Park Middle School for a day of mentorship, activity-based learning and camp training.

Typically between the ages of 14 and 16, LITs shadow GGYC Coaches to gain hands-on experience. This program offers an excellent opportunity to earn volunteer hours, meet new people, and gain exposure to a work setting while developing essential leadership skills.

10:00 AM | Introductory Remarks

The day kicked off with opening remarks from Executive Director Michael Ma, followed by an energetic, interactive icebreaker on Blooket.

11:00 AM | Workshop with SciXchange from Toronto Metropolitan University

Anushka Noble, a volunteer with TMU SciXChange, led a hands-on workshop using everyday materials and basic chemistry to reveal secret messages. The LITs used baking soda to write their notes, then applied a mixture of turmeric and rubbing alcohol as an indicator. Because baking soda is a base, it reacted with the indicator to turn the hidden messages a reddish-brown color, bringing them to life!

1:00 PM | Training and Activity-Based Learning

Following the lunch break, LITs dove into a series of activity-based learning games designed to sharpen their teamwork and communication—two critical skills they'll put into practice during our March Break Camp! These games were led by Head Coach Mashhood Khan, along with Coaches Ayan Ur Rahman and Zain-Ul-Abideen.

2:45 PM | Mashhood Khan, Guest Speaker

In a session moderated by Mary Giamos, GGYC’s Career Coach and former University of Toronto professional, Head Coach Mashhood Khan shared his journey of growth from participant to LIT and, eventually, to Head Coach. Mashhood surprised the LITs with his relatability, sharing personal anecdotes from his time as a young participant that made his current success feel both inspiring and achievable. You can read about Mashhood's story here .

4:00 PM | Closing Remarks and Final Tour

The day concluded shortly after 4:00 PM with final remarks and a full tour of Valley Park Middle School. Walking the halls helped the LITs visualize their roles and get comfortable with the space before our 2026 March Break Sports & Education Camp officially began!

Elevating Our Coaches: Highlights from GGYC’s March 2026 Personal Development & Staff Training Day

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:42:50 GMT

On Saturday, March 7, the Go Green Youth Centre (GGYC) team gathered at Valley Park Middle School for a day of growth, connection, and preparation. This personal development and training day was designed for our current and returning coaches as they gear up for the 2026 March Break Sports & Education Camp.

The day went beyond typical staff training, diving deep into career exploration, leadership, and the real-world challenges our coaches face—from navigating the job market to building self-confidence.

10:00 AM | Career Exploration with Mary Giamos

After a high-energy round of "GGYC Bingo," Mary Giamos, former career services and education professional at the University of Toronto, shifted the room’s perspective on the future. Her core message? Treat your career as a journey to be explored, rather than a static goal to be reached.

11:00 AM | The Intersection of Business, Finance & Tech

We heard from emerging industry leaders who provided a dive into their respective fields. We wrapped up the session with a high-energy, competitive game of Family Feud.

Donald Truong (Morgan Stanley) demystified the finance world, breaking down barriers and asking our coaches to redefine what they think "finance" actually looks like.

Minh-Anh Vuong (Adobe) shared her inspiring path from business student to product designer in the AI space, highlighting how following personal “signals” can help navigate uncertainty and seize new opportunities.

12:00 PM | Indigenous Foundation & Community Leadership

After an icebreaker of "Stranded on an Island," Sena Yenilmez, Co-Founder of The Indigenous Foundation, spoke about the parallels between community advocacy and personal leadership. She challenged our coaches to find the leader within themselves to better serve our community.

1:00 PM – 4:30 PM | March Break Sports & Education Camp 2026 Training

Executive Director Michael Ma led a deep dive into the specifics of our upcoming camp. Drawing from 1:1 conversations and years of frontline program experience, Michael shared strategies to ensure our coaches are ready to provide an incredible experience for the youth this March Break.

Shine On & Off the Field: GGYC x The King’s Trust Canada

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:23:13 GMT

What if we told you that the sport you love can help you build the career path of your dreams?

On February 5, 2026, GGYC participants headed to the Central YMCA in Toronto for an incredible day of growth at The King’s Trust Canada’s "The Network: Shine On & Off the Field" event.

Bridging the Gap: Sports x Career
The day wasn't just about the game; it was about the hustle. The event focused on how the skills we build on the field—time management, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—are the exact same ones that lead to a winning career.

Our youth took part in :

Interactive Sessions: Hands-on activities to test their on-the-spot decision making.
Networking: Connecting with other young professionals and industry leaders.
Career Mapping: Discovering how a passion for sports can turn into a full-time profession.

Looking Ahead: FIFA World Cup 26™

With the FIFA World Cup 26™ fast approaching, TKTC presented their partnership with Coca-Cola to rollout the Coca-Cola Future Careers (FC) Academy to young Canadians – a dynamic digital learning experience designed to equip young people with the skills and confidence to step into sports marketing and related industries.

With courses led by industry leaders on different key topics, the program blends real‑world know‑how, industry connections, and insider access to help the next generation of leaders score career goals before, during, and beyond the tournament.

Sign-up for the Coca-Cola Future Careers (FC) Academy here .

Beyond the Neighbourhood: GGYC Leaders Explore the Labs at York University

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 23:12:07 GMT

In a special collaboration with Connected Minds , youth from our Leaders-in-Training program visited York University to see what research looks like in practice, who it involves, and how it connects to real lives and real communities.

Detailed York U Connected Minds News Story: Opening the Lab Doors: Why Community Belongs in Research

The day started at 9:00 am when the school bus arrived at Valley Park Middle School.

Andrew Castillo, EDI and Community Outreach Specialist at Connected Minds, guided us to the welcome room.

The event began with students receiving custom name tags and stickers, followed by a light morning snack.

Throughout the day, students heard directly from five faculty members and a support team of PhD candidates and research assistants.

Detailed York U Connected Minds News Story: Opening the Lab Doors: Why Community Belongs in Research

The day concluded at 4 pm, followed by a school bus ride back to Valley Park Middle School.

From Coach to Head Coach: Sophia’s 5-Year Journey

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:21:56 GMT

Sophia’s story is truly inspiring, and we’re deeply grateful that she chose to share it with us.

In January 2026, Sophia was promoted to Head Coach. In this role, she oversees Go Girls programming and supports administrative operations.

Can you share a bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in Toronto and have spent my whole life in Flemingdon Park, and my family is Chinese-Vietnamese. My dad immigrated to Canada in the late 70s and was considered one of the boat people who fled the Vietnam War, and my mom migrated in the early 90s. My mom fled Vietnam as a teenager and was living in China before migrating to Canada. I have an older sister whom I look up to and would be a mess without (but don’t tell her I said that), and a dog, Mila, who was adopted from Russia.

Can you speak about your journey with Go Green Youth Centre?

I first joined GGYC in the summer of 2021, right as we were beginning to come out of the pandemic. I’ve been with the organization for 5 years now, and I started off coaching volleyball and eco-arts before transitioning into becoming one of the main coaches for art. Now, I do a little bit of everything; I lead the Go-Girls program with Hania and Shahnaaz, assist with social media alongside Michelle and Sumaya, and support fundraising efforts.

My start with GGYC is a little different compared to most. Where most staff started as participants or LITs, I began as a staff member when I was 18. GGYC was my first proper job, and although I knew some people, as a fresh face, I was worried about how I would fit in, but that quickly faded as everyone welcomed me – showing me grace and guidance.

At the end of the summer of 2024, Michael approached me about leading and planning Go-Girls. Since September 2024, in partnership with another partner, Engaged Communities, our Leaders-in-Training (LITs) and staff have been delivering the Go Girls program on Saturday afternoons, exploring arts and sports.

For the past 1 - 1.5 years, I’ve also been working closely with Michael, Mashhood, and Lisa on planning, organizing, grant-writing and donor outreach. As of late, I’ve also begun working more closely with Abeir on visuals and branding for our organization. This transition into a more administrative role has been a great learning experience, pushing me out of my comfort zone and finding ways to adapt.

How did GGYC support you in overcoming challenges or pursuing your dreams?

I graduated from photography studies at TMU during the spring of 2025, and since last summer, I’ve been helping with photography and social media management. As I was never previously interested in working with social media, this opportunity has provided a low-risk environment for me to explore different avenues and hone in on relevant skills. Having done so, I’ve started to consider what a career in Outreach and Communications could look like.

Aside from that, a few summers ago, Michael was kind enough to let me bring in my film cameras to shoot while eco-arts was out on walks. It might not seem significant, but being able to photograph the flowers and butterflies – something so small allowed me to nurture my technical skills. It was also exciting to be able to show the kids my 35mm and medium format cameras, and I hope that it sparked their curiosity.

Interestingly, during the summer of 2025, we also tried a photography program, taking on the Bondar Challenge from the Roberta Bondar Foundation. Going from being a student to a teacher was another interesting learning experience, and I was amazed at some of the photographs taken by the participants, two of whom won recognition awards from the Bondar Challenge itself.

What is your approach to mentorship?

My approach to mentoring and coaching is to meet people halfway. Everyone is on their own journey, and given the patience and kindness I’ve been shown by people I consider mentors, I approach it the same way. I always try to lead by example, guiding and providing support with the hope that the kids see the potential within themselves and pay it forward.

What role do you think Go-Girls programming plays in the community?

I think Go-Girls provides an interesting opportunity for young women. Growing up, I never attended camp or programs, so I don’t think I realized what Go-Girls could be. Just based on the last few months and hearing from some of the participants, Go-Girls provides a space that isn’t available elsewhere in the community. We try to explore different art activities and sports, we offer volunteer opportunities, and there’s a dynamic with some of the older girls being mentors to younger participants, despite not being LITs. We have fun at Go-Girls, and I think the participants feel a sense of community in having a space meant for them.

