Doorsteps Neighbourhood Services, Greenwin Inc. the Believe to Achieve Organization and Literature for Life win $50K grant from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment

TORONTO, March 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) has officially announced the winners of its inaugural Team Up Foundation Fund. Hundreds of candidates engaged in a social media race against time to garner votes in support of their organizations, ultimately revealing four charities as the recipients.

Among the winners was Doorsteps Neighbourhood Services, a community development organization that delivers social programs and services in Toronto's Black Creek neighbourhood. The funding will go toward The Asset-Based Youth Development Project, a partnership between Doorsteps, Greenwin, Spider Jones and the Believe to Achieve Organization, and Literature for Life.

"This was by far one of the most creative grant application processes we've ever taken part in and we're ecstatic that our friends and colleagues had enough faith in us to support this cause," explains Doorsteps' Executive Director Morris Beckford. "This money will go a long way in helping us to reach youth from the Chalkfarm, Falstaff and greater Black Creek community who need it most."

Adds former boxing champion and media personality Spider Jones: "With the support of a heavy-hitter organization like MLSE, we'll be able to engage more than 200 kids in boxing, mentorship and literacy training. This is truly a milestone for our program and for this community!"

Jo Altilia, Founding Executive Director of Literature for Life, says, "Thanks to MLSE's support, Literature for Life is looking forward to building a strong community engagement project with Doorsteps, Spider's Web and Greenwin."

"The boxing ring is up, Spider's in there leading the mentorship component and Literature for Life will be running in no time," says Eric Green, Director of Social Programming & Development for Greenwin. "We're now coming full circle." 

The project continues to seek donations to ensure sustainability.

Contact:

Doorsteps Neighbourhood Services
200 Chalkfarm Dr., Suite 106
Toronto, ON M3L 2H7
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.doorsteps.ca