What are the challenges you see participants facing today?

A challenge I’ve noticed has been the lack of engagement and social interactions. I’ve noticed that disputes occur more often as participants don’t know how to navigate communication. This problem is more evident in younger participants, and I think a direct correlation to this is the chronicity of kids being online. Oftentimes, I’ve noticed that kids would rather be on their phones than engage with others, or use their phones as a means of engagement rather than doing so in person.

What steps have you taken toward your educational and career goals?

I pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts, specializing in Photography Media Arts from Toronto Metropolitan University, graduating with distinction in the summer of 2025. I started a passion project documenting the Ontario Line construction in the Don River Valley, focusing on Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park. There isn’t an end goal, but I’m trying to learn as much as I can and stay curious. 2025 was a kind of bittersweet year – to think that I joined GGYC as I was going into university, and now I’m a graduate. I look forward to 2026 and what new challenges may come!

GGYC Celebrates Financial Literacy Month with YNAB Partnership

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 19:52:42 GMT

November marked the 15th anniversary of Financial Literacy Month (FLM) in Canada . The goal of this important month is to strengthen people’s financial knowledge and skills with the ultimate goal of improving their long-term financial well-being.

As Financial Literacy Month comes to an end, Go Green Youth Centre is proud to announce a partnership with YNAB (You Need A Budget). YNAB is a popular, award-winning budgeting software and resource platform.

Through this collaboration, Go Green Youth Centre was able to successfully distribute free YNAB licenses and financial literacy resources to the youth we work with, empowering them with a powerful tool for financial planning. We extend our sincere gratitude to YNAB for giving back to our community!

"YNAB is excited to partner with Go Green Youth Centre, a nonprofit organization based in Canada, through the YNAB for Good Program, which helps individuals in underrepresented and marginalized communities access financial literacy resources."

— You Need a Budget (YNAB)

YNAB Instagram

Go Green Youth Centre Instagram

Michael Ma GGYC Instagram

Go Green Youth Centre is dedicated to understanding and tackling the financial barriers faced by young people. To better inform our future programs, we recently conducted an internal survey with youth in our local communities to better understand their financial habits and challenges. You can view the report below.

Announcing Abeir Liton as Director, Philanthropy & Impact

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:57:52 GMT

Go Green Youth Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of Abeir Liton as its Director, Philanthropy & Impact, effective immediately. To fulfill this role, Abeir has stepped down as a Go Green Youth Centre Board Member.

Abeir’s background spans strategic planning, communications, organizational development, and technology. His journey started with Go Green Youth Centre when he was a student at Valley Park Middle School.

Over the years, Abeir has worked across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Most recently, he served as a Business Development Representative at Circuit Virtual Tours, a leading higher-education virtual-tour provider, where he focused on growth across Canada and the United States.

In his new leadership role, Abeir will strengthen partnerships, expand fundraising efforts, lead digital transformation, and help ensure the organization continues to empower, educate, and elevate children and youth. A key priority will be advancing the launch of Go For It Youth Organization, Go Green Youth Centre’s registered charitable partner.

“Abeir’s appointment reflects the spirit of what Go Green Youth Centre stands for — nurturing young people who grow into leaders that create change,” said the Go Green Youth Centre Board. “We are excited for his leadership as we continue to build stronger partnerships and expand opportunities for the next generation. Having started his journey with us as a student, Abeir embodies the values of growth, leadership, and giving back that define Go Green Youth Centre.” - Nick Stefanoff, Co-Chair, & Lisa Grogan-Green, Co-Chair

“I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to work with some amazing people and partners to create life-changing impact for many of the youth we serve. I know it’s a very challenging time for young people navigating educational and career pathways, and I hope we can be a trusted support system that gives them the tools, confidence, and community they need to thrive.” - Abeir Liton

Winners of the Bondar Challenge: ‘Details of a Dandelion’ and ‘Huddled in a Flower’

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:31:35 GMT

We are delighted to share that the following two photography art pieces from Go Green Youth Centre have been selected as winners in the 2025 Summer Camp Bondar Challenge:

“Details of a Dandelion” by A. Gao - Go Green Youth Centre First Place
“Huddled in a Flower" by M. Barcebal - Go Green Youth Centre Second Place

"Details of the Dandelion" has also been honoured as the Overall Emerald Level Winner of the Bondar Challenge. Both pieces exemplify the Challenge’s goals of environmental engagement and artistic insight, and both photos were taken on our site!

We would like to thank Sophia, Michelle, and Sumaya for leading the Bondar Challenge during our 2025 Summer Sports and Education Camp.

Roberta Bondar Foundation Summer Camp Bondar Challenge Winners:
https://therobertabondarfoundation.org/initiatives/the-bondar-challenge/award-winners/summer-camp-bondar-challenge-winners/#emerald

Recognizing Impact: GGYC Named One of Toronto’s Community Champions

Tue, 27 May 2025 17:28:46 GMT

We are proud to announce that Go Green Youth Centre has been selected as one of the 25 recipients of the 2025 Toronto Community Champion Awards, chosen from over 250 submissions.

I n its third year, the Toronto Community Champion Award celebrates the extraordinary contributions of local organizations that continue to support the health, well-being and resilience of Toronto residents.

Thank you to our amazing participants, families, volunteers, community members, staff, donors, and partners. Your support makes this work possible and impactful! A special shoutout to Joyce Chew, a local resident leader in Thorncliffe Park, for nominating us.

A special thank you to Mayor Olivia Chow, the City of Toronto, and United Way Greater Toronto for recognizing and uplifting our work.

City of Toronto News Release : https://www.toronto.ca/news/city-of-toronto-announces-2025-toronto-community-champion-award-recipients/

TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Donates $20,000 to Support Youth-Led STEM Program

Thu, 15 May 2025 11:27:17 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that Go For It Youth Organization has received a Community Board grant from TELUS Friendly Future Foundation for $20,000 to support a free, youth-led computer coding program for youth in Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park, and surrounding communities.

“As we gear up for summer 2025, this is excellent news and fits perfectly with our vision of expanding educational opportunities for the youth we serve. I’m excited to see the program in action, led by our youth computer coaches,” said Michael Ma, Executive Director of Go Green Youth Centre.

This innovative program will be part of Go Green Youth Centre’s 2025 Summer Sports and Education Camp. With this funding, we will remove financial barriers, foster strong mentorship opportunities, and inspire young people to explore the exciting world of STEM.

“Through our partnerships with charities supporting youth, we understand the challenges young people in these situations face,” said Nimtaz Kanji, Executive Director of TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. “We are proud to be able to support Go For It Youth Organization, with a Community Board grant in order to help them increase confidence in their knowledge and programming skills, improve their ability to follow structured lessons and ensure readiness for high school and post-secondary education.”

For more information on Go For It Youth Organization, please visit goforityouth.ca , and for more information on TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, visit friendlyfuture.com .

About Go For It Youth Organization

Go For It Youth Organization is the registered charitable partner of Go Green Youth Centre focused on the advancement of education. We believe in the power of education. Our CRA-registered charity is dedicated to providing funding and support for educational initiatives aimed at children and youth living in the neighbourhood improvement areas of Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park and beyond. Partnering with schools, educators, and community members we strive to create a brighter future for them through the power of education.

About TELUS Friendly Future Foundation

TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is a Canadian registered charity that believes all youth, regardless of circumstance, deserve an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. That is why we’re committed to giving youth the opportunity to belong. By funding more than 500 charities each year that provide education and health programs, many enabled by technology, along with providing educational bursaries, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is helping more than two million youth in communities across Canada build skills, confidence and feel a sense of belonging. In 2023 alone, we provided more than $9 million in grants to 550+ charitable programs across Canada, and close to $2 million in bursaries to 400+ post-secondary students experiencing financial need and who are committed to making a difference in their communities.

Announcing Michael Ma as Executive Director

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 02:44:50 GMT

Go Green Youth Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Ma as its next Executive Director, effective immediately.

Michael brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and youth development. His journey with Go Green Youth Centre began as a basketball coach when he was a Grade 10 student at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute.

Over the years, Michael has worked for GGYC part-time year-round and full-time during our summer programs, deepening his commitment to supporting young people. He has also served as a Supervisor for the Toronto Foundation for Student Success Beyond 3:30 program at Valley Park Middle School.

Michael is admired for his dedication, leadership, coaching, and mentorship skills, which have profoundly shaped our organization’s culture. He is deeply respected for his unwavering character—his personal courage, kindness, empathy, and belief in the potential of others.

His impact is felt by all volunteers, coaches, participants and parents. He has built strong relationships with many members of the community.

In his new leadership role, Michael will focus on strengthening partnerships, expanding program offerings, and ensuring the organization continues to empower, educate, and elevate children and youth.

We are incredibly grateful for Michael’s willingness to fulfill this role, the trust he has earned, and the positive change he has fostered within young people in Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park and beyond.

"As a proud former student of Valley Park Middle School, I’m honoured and humbled to now be in a position to give back to the community that helped shape me. I understand the challenges many our youth face, and I’m committed to continuing the work and making a positive difference." – Michael Ma

From Participant to Leader: Mashhood’s 9-Year Journey

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:03:54 GMT

Mashhood’s story is truly inspiring, and we’re thankful for him sharing it with us!

In November 2024, he was awarded the King Charles lll Coronation Medal for his mentorship and role-modeling in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park. Additionally, he received a scholarship from Gyro Auto Group.

Can you share a bit about yourself?

My family immigrated to Canada from South Asia when I was 8 years old for a better life. I have three younger siblings who look up to me as a role model. When I first arrived, I remember feeling out of place. It was difficult to adjust to my surroundings and form meaningful relationships with people. Try to imagine a first generation child trying to fit into a new and unfamiliar reality as his parents go through the same experience. It’s really hard when you’re in a different country.

Can you speak about your journey with Go Green Youth Centre?

Looking back, I realize that I’ve been involved with GGYC for over nine years now. I started as a participant, became a Leader in Training (LIT), and then transitioned into a staff role, where I had the privilege of coaching other participants and taking on a leadership role in the LIT program. I started serving as the lead supervisor for the LIT program during March Break Camp in 2024.

I began my journey with GGYC in the summer of 2015, right after graduating from Grade 8 at Valley Park Middle School and preparing to start high school at Marc Garneau CI. I was 13 years old at the time.

I first learned about GGYC when Abeir, a GGYC multisport coach at that time, approached my father at the Thorncliffe Park PS schoolyard about free sports programs at Valley Park Middle School operated by GGYC. I remember having no idea what to expect.

Although I started in the cricket program, I soon realized that my true passion was soccer and basketball. That’s when I met Michael and Crystal, who were also multisport coaches at that time. Together with my two younger siblings, I took part in the summer camp and year-round programs. We participated in a variety of activities such as field trips, drills, workshops, tournaments and more.

As I grew older, GGYC became my first volunteer opportunity. In the March Break of 2016, I started volunteering full-time, and then part-time throughout the year, completing over 650 volunteer hours. This experience allowed me to develop leadership skills and contribute.

In March 2017, during the March Break Camp, I was hired by GGYC as a grade 10 student. From that point on, I worked full-time during the summer and March break, and part-time throughout the year.

How did GGYC support you in overcoming challenges or pursuing your dreams?

GGYC provided me with a strong sense of community and belonging, and it broadened my horizons as I met role models who inspired me. Over the years, I developed my confidence, leadership, teamwork and independence. I came from a traditional south asian environment where children and youth are usually not encouraged to think for themselves and who they aspire to be. This can take away from achieving their full potential. At GGYC, I was empowered to think for myself and become the leader I wanted to be.

Having the opportunity to hold a paid job at GGYC during high school and university made a huge difference. It allowed me to ease financial stress for my parents, while also giving me the support of a community that believed in me. I’ve become a better son, brother, friend and colleague.

What kinds of challenges do you see your participants and mentees facing today?

A major challenge I've seen among our GGYC participants and some of my direct mentees is the delayed development of social skills in the aftermath of the pandemic. The disruption of in-person interactions has made it harder for many to regain the confidence and practice needed to navigate social situations effectively to form genuine, healthy and trusting connections. I am often reminded of the feeling of “not belonging’” I felt myself. For some participants, this sense of isolation can manifest in other ways, such as aggression, which I have noticed in some of the youth.

How do you approach your role as a Coach/Mentor at GGYC?

My goal as a coach and mentor is to inspire young people to believe in their potential and help them shift their mindset for the better. Just like my own journey, I want them to understand that they have the power to create their own path and are not defined by their circumstances.

Based on your journey with GGYC, what would you say to a parent considering whether to enroll their child?

Every parent wants their child to surpass them in life. By enrolling your child in GGYC, you're investing in their future in ways traditional schooling can't, and providing opportunities you never had a chance to experience. You’re removing a glass ceiling for them. Unlike the pressure of regular classes, a camp environment allows children to explore passions, build confidence, and unlock talents that you never knew existed, and that they may not have discovered otherwise.

What steps have you taken toward your educational and career goals?

I’m currently finishing my final year at York University, where I’m pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree with a specialization in accounting and finance. Recently, I completed an internship as a sales technology representative. I’m still exploring different pathways that would allow me to realize my full potential.

20 Years of Play: GGYC Cheers on Jumpstart’s Milestone

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 22:11:42 GMT

More than 125 youth from Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park participated in this special day.

On February 22, 2025, Go Green Youth Centre hosted a Jumpstart Game Day at Valley Park Middle School to celebrate Jumpstart’s 20th birthday. The game day featured free sports and activities for youth of all ages, skills and abilities. We were proud to have over 125 local youth from Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park attending this special event.

Jumpstart has been a proud partner of Go Green Youth Centre since 2015, helping enrich the lives of youth through sport and physical activity.

We were honoured to welcome Doug Gore from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities on this special day.

Thank you to our staff, participants, parents, and Jumpstart for making this a memorable event!

Summer Camp 2024 Closing Ceremony

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 02:49:41 GMT

On the final day of summer camp, GGYC threw a fantastic Summer 2024 Closing Ceremony to celebrate the amazing achievements and fun times of the past few months. The day was filled with a mix of reflection, entertainment, and togetherness.

The celebration kicked off as campers arrived at GGYC and were greeted by the first slideshow video, which showcased some of the summer's most memorable moments.

Michael Ma, Chief Operating Officer & Director Of Community Wellness, gave an inspiring speech, setting a positive tone for the day. He described GGYC as, "A place where you feel safe, have fun, and make new friendships or strengthen friendships you already have." Next up was Talha Malik, Executive Director, who shared his own heartfelt reflections on the summer. Afterward, campers enjoyed a second slideshow video, showcasing more of the summer's fun activities and shared successes, bringing laughter and joy to the event.

The event then moved outdoors where campers and staff gathered for a barbecue, with an ice cream truck adding a sweet touch. There were also bouncy castles, inflatable slides, carnival games and face painting, creating a lively atmosphere where everyone could unwind and have fun after a busy summer.

As the day continued, several staff members shared their summer experiences. Shahnaaz Eqbal summed up her time as a counselor with three words, "Amazing, surprising, loving," perfectly capturing the GGYC's spirit. Mohammed Deshmukh from Eco Arts reflected, "This is a full circle moment for me. On the Go Green website, there's a photo of me as a camper at the African Lion Safari. That's one of my biggest takeaways from being here this summer. The kids here may not notice it yet, but they're going to grow with Go Green." Zain, a Leader in Training (LIT), added, "This summer has been a huge success, not just for myself but for Go Green as a whole. I think we had an amazing summer camp this year."

The event wrapped up with a cake-cutting ceremony, providing a final shared moment that symbolized the camp's efforts to create lasting memories and offer a fitting end to the season.

The GGYC Summer 2024 Closing Ceremony was a joyful and successful event, marking the end of a summer full of growth, friendship, and unforgettable experiences that perfectly reflected the core values and mission of GGYC.

Golympics 2024 for Team Building

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 20:28:00 GMT

Further inquiries:

info@gogreenyouthcentre.ca

Summer Camp 2024 Staff Orientation

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 17:49:00 GMT

Further inquiries:

info@gogreenyouthcentre.ca

Charting New Horizons: The GGYC Careers Workshop June 2024

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 19:38:00 GMT

Summer Camp 2022 Tribute

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Further Inquiries:

Info@gogreenyouthcentre.ca

March Break 2022 Camp Slideshow

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Further Inquiries:

Info@gogreenyouthcentre.ca

March Break 2022 Camper Testimonials

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Further Inquiries:

Info@gogreenyouthcentre.ca

March Break 2022 Leaders in Training Testimonials

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Further Inquiries:

Info@gogreenyouthcentre.ca

Learning Robotics with One of the Coaches

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 08:04:00 GMT

On a Saturday morning in November, dozens of kids aged seven to 13 are signing onto a Zoom session with Go Green Youth Centre. Although Go Green has held many different programs for kids over the years, this year is different. There’s a new robotics program that has just begun and Mohid Sharif, one of the coaches, is leading the second day of classes.

Mohid is an enthusiastic coach. He knows what he is talking about and is clearly excited about robotics and computer programming in general. While it can be tricky to conduct these classes on Zoom, he and the two other coaches manage to pull it off.

About 50 to 60 kids in total participate, but they are broken up into smaller groups of eight to 10 across six classes. The robotics classes run throughout the day, with three dedicated coaches to lead them: Mohid, Hammad Siddiqui and Haider Ali.

After sitting in on three of these classes, I am impressed by how Mohid keeps the kids engaged and leads them through some beginner programming lessons on Scratch. As he teaches the students, I become curious about his own journey with robotics and Go Green Youth Centre.

“I actually attended the middle school that Go Green takes place in,” Mohid tells me, referring to Toronto’s Valley Park Middle School. He became interested in computer programming and robotics in high school where he took three programming and engineering courses and, in his final year, a robotics course. Currently, he is studying computer science and mathematics at the University of Toronto.

Mohid explains the program he is coaching which is intended to teach the students the fundamentals of robotics and will be taught in stages. The first stage focuses on coding in different programming languages, mainly Python, Java and C++. The next stage will be computer engineering which is where the participants will learn skills more closely related to robotics. This will set up the final robotics stage where students learn about creating machines with Arduino and Lego (which uses Lego building blocks).

The end goal is for students to be able to create simple computer programs in the different programming languages taught. They will also examine and create computers, machines and, ultimately, robots.

While Mohid misses the ability to provide one-on-one guidance to the students, which is impossible via Zoom, the students still ask questions and benefit from not having to commute or travel to participate. Students can take part who may not have been able to attend in person. It also offers an exciting way to teach kids new, sought-after skills while giving them a fun, structured weekend activity at home.

Mohid, for his part, loves being a coach. “I enjoy being able to teach kids about what I am passionate about,” he says. He explains how fun it is to create unique games with them every week while getting them interested in computer programming and robotics. He is especially excited by the prospect of some of these kids developing a similar passion for robotics. “Many decide at this early age that this is what they want to pursue,” he says.

The kids certainly seem to enjoy the classes, with several asking frequent questions throughout and one little girl happily showing off the shark-eating-fish game she made. Seeing the pride the students take in their work when they successfully complete a lesson makes it all the more worthwhile.

Mohid is looking forward to coaching for the next several months and is preparing for next week’s lesson: learning Python. Perhaps, he is setting some of these kids on a new path, such as a lifelong interest in robotics that could begin the journey of NASA’s next engineer.

Gillian Brandon-Hart

Further inquiries:

info@gogreenyouthcentre.ca

Robotics Program -- More than 45 minutes on a Saturday morning

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

“Mohid, so I just turn the spaceship 80 degrees?” 12 year-old Aayan Shivji asks his instructor at Toronto’s Go Green Youth Center’s new Saturday morning robotics program. At this week’s Zoom session, the participants are designing a video game. The program is designed for youth ages seven to 13, but I have to confess, I am having trouble keeping up.

On this day, Aayan is joined by a half dozen or so participants and instructors Mohid Sharif, Haider Ali, Hammad Siddiqui. I’ve joined the oldest age group (known as the Dragons) for the 11 a.m. session, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement. As we wait for all the participants to arrive in the Zoom breakout room for the robotics program, a number of people are already asking what the day is going to bring.

My presence doesn’t go unnoticed. In the Zoom chat, Aayan extends his greetings.

“Hello Adele.”

“Hello Aayan.”

“How are you doing?”

“I’m good. I’ve never done this before.”

“It’s okay. Mohid will teach you.”

But once the participants have all arrived and the session gets rolling, I’m not sure he will have much luck! It becomes immediately clear that I am definitely the rookie in the crew. I hear rumblings about a few things that happened during the youth centre’s summer coding program before the students get straight to business on today’s agenda in a program called ‘Scratch.’

I have to google quickly what exactly Scratch is, and discover that it is a free program that allows kids to design their own interactive stories, animations and video games. It seems users of Scratch choose characters, decide how they will move, what they will look like, what they will say and what obstacles they will encounter to create a cohesive game or story. With that heavy-duty bit of knowledge, I decide I’ll give it a try. I get as far as picking my own character, a “Sprite” named Abby, who I am able to shrink and rotate with considerable effort, but I quickly decide my time will be better spent watching the ‘pros.’

For this session, Mohid is taking the participants through a step by step procedure in which the kids create a game where a spaceship tries to evade flying rocks by dodging or lasering them. This involves developing a series of commands using Scratch that string together complicated if/then scenarios that make my head spin. The participants are also responsible for choosing which keyboard keys perform a function in the game. For example, the space bar makes the rocket fire lasers.

“When the rocket ship touches the asteroid, the wand doesn’t follow.” Aayan is one step ahead of the game, and I watch with some fascination as he, Mohid and a number of other participants collaborate to find a solution to this problem. It all sounds like gibberish to me.

As they are working, Aayan unmutes himself to ask, “Mohid, do you have a YouTube channel?” Mohid does not. “Well, I’m going to get a YouTube channel and it’s going to be me playing games I made on Scratch,” Aayan muses. I chuckle, but I am overcome by the sentiment that programs like these are so much bigger than just 45 minutes on a Saturday morning. I am struck by the level of competency and enthusiasm that have run at a fever-pitch throughout the entire session, and I can’t help but think one of these kids is going to be designing my digital pacemaker one day.

The session wraps up with Mohid assigning two homework projects to be completed before next week’s session. Let me tell you, I’ve never heard such an enthusiastic response to homework. “Right on! I’ll do it.” “Ok. No problem!” is the chorus in the Zoom chat.

Adele Paul

Further inquiries:

info@gogreenyouthcentre.ca

Youth-focused charities face funding shortfall amid COVID-19 crisis

Wed, 13 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/05/13/news/youth-focused-charities-face-funding-shortfall-amid-covid-19-crisis

By Morgan Sharp | News , Next Gen Insider |May 13th 2020

Young people attend Go Green Youth Centre's summer camp in 2019.

The Go Green Youth Centre typically runs after-school and weekend programs by and for young people living in densely populated highrise apartments in Toronto’s east end.

Already reeling from cuts by the Progressive Conservative provincial government to funding for youth programs, the charity is now also going without the fees it usually collects from groups that pay to use its field to play cricket in the evenings.

Its full-day summer camp may not go ahead due to safety and social distancing concerns, and Go Green is scrambling to come up with alternative activities it can deliver virtually to help entertain the roughly 500 children it normally serves.

“I’d love to be able to pay for watercolour pencils and a few paint brushes and maybe a couple of canvases, a sketch pad,” said Lisa Grogan-Green, Go Green’s co-chair. “But we need a budget for that, we don’t have the money for that.

Young clients and staff at Go Green Youth Centre's summer camp in 2019.

Go Green is just one of hundreds of charitable organizations across Canada struggling to keep its programming going as the lockdown hampers both their ability to deliver services and to fundraise.

Imagine Canada, an advocacy group that represents some 170,000 charities, says COVID-19 and the resulting societal restrictions have so far hurt them much more than the Great Recession of the late 2000s did.

A ParticipACTION-sponsored Crazy for Cricket Event at Valley Park Middle School

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT

A ParticipACTION-sponsored Crazy for Cricket Event at Valley Park Middle School brings Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park families together to get active and watch the ICC World Cup Cricket Match between India and Pakistan

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/a-participaction-sponsored-crazy-for-cricket-event-at-valley-park-middle-school-brings-thorncliffe-and-flemingdon-park-families-together-to-get-active-and-watch-the-icc-world-cup-cricket-match-between-india-and-pakistan-808106186.html

TORONTO, June 14, 2019 /CNW/ - Join Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park families this Sunday June 16, 2019 to celebrate with two billion fans worldwide as arch rivals India and Pakistan compete in the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup.

"We are excited to cheer for Pakistan," said Talha Malik, Executive Director of the Go Green Youth Centre, the not-for-profit organization hosting what is a special, memorable and riveting neighbourhood event. "India is a strong team and this will draw large crowds."

GGYC's Crazy for Cricket Event Celebrating ICC World Cup Match between Arch Rivals India and Pakistan (CNW Group/Go Green Youth Centre)

The majority of Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park families are South Asian with roughly one-third hailing from India and Pakistan. The rivalry between the countries' teams is legendary dating back to their first One Day International match in 1978. This Sunday's match will be held at Old Trafford in Manchester, UK. And starts at VPMS at 5:00 am EST with the game projected on the cafetorium wall at 130 Overlea Blvd.

This is GGYC's fourth Crazy for Cricket event in eight years with the first celebrated during an infamous school sleepover when India and Sri Lanka competed for the championship in 2011. "This event is a favorite," said Gerri Gershon, former Don Valley West trustee and a GGYC board member who coined the phrase Crazy for Cricket in 2011. "It is always heartening to see families of diverse backgrounds come together in the spirit of friendship to cheer on their team despite the rivalry that exists."

This ParticipACTION-sponsored event caps a two-week Canada-wide ParticipACTION Community Challenge aimed at encouraging families to be active. Young talented female athletes from Hijabi Ballers will lead GGYC youth coaches and fans in the "ParticipACTION Second Innings Stretch." Participants can record their exercise in the downloadable ParticipACTION mobile application to compete with other communities. Festivities will also include a $5.00 bagel breakfast and pizza lunch finished with a themed cake made by Pias Passion Bakery.

About Go Green Youth Centre:

GGYC is a grassroots not-for-profit organization which built in 2015 a multi-purpose cricket field in the VPMS backyard. In 2017, LED sports lights were added making GGYC Canada's first illuminated cricket field. A qualified team of local youth lead subsidized summer and year-round programs for more than 350 children in cricket, sports, eco-arts, music, cooking and nutrition. Activities continue this summer despite a looming existential threat posed by the Conservative government's spending cuts. Of GGYC's $300,000 annual budget, $65,000 was supplied by the suspended Ontario Sport & Recreation Communities Fund grant. As well, the slashing of the Conservative government's 2019/20 TDSB Community Use Schools funding envelope means GGYC's $61,000 in free indoor annual school permits are now threatened. This eliminates an important youth-led program for impoverished new immigrant children and will discourage the 40 14- and 15-year old volunteers and 35 youth coaches who lead programs year-round.

GGYC thanks ParticipACTION, Park Properties, Preston Group, WJ Properties, Greenwin Inc., CIBC, Shoppers Drug Mart, the Canada Summer Jobs program, the Toronto District School Board and small local donors for enabling it to stay open this summer. For last summer's Impact report or to register for programs, please visit www.gogreenyouthcentre.ca .

Interview opportunities:

Talha Malik (647) 772-0065, t.malik@gogreenyouthcentre.ca GGYC Executive Director

Gerri Gershon (416) 540-1920, gerrigershon26@gmail.com -Former TDSB DVW Trustee and GGYC Board Member

Ali Baig (416) 727-7906, tbaig@rogers.com GGYC Board Member

SOURCE Go Green Youth Centre

For further information: please contact info@gogreenyouthcentre or call 647-725-2793.

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/a-participaction-sponsored-crazy-for-cricket-event-at-valley-park-middle-school-brings-thorncliffe-and-flemingdon-park-families-together-to-get-active-and-watch-the-icc-world-cup-cricket-match-between-india-and-pakistan-808106186.html

TORONTO, June 14, 2019 /CNW/ - Join Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park families this Sunday June 16, 2019 to celebrate with two billion fans worldwide as arch rivals India and Pakistan compete in the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup.

"We are excited to cheer for Pakistan," said Talha Malik, Executive Director of the Go Green Youth Centre, the not-for-profit organization hosting what is a special, memorable and riveting neighbourhood event. "India is a strong team and this will draw large crowds."

GGYC's Crazy for Cricket Event Celebrating ICC World Cup Match between Arch Rivals India and Pakistan (CNW Group/Go Green Youth Centre)

The majority of Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park families are South Asian with roughly one-third hailing from India and Pakistan. The rivalry between the countries' teams is legendary dating back to their first One Day International match in 1978. This Sunday's match will be held at Old Trafford in Manchester, UK. And starts at VPMS at 5:00 am EST with the game projected on the cafetorium wall at 130 Overlea Blvd.

This is GGYC's fourth Crazy for Cricket event in eight years with the first celebrated during an infamous school sleepover when India and Sri Lanka competed for the championship in 2011. "This event is a favorite," said Gerri Gershon, former Don Valley West trustee and a GGYC board member who coined the phrase Crazy for Cricket in 2011. "It is always heartening to see families of diverse backgrounds come together in the spirit of friendship to cheer on their team despite the rivalry that exists."

This ParticipACTION-sponsored event caps a two-week Canada-wide ParticipACTION Community Challenge aimed at encouraging families to be active. Young talented female athletes from Hijabi Ballers will lead GGYC youth coaches and fans in the "ParticipACTION Second Innings Stretch." Participants can record their exercise in the downloadable ParticipACTION mobile application to compete with other communities. Festivities will also include a $5.00 bagel breakfast and pizza lunch finished with a themed cake made by Pias Passion Bakery.

About Go Green Youth Centre:

GGYC is a grassroots not-for-profit organization which built in 2015 a multi-purpose cricket field in the VPMS backyard. In 2017, LED sports lights were added making GGYC Canada's first illuminated cricket field. A qualified team of local youth lead subsidized summer and year-round programs for more than 350 children in cricket, sports, eco-arts, music, cooking and nutrition. Activities continue this summer despite a looming existential threat posed by the Conservative government's spending cuts. Of GGYC's $300,000 annual budget, $65,000 was supplied by the suspended Ontario Sport & Recreation Communities Fund grant. As well, the slashing of the Conservative government's 2019/20 TDSB Community Use Schools funding envelope means GGYC's $61,000 in free indoor annual school permits are now threatened. This eliminates an important youth-led program for impoverished new immigrant children and will discourage the 40 14- and 15-year old volunteers and 35 youth coaches who lead programs year-round.

GGYC thanks ParticipACTION, Park Properties, Preston Group, WJ Properties, Greenwin Inc., CIBC, Shoppers Drug Mart, the Canada Summer Jobs program, the Toronto District School Board and small local donors for enabling it to stay open this summer. For last summer's Impact report or to register for programs, please visit www.gogreenyouthcentre.ca .

Interview opportunities:

Talha Malik (647) 772-0065, t.malik@gogreenyouthcentre.ca GGYC Executive Director

Gerri Gershon (416) 540-1920, gerrigershon26@gmail.com -Former TDSB DVW Trustee and GGYC Board Member

Ali Baig (416) 727-7906, tbaig@rogers.com GGYC Board Member

SOURCE Go Green Youth Centre

For further information: please contact info@gogreenyouthcentre or call 647-725-2793.

The Best Outdoor Sports Fields In Toronto

Sat, 19 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT

The best outdoor sports fields in Toronto are green expanses of summer sports heaven. If you're looking for the perfect space to kick a ball or toss a Frisbee, look no further than these sprawling athletic grounds.

Here are my picks the best outdoor sports fields in Toronto.

Varsity Stadium

This 5,000-seat U of T stadium near Bloor and St. George is probably the most impressive field in the city, outside of the Rogers Centre and BMO Field. Its state-of-the-art artificial turf field has previously played host to some Olympic and Pan Am Games events — it's highly recommended to book way in advance.

Cherry Beach Sports Fields

Perfect for a game of pick-up with friends, the two multipurpose fields at this waterfront property in the Port Lands can host pretty much any type of field game and are home to a number of recreational sports leagues throughout the summer.

Regent Park Athletic Grounds

With a track, basketball court and artificial turf field, the grounds right next to the Regent Park Community Centre at Dundas and Parliament have been fully revamped to be any athletes paradise. Their field house is funded by Under Armour, so you know the space is legit.

Centennial Park

This Etobicoke park goes beast mode, with seven soccer fields, a baseball diamond, five softball diamonds, a 120-acre golf course, an eight-lane track and two cricket pitches. Home to the Etobicoke Olympium, this place even has a BMX bike park.

Birchmount Stadium

This longstanding Scarborough sports arena features one multipurpose field, one outdoor track and a long jump pit. It used to look a little worse for wear, but since undergoing renovations in 2006 it's become a favourite for almost all major tournaments and soccer leagues.

Go Green Cricket and Sports Field

This cricket-centric field in Flemingdon Park is the country's first illuminated cricket field. Decked out in outdoor LED sports lights, you can rent out their two junior cricket fields during the day or evening.

Sunnybrook Park

Located by Bayview and Leaside, this giant stretch of land is home to a number of fun outdoors activities. Use any of their four multipurpose fields, three cricket pitch fields and batting practice area — among many other fields — then head to their picnic site for a post-practice meal.

Eglinton Flats

This Mount Dennis sports-focused park has six soccer fields, four field hockey pitches, a rugby field, a football field, winterized tennis courts and two cricket pitches. The condition of the fields isn't always the best, but the scale is impressive.

North York Civic Centre Soccer Fields

The official soccer centre of North York, these fields at Bathurst and Finch have seven full-size soccer pitches. You'll find tons of little leagues gathering for a session of ball kicking, though plenty also hit up the space to play Frisbee and football too.

North York Civic Centre Soccer Fields

The official soccer centre of North York, these fields at Bathurst and Finch have seven full-size soccer pitches. You'll find tons of little leagues gathering for a session of ball kicking, though plenty also hit up the space to play Frisbee and football too.

Summer Camp 2015 Slideshow

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 08:06:00 GMT

Further Inquires:

Info@gogreenyouthcentre.ca

Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field Now Open

Fri, 05 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT

After 5 years, the Valley Park Go Green Cricket and Sports Field is now open! The environmentally sustainable outdoor not-for-profit sport and recreational facility, offers accessible programming for at-risk youth in Toronto. Go Green’s free programs will protect youth aged 7–18 years old from harm and/or victimization by providing safe and supervised programs and activities outside of school hours at their outdoor recreational facility, as well as inside Valley Park Middle School.

The opening ceremony on Thursday June 5, 2015, consisted of a full day of fun activities funded by the City of Toronto’s Pan Am & ParaPan Festivals Grant program and supported by Jays Care Foundation, MLSE Foundation and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.

Our beyond 3:30 students from Valley Park Middle School joined Premier Kathleen Wynne at the grand opening ceremony of Canada’s first illuminated cricket field.

Above: Premier Kathleen Wynne at the inaugural celebration of the Go Green Cricket Field, receiving a thank you card from a beyond 3:30 students.

Above: Premier Kathleen Wynne batting in the newly opened Go Green Cricket Field alongside our nutrition coordinator, Julie (left). Beyond 3:30 students waiting for the cricket tournament to begin (right).

Above: Beyond 3:30 students excited to play baseball with the Jays Care Rookie League.

Kids, Frogs and Fun!

Tue, 12 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT

East York, Ont. – There’s something magical that happens when a child discovers tiny creatures living in a wetland or watches in wonder a great blue heron flying gracefully overhead. But for urban children, experiencing nature up close is often a rare event.

On Tuesday, May 12, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), Go Green Cricket & Sports Field and Toronto and Region Conservation joined together to help a group of Toronto students experience the natural world first-hand. With support from DUC’s ongoing education program sponsors Ontario Trillium Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment and State Farm® Youth Advisory Board, today, this education partnership took the classroom outdoors.

More than 100 students from Valley Park Middle School (VPMS) and Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute (MGCI) dropped by the Go Green Cricket & Sports Field Wetland where they took in a guided nature walk, identified wetland critters, spent time on the viewing platform with binoculars and even made native wildflower seed balls that they can plant in their gardens at home. Through today’s activities, students had the opportunity to better understand wetland habitats and their importance to wildlife, people and their local community.

“We recognize that many urban children have few opportunities to interact with nature within their own communities of high-rises, roads and shopping malls,” says Lynette Mader, manager of provincial operations for Ducks Unlimited Canada. “The teachers and principals of Valley Park Middle School and Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute understand this reality and are committed to getting kids outdoors through the Wetland Centre of Excellence program.”

Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute is one of nine secondary schools across the province engaged in DUC’s Wetland Centre of Excellence program – a program where students tackle hands-on wetland action projects and are becoming advocates for the environment.

In an effort to raise awareness about the value of these local habitats, students participating in today’s workshop also learned about native and invasive plant species from the experts at Toronto and Region Conservation.

“Teaching today’s youth the value of preserving our natural world has never been more crucial,” Brian Denney, CEO of TRCA said. “Even young people who aren’t exposed to it as frequently as others can benefit by discovering what can be found in a wetland, a forest or a stream and how to protect them. In doing so, even urban students become stewards of nature and these priceless lessons can last a lifetime.”

Teaching children about nature and the great outdoors has never been more important in this province. Ontario is home to more than 40% of Canada’s population with the vast majority living in our rapidly expanding urban communities. As more and more people move into cities, Ontarians are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature and wildlife.

Wetlands are one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth – second only to rainforests. Besides providing habitat for hundreds of wildlife species, they naturally filter and store water, mitigate floods, droughts, storm surges and the effects of climate change. They provide enormous benefit to society yet we continue to lose them.

“Educating youth about wetlands and waterfowl is a big part of our mission at Ducks Unlimited Canada,” adds Mader. “We need to make sure all Ontarians, including young people, understand the conservation concepts and practices that will protect and sustain the health of precious natural resources like wetlands. Ontario needs an Action Plan to reverse the trend of wetland loss.

About Ducks Unlimited Canada:

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. To learn more, please visit ducks.ca .

About Go Green Cricket & Sports Field:

The Go Green Cricket & Sports Field is a $1.5 million not-for-profit community project led by community activists, students and parents from VPMS, MGCI and the Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park neighbourhoods. The name “Go Green” reflects the project’s storm water management focus with the field’s surface and underground storm waters draining to a demonstration bioswale and wetland, emphasizing the site’s location within the Don River Watershed.

About Toronto and Region Conservation:

With more than 55 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation helps people understand, enjoy and look after the natural environment. TRCA’s vision is for the Living City – a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live, for you today and for your children tomorrow. For more information, call 416-661-6600 or visit www.trca.on.ca .

Contact Information

Joanne Barbazza Communications Specialist, Ontario Ducks Unlimited Canada (705) 721 4444 ext. 240 j_barbazza@ducks.ca

Joanne Barbazza Communications Specialist, Ontario Ducks Unlimited Canada (705) 721 4444 ext. 240 j_barbazza@ducks.ca

Annual Tournament Supports Cricket In Toronto Neighbourhoods

Sat, 14 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT

While the annual Premier Cup cricket tournament brought Ontario Ismaili Muslims together in April, it was also part of a wider effort to build cricket pitches and support programming in Toronto neighbourhoods that are home to large South Asian immigrant communities.

While the annual Premier Cup cricket tournament brought Ontario Ismaili Muslims together in April, it was also part of a wider effort to build cricket pitches and support programming in Toronto neighbourhoods that are home to large South Asian immigrant communities.

The Ismaili Council versus Mukhi-Kamadias was a showdown that no one had expected, but everyone revelled in. It was the most popular match at the Premier Cup cricket tournament held earlier this spring.

More than 100 players aged 16–75 and representing 13 Jamatkhanas across Ontario came to Brampton with their families to participate in the cricket event that took place in April. The annual tournament has been organised since 2012 by the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Ontario (AKYSB), and while it brings Ismailis together, it is also part of a wider community effort to support families in Toronto neighbourhoods that are home to large South Asian immigrant communities.

“This was an excellent opportunity to expose this sport to other Canadians who may not have tried it before,” says Abdulsultan Madhani. Four years ago, Madhani and a committee of parents and students from the Valley Park Middle School started the Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field project to offer youth opportunities to engage in healthy activities through the sport. Now a community-led not-for-profit

corporation, the initiative delivers free

programming and funds upgrades to local

fields that serve the community in Thorncliffe

Park and Flemingdon Park neighbourhoods -

among Canada's top destinations for South Asian Muslim immigrants.

Roughly one-third of Thorncliffe's population is from Pakistan, with another 10 per cent coming from Afghanistan. The area is also home to a large number of Shia Ismaili Muslims, many of whom put down roots when they arrived in Canada in the 1970s.

The Premier Cup tournament raised CAD $10 000 in support of the Valley Park project, but the Ismaili community has also facilitated significant longer-term partnerships for project. With the help of Bahadur Madhani, former chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation's grants review team, Valley Park received $500 000 in funding from the Foundation. Cricket Canada community coach Nizar Moosa has helped Valley Park to train coaches and youth.

“Your community's efforts to assist us truly reflects His Highness the Aga Khan's emphasis – as displayed through the Aga Khan Development Network – on civil society and the importance of philanthropy to heal the world,” said Lisa Grogan-Green, co-chair of the Valley Park project, speaking at a gala dinner celebrating the Premier Cup.

“The AKYSB's efforts will improve the lives of youth and families living in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park,” she continued. “It also exemplifies your leadership in embracing diversity and plurality, not to mention in raising cricket's profile as Canada's fastest growing sport.”

While the Ismaili community and Valley Park work together on a large-scale to improve the quality of life of youth and families, the Premier Cup was about having fun for one weekend.

Back on the cricket pitch, the Ismaili Council won the match against the Mukhi-Kamadias, but in keeping with Jamati tradition, unity and sportsmanship prevailed. “It was a pleasure to see our Jamati leadership come out, participate, and support the event,” says Shehzad Patel, Premier Cup programme manager for AKYSB.

A smile and a wink hint at the possibility of a rematch next year.

Organised by the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Ontario, the Premier Cup cricket tournament was part of a wider community effort to support the development of the sport in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park, Toronto neighbourhoods that are home to large South Asian immigrant communities. Courtesy of Ismaili Council for Ontari o

The Ismaili Council versus Mukhi-Kamadias was a showdown that no one had expected, but everyone revelled in. It was the most popular match at the Premier Cup cricket tournament held earlier this spring.

More than 100 players aged 16–75 and representing 13 Jamatkhanas across Ontario came to Brampton with their families to participate in the cricket event that took place in April. The annual tournament has been organised since 2012 by the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Ontario (AKYSB), and while it brings Ismailis together, it is also part of a wider community effort to support families in Toronto neighbourhoods that are home to large South Asian immigrant communities.

“This was an excellent opportunity to expose this sport to other Canadians who may not have tried it before,” says Abdulsultan Madhani. Four years ago, Madhani and a committee of parents and students from the Valley Park Middle School started the Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field project to offer youth opportunities to engage in healthy activities through the sport. Now a community-led not-for-profit

corporation, the initiative delivers free

programming and funds upgrades to local

fields that serve the community in Thorncliffe

Park and Flemingdon Park neighbourhoods -

among Canada's top destinations for South Asian Muslim immigrants.

Roughly one-third of Thorncliffe's population is from Pakistan, with another 10 per cent coming from Afghanistan. The area is also home to a large number of Shia Ismaili Muslims, many of whom put down roots when they arrived in Canada in the 1970s.

The Premier Cup tournament raised CAD $10 000 in support of the Valley Park project, but the Ismaili community has also facilitated significant longer-term partnerships for project. With the help of Bahadur Madhani, former chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation's grants review team, Valley Park received $500 000 in funding from the Foundation. Cricket Canada community coach Nizar Moosa has helped Valley Park to train coaches and youth.

“Your community's efforts to assist us truly reflects His Highness the Aga Khan's emphasis – as displayed through the Aga Khan Development Network – on civil society and the importance of philanthropy to heal the world,” said Lisa Grogan-Green, co-chair of the Valley Park project, speaking at a gala dinner celebrating the Premier Cup.

“The AKYSB's efforts will improve the lives of youth and families living in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park,” she continued. “It also exemplifies your leadership in embracing diversity and plurality, not to mention in raising cricket's profile as Canada's fastest growing sport.”

While the Ismaili community and Valley Park work together on a large-scale to improve the quality of life of youth and families, the Premier Cup was about having fun for one weekend.

Back on the cricket pitch, the Ismaili Council won the match against the Mukhi-Kamadias, but in keeping with Jamati tradition, unity and sportsmanship prevailed. “It was a pleasure to see our Jamati leadership come out, participate, and support the event,” says Shehzad Patel, Premier Cup programme manager for AKYSB.

A smile and a wink hint at the possibility of a rematch next year.

Organised by the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board for Ontario, the Premier Cup cricket tournament was part of a wider community effort to support the development of the sport in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park, Toronto neighbourhoods that are home to large South Asian immigrant communities. Courtesy of Ismaili Council for Ontari o

Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field Gets Another Boost In Support

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Kiwanis Club of East York makes financial contribution

BY DANIELLE MILLEY | EAST YORK MIRROR JAN 28, 2012

Kiwanis Club of East York current past-president George Rowell, centre, presents Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field committee co-chairs Lisa Grogran-Green, left, and Nick Stefanoff with a cheque recently in support of the project being built at Valley Park Middle School. - Photo/COURTESY

The Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field received another boost of support last week.

The Kiwanis Club of East York (KCEY) came out as an early supporter of the project at Valley Park Middle School in Thorncliffe Park, but last week it backed up that endorsement with a financial contribution.

"It's fantastic. It was really personally touching that the members would dip into their pockets like that," said Lisa Grogan-Green, co-chairperson of the project committee.

At the Jan. 17 meeting, KCEY's current past president, George Rowell presented Grogan-Green and Nick Stefanoff, fellow co-chairperson and principal of the school, with a cheque for $12,880.

That amount consisted of individual member contributions together with a matching donation from past president Mary Ellen Trimble. The co-chairs were also presented with a second cheque from the club itself for $4,000.

While the money will help the project reach its fundraising goal of $1.7 million (of which it has raised $1 million), it's the club's belief in the project that is most valuable to the committee.

"What they've done for us is huge, not only have they come forward with a financial contribution, but they came out really early as a supporter and that helped with other donors," Grogan-Green said.

The club's current president, Ross Hillis, said while the club already had a presence in the Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park neighbourhoods through the key club at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute, they wanted to have a greater presence in those communities.

Don Valley West Councillor John Parker told Hillis about the Go Green project and he thought it was a good fit for the club.

"We latched onto the Go Green project as something special," Hillis said.

The project would transform the school yard from the small play place it is today with a concrete basketball court, 11 portables, and a small field used for soccer and other sports, to an oasis with a butterfly meadow, an outdoor amphitheatre, herb and vegetable garden, interpretive marsh, and facilities to play cricket, soccer, baseball and basketball.

The KCEY is also planning a fund raiser in the spring where it would go into a local shopping centre and use a kilometre of double sided sticky tape to collect donations of loonies and toonies. When the Kiwanis Club of Barbados did the fund raiser it raised more than $50,000.

The Go Green committee also has hundreds of thousands of dollars in outstanding grant applications it's waiting to hear back about and it's competing to receive a grant from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) Team Up Foundation Fund. The new fund provides grants totalling $200,000 to Ontario charities for sports and recreation programming or facilities. The grant will be decided on by voting at http://mlseteamupfoundation.org/giving//team-up-foundation-fund/

Voting opens Monday, Jan. 30 and runs until Feb. 20 to determine the top 20; then a committee will determine the top 10, which will be revealed for another round of public voting in March to determine the four recipients.

BY DANIELLE MILLEY | EAST YORK MIRROR JAN 28, 2012

Kiwanis Club of East York current past-president George Rowell, centre, presents Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field committee co-chairs Lisa Grogran-Green, left, and Nick Stefanoff with a cheque recently in support of the project being built at Valley Park Middle School. - Photo/COURTESY

The Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field received another boost of support last week.

The Kiwanis Club of East York (KCEY) came out as an early supporter of the project at Valley Park Middle School in Thorncliffe Park, but last week it backed up that endorsement with a financial contribution.

"It's fantastic. It was really personally touching that the members would dip into their pockets like that," said Lisa Grogan-Green, co-chairperson of the project committee.

At the Jan. 17 meeting, KCEY's current past president, George Rowell presented Grogan-Green and Nick Stefanoff, fellow co-chairperson and principal of the school, with a cheque for $12,880.

That amount consisted of individual member contributions together with a matching donation from past president Mary Ellen Trimble. The co-chairs were also presented with a second cheque from the club itself for $4,000.

While the money will help the project reach its fundraising goal of $1.7 million (of which it has raised $1 million), it's the club's belief in the project that is most valuable to the committee.

"What they've done for us is huge, not only have they come forward with a financial contribution, but they came out really early as a supporter and that helped with other donors," Grogan-Green said.

The club's current president, Ross Hillis, said while the club already had a presence in the Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park neighbourhoods through the key club at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute, they wanted to have a greater presence in those communities.

Don Valley West Councillor John Parker told Hillis about the Go Green project and he thought it was a good fit for the club.

"We latched onto the Go Green project as something special," Hillis said.

The project would transform the school yard from the small play place it is today with a concrete basketball court, 11 portables, and a small field used for soccer and other sports, to an oasis with a butterfly meadow, an outdoor amphitheatre, herb and vegetable garden, interpretive marsh, and facilities to play cricket, soccer, baseball and basketball.

The KCEY is also planning a fund raiser in the spring where it would go into a local shopping centre and use a kilometre of double sided sticky tape to collect donations of loonies and toonies. When the Kiwanis Club of Barbados did the fund raiser it raised more than $50,000.

The Go Green committee also has hundreds of thousands of dollars in outstanding grant applications it's waiting to hear back about and it's competing to receive a grant from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) Team Up Foundation Fund. The new fund provides grants totalling $200,000 to Ontario charities for sports and recreation programming or facilities. The grant will be decided on by voting at http://mlseteamupfoundation.org/giving//team-up-foundation-fund/

Voting opens Monday, Jan. 30 and runs until Feb. 20 to determine the top 20; then a committee will determine the top 10, which will be revealed for another round of public voting in March to determine the four recipients.

Toronto school gripped by cricket fever

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:06:02 GMT

A cricket-crazy Toronto middle school hosts a sleepover during World Cup madness. Hundreds came to watch the final match — and to raise money for a new cricket field of their own.

NOTE: This article has been edited from a previous version.

Of the one billion people watching the World Cup cricket final, none, surely few were more over-the-top excited than the 500 fans whose claps, cheers and chants echoed through a Toronto middle school auditorium.

On Saturday, Valley Park Middle School became a hub of cricket festivities. Students, teachers and community members — some young enough to be carried by fathers, others old enough to have impressive white beards — gathered to watch the final match projected onto a theatre-sized screen.

Shrieks and whistles greeted downed wickets and scored runs for both the Indian and Sri Lankan teams as they faced off in Mumbai. At times, the auditorium rumbled with applause.

The exuberance shouldn’t have been a surprise since the event was dubbed “Toronto’s Biggest Cricket World Cup Party Ever!”

Still, it was impressive to see. Especially with many of the spectators having logged little more than 30 minutes of sleep in the hours leading up to the match.

Valley Park’s all-out cricket party was an all-night affair. The event got going well before the Saturday game, with hundreds arriving Friday evening with plans to spend the night.

The sleepover was organized to raise funds for Valley Park’s proposed school yard revitalization project that includes a cricket pitch and outdoor gathering spaces for the community.

Event organizers hoped bringing the community together for the World Cup final would kick-start support — the financial kind and neighbourly kind.

“People are calling it a fundraiser, but really it’s a friend-raiser,” said Valley Park principal Nick Stefanoff, who grabbed just two hours of sleep before the Saturday cricket match. “The idea was to get excitement in the community about our project . . . When we start looking for sponsors to help pay for the park, they will see the community has been 100 per cent behind it from the beginning.”

Located between Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park, Valley Park is the largest middle school in Canada with 1,200 students, the majority coming from newly immigrated South Asian families who live in the many nearby apartment towers.

The proposed $1.7 million revitalization plan would unfold over Valley Park’s school yard, as well as recently leased adjoining Hydro One corridor lands. In addition to a cricket field, the green space would have a baseball diamond, soccer pitch, an amphitheatre, picnic areas and butterfly and herb gardens.

“Most of the community lives almost exclusively in apartment buildings so green space is at a premium and recreation space is really important,” said school trustee Gerri Gershon (Ward 13, Don Valley West), the first to propose the sleepover fundraiser.

“It’s a great way to bring the community together. It’s what we want our schools to be, hubs of the community and the focus of the community.”

Ali Baig, school council co-chair of the nearby Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute, spent Friday night at Valley Park as a volunteer. Lots of help was needed to distribute food, watch over excited kids and supervise mini-games of cricket and basketball taking place in the school’s gymnasium.

“It was fabulous, so much fun,” Baig said of the sleepover. “We have a lot of confidence that we have the support we need for the project.”

The packed-full Friday night had a line-up that included Bollywood dancing demonstrations, ghost stories, games and a DJ who pumped out three hours of upbeat, dance-friendly music. Few people got any sleep.

But none of that fun compared to the cricket final that got underway at 5 a.m. Saturday.

By the end of the eight-hour match, all the fans, even those cheering for defeated Sri Lanka, whooped, cheered and admitted to a great night out.

“I had no idea if we (India) could do it, but we did,” said Mahabu Shaik, who spent 16 hours at Valley Park with his young son, Masthan.

Both father and son nodded and blearily grinned when asked if they enjoyed the sleepover. Neither planned to go home for a nap.

“There is no time,” Shaik said, “There is a lot of celebration left.”

Originally published April 7, 2011

Priority area Thorncliffe Park to get fresh hope in form of cricket field

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:58:56 GMT

On any given day, stand at the corner of Overlea Boulevard and Don Mills Road at 3 p.m. and watch the flood .

Twelve hundred kids will come streaming out of Valley Park Middle School, which sits on the intersection's northwest corner, just south of the Ontario Science Centre. Across the street, another 2,000 kids emerge from Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute and another 2,000 from Thorncliffe Park Public School. About 700 walk out of Gateway Public School, and between 600 and 700 pass through the doors of Grenoble Public School.

"You've got a good-sized town of kids leaving school at 3 o'clock, just kids, not their parents," says Jason Hayter, vice principal at Valley Park Middle School. He asks, "Where do they all go?," although he already knows the answer.

Odds are, they go home to one of the many large apartment towers that populate Thorncliffe Park, one of 13 "priority areas" identified by the city of Toronto, neighbourhoods marked by high levels of low-income residents and low levels of public investment. Along with neighbouring Flemingdon Park, they are two of the densest neighbourhoods in Toronto: 68 per cent of the residences are high-rise apartment buildings, with more than 60,000 residents, many of whom hail from South Asia, living in 11 square kilometres.

But a group of community activists and staff at Valley Park Middle School are working on a $1.7-million plan to give the children of this neighbourhood somewhere else to go.

Led by principal Nickolas Stefanoff, they plan to transform the school's playground into a community hub that will include a regulation-size cricket field, an attraction sure to draw residents out from the towers.

Cricket isn't just a sport for many of the neighbourhood's residents, Mr. Stefanoff says. "It's a religion."

"If we need drivers for a field trip, you might get one or two. But a cricket tournament? Everyone has their own driver, "says Mr. Hayter, who is also coach of the school's cricket team.

The pitch may be its centrepiece, but the plan for the Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field project also includes an amphitheatre, butterfly garden, public gardens, a system that will divert rainwater from the school's roof to be used for irrigation, a bioswale (a landscape feature that traps pollutants) and much more green space covered by a generous tree canopy, all occupying three hectares (7.5 acres) of land.

"It's going beyond a schoolyard," says Arifa Hai, the landscape architect who is working on the project.

Right now, the playground behind Valley Park Middle School is hardly an enticement to get in an elevator and make the trip outside .

Eight metal poles with backboards attached rise from the asphalt, all of them facing the same direction. Not one has a hoop, so basketball isn't an option. Much of the grass field beyond is taken up by 11 portables, one of them so close to the small baseball diamond that whoever is playing third base never has to worry about getting tired - they could just lean against the portable.

But by moving the portables and leasing a hectare of adjacent brownfields from Hydro One, those involved in the project say there will be room to forge a community hub.

"The whole point is that we want to bring people outside of these apartments, "says Jehad Aliweiwi, executive director of the Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office, an organization that provides a range of social services and that has partnered with the school to help with the project. "This is going to be a showcase place that brings together the many worlds that make up the residents of Thorncliffe and Flemingdon and surrounding areas."

Thorncliffe Park in particular is a case study in the failings of a previous generation's idea of urban planning, said the ward's city councillor, John Parker.

"The buildings are designed to provide a haven for people to retreat into. They're not designed in a way to bring people out into the neighbourhood where they would mix with one another, " he says. "[The Valley Park project]is all about doing the opposite. It's about getting people out into the fresh air, bringing people together, giving them a chance to mix with one another and giving them a chance to connect directly with the ground."

There are several parks in the community, but, as Mr. Aliweiwi says, "It's ample green space, but very little of it is useful and useable. "

Much of Flemingdon Park, for instance, is a vast expanse of grass with nothing more than four soccer goalposts underneath buzzing hydro towers - no swings or slides for children to play on, no benches for people to sit on and no trees to provide shade to anyone who might venture in to the park on a blazing summer day.

"You would bake, " says landscape architect Ms. Hai.

There is plenty of shade in the green space down in the Don Valley, "but the community tend not to use it, " Mr. Stefanoff says. There is very little, if any, wide-open space there where people might throw a ball around, he adds.

Julie Dasoo, co-chair of the Valley Park Middle School parents' council says the planned space behind the school would be a natural home for things like the Friday-night bazaar that takes place in nearby R.V. Burgess Park in the summers.

"It's going to be a gathering place for everyone as a family," she says. "This is going to be a dream come true. Every single family in the community is going to benefit from it."

Mr. Stefanoff says they hope to break ground on the cricket-field project in July, with the bulk of the construction getting under way this fall, and complete the project by fall 2012. It's "ambitious," but still possible, he says

Funding for the project will not be coming from the Toronto District School Board.

"We have a $3-billion backlog in school renewal … so this kind of very significant capital investment in a school field that will serve the school but also serve the community, we don't have board funds to be able to do that, " says Sheila Penny, director of strategic building and renewal at the TDSB.

Still, those behind the project say they are confident they will be able to raise the $1.7-million needed.

Funding is beginning to pour in, says Lisa Green, co-chair of the Valley Park Go Green committee. The group expects to receive about $1-million in various grants in the next three months, and has received donations from several organizations, including $50,000 from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and $25,000 from the Live Green Toronto's stormwater management program.

The Kiwanis Club of East York has approached the group and has told Mr. Stefanoff it should be able to raise between $75,000 and $150,000 for the project. As well, companies ranging from Canadian Tire to Tremco, a roofing company in the neighbourhood, have promised supplies and equipment.

After the March break, a group of students will be making the rounds to several companies in the hope of finding more corporate sponsorship, Ms. Green says.

To raise awareness about the project, the school is planning a "Crazy for Cricket Sleepover " on April 1 that will feature Bollywood dancing, indoor cricket and games rooms in the school. Organizers expect up to 1,500 people to attend, although they say many of them won't sleep over, opting instead to come back in the morning to watch the Cricket World Cup .

"It's not a fundraiser. We're calling it a 'Friendraiser,' " Ms. Green says.

And in the coming weeks, the school is also planning to pit kids against their parents in cricket games in the gymnasium in order to help boost excitement for the project.

Of course, the school doesn't have to go very far out of its way to excite students about the plans to transform the playground, especially members of the cricket team.

A full-size cricket pitch will be a revelation for them.

Most of the fields they're used to playing on are small, and these are very, very good teams, both of which won their conferences last year.

Mr. Hayter recalls a tournament last year in which 10-year-olds from the school were playing on the "tiny " field made of Astroturf at Thorncliffe Public School.

If it wasn't clear to him that day that the neighbourhood needed a full-size pitch, it certainly was midway through the tournament. "You hit a four or six, which is almost like hitting a home run in baseball, and they were doing it every second hit."

PUBLISHED MARCH 18, 2011

Go Green Youth Centre

Elevating Our Leaders-in-Training (LITs): Highlights from GGYC’s March 2026 LIT Training Day

10:00 AM | Introductory Remarks

11:00 AM | Workshop with SciXchange from Toronto Metropolitan University

1:00 PM | Training and Activity-Based Learning

2:45 PM | Mashhood Khan, Guest Speaker

4:00 PM | Closing Remarks and Final Tour

Elevating Our Coaches: Highlights from GGYC’s March 2026 Personal Development & Staff Training Day

10:00 AM | Career Exploration with Mary Giamos

11:00 AM | The Intersection of Business, Finance & Tech

12:00 PM | Indigenous Foundation & Community Leadership

1:00 PM – 4:30 PM | March Break Sports & Education Camp 2026 Training

Shine On & Off the Field: GGYC x The King’s Trust Canada

Looking Ahead: FIFA World Cup 26™

Beyond the Neighbourhood: GGYC Leaders Explore the Labs at York University

In a special collaboration with Connected Minds , youth from our Leaders-in-Training program visited York University to see what research looks like in practice, who it involves, and how it connects to real lives and real communities.

From Coach to Head Coach: Sophia’s 5-Year Journey

Sophia’s story is truly inspiring, and we’re deeply grateful that she chose to share it with us.

In January 2026, Sophia was promoted to Head Coach. In this role, she oversees Go Girls programming and supports administrative operations.

Can you share a bit about yourself?

Can you speak about your journey with Go Green Youth Centre?

How did GGYC support you in overcoming challenges or pursuing your dreams?

What is your approach to mentorship?

What role do you think Go-Girls programming plays in the community?

What are the challenges you see participants facing today?

What steps have you taken toward your educational and career goals?

GGYC Celebrates Financial Literacy Month with YNAB Partnership

Announcing Abeir Liton as Director, Philanthropy & Impact

Winners of the Bondar Challenge: ‘Details of a Dandelion’ and ‘Huddled in a Flower’

Recognizing Impact: GGYC Named One of Toronto’s Community Champions

TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Donates $20,000 to Support Youth-Led STEM Program

Announcing Michael Ma as Executive Director

From Participant to Leader: Mashhood’s 9-Year Journey

Mashhood’s story is truly inspiring, and we’re thankful for him sharing it with us!

In November 2024, he was awarded the King Charles lll Coronation Medal for his mentorship and role-modeling in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park. Additionally, he received a scholarship from Gyro Auto Group.

20 Years of Play: GGYC Cheers on Jumpstart’s Milestone

More than 125 youth from Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park participated in this special day.

Summer Camp 2024 Closing Ceremony

On the final day of summer camp, GGYC threw a fantastic Summer 2024 Closing Ceremony to celebrate the amazing achievements and fun times of the past few months. The day was filled with a mix of reflection, entertainment, and togetherness.

Golympics 2024 for Team Building

Summer Camp 2024 Staff Orientation

Charting New Horizons: The GGYC Careers Workshop June 2024

Summer Camp 2022 Tribute

March Break 2022 Camp Slideshow

March Break 2022 Camper Testimonials

March Break 2022 Leaders in Training Testimonials

Learning Robotics with One of the Coaches

Robotics Program -- More than 45 minutes on a Saturday morning

Youth-focused charities face funding shortfall amid COVID-19 crisis

A ParticipACTION-sponsored Crazy for Cricket Event at Valley Park Middle School

A ParticipACTION-sponsored Crazy for Cricket Event at Valley Park Middle School brings Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park families together to get active and watch the ICC World Cup Cricket Match between India and Pakistan

The Best Outdoor Sports Fields In Toronto

Varsity Stadium

Cherry Beach Sports Fields

Regent Park Athletic Grounds

Birchmount Stadium

Go Green Cricket and Sports Field

Sunnybrook Park

Eglinton Flats

North York Civic Centre Soccer Fields The official soccer centre of North York, these fields at Bathurst and Finch have seven full-size soccer pitches. You'll find tons of little leagues gathering for a session of ball kicking, though plenty also hit up the space to play Frisbee and football too.

Summer Camp 2015 Slideshow

Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field Now Open

Kids, Frogs and Fun!

Contact Information

Joanne Barbazza Communications Specialist, Ontario Ducks Unlimited Canada (705) 721 4444 ext. 240 j_barbazza@ducks.ca

Annual Tournament Supports Cricket In Toronto Neighbourhoods

While the annual Premier Cup cricket tournament brought Ontario Ismaili Muslims together in April, it was also part of a wider effort to build cricket pitches and support programming in Toronto neighbourhoods that are home to large South Asian immigrant communities.

Valley Park Go Green Cricket Field Gets Another Boost In Support

Kiwanis Club of East York makes financial contribution

Toronto school gripped by cricket fever

A cricket-crazy Toronto middle school hosts a sleepover during World Cup madness. Hundreds came to watch the final match — and to raise money for a new cricket field of their own.

Priority area Thorncliffe Park to get fresh hope in form of cricket field

On any given day, stand at the corner of Overlea Boulevard and Don Mills Road at 3 p.m. and watch the flood .

North York Civic Centre Soccer Fields

The official soccer centre of North York, these fields at Bathurst and Finch have seven full-size soccer pitches. You'll find tons of little leagues gathering for a session of ball kicking, though plenty also hit up the space to play Frisbee and football too.