TD provides $250,000 to support the Toronto Centre for Community Learning & Development's Program Hub

TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2014 /CNW/ - The Toronto Centre for Community Learning & Development (CCL&D) and TD Bank Group announced a $250,000 donation that will help support CCL&D programs and initiatives in Regent Park.

"We're excited to support the learning centre helping those that place a high priority on programs focused on developing life skills such as financial literacy and social inclusion which helps participants enhance their social interaction, overall sense of belonging, and community spirit," said Ron McInnis, Senior Vice President, Greater Toronto Region, TD Bank Group.  "TD is committed to making a lasting difference in the communities where we live and work – and look forward to seeing Regent Park grow as a vibrant and strong community for years to come."

The Daniels Centre of Learning will be re-branded as the TD Centre of Learning to showcase TD's commitment to providing Torontonians access to various programs including academic upgrading to youth-driven digital training. 

"As an organization that serves approximately 10,000 people each year, it is crucial that we know we can fund a program and house it.  This partnership ensures that sustainability in a time when many funders are scaling back donations and grants," stated Alfred Jean-Baptiste, executive director, Toronto Centre for Community Learning & Development.   

TD's support will enable CCL&D to provide capacity training for grassroots initiatives and to work with Toronto Community Housing, and other local service providers to help train residents so they can meaningfully engage in local governance structures.  Their commitment will build on the initial funding from The Daniels Corporation, the private-sector developer behind Regent Park's revitalization, which seeded the early success of the Centre.

"The Daniels Corporation commends TD Bank for investing in the Regent Park community through the Centre of Learning.  We are thrilled to have TD step in to ensure the sustainability of the incredible programs being delivered at the Centre," said Heela Omarkhail, Manager of Community Partnerships, The Daniels Corporation.  "The financial support and active engagement from TD will enable the Centre to continue to play an instrumental role in fostering social cohesion and lifelong learning in Regent Park."

About CCL&D's Learning Centre

An active member of Regent Park since 1979, CCL&D cemented its commitment to the community with the opening of a 2,200 square foot, storefront hub on Dundas Street in Toronto.  Since the doors opened in 2010 the Centre of Learning has seen approximately 10,000 residents come through the doors each year to meet, learn and connect with neighbours.  Program participants face different challenges, but all come with a desire to feel a greater sense of belonging.  CCL&D helps them grow, and gain the tools they need to fulfill their potential.  Most are from Regent Park, Moss Park, and St. James Town.  However, 35 per cent to 45 per cent of our Immigrant Women's Integration Program trainees come from a variety of neighbourhoods facing severe social and economic problems across Toronto.

TD Community Giving

TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2013, TD donated more than $74.7 million to community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.

About The Daniels Corporation

The Daniels Corporation (www.danielshomes.ca) is one of Canada's preeminent builder/developers with a reputation for quality and integrity in all forms of residential construction. Named the Tarion Warranty Corporation's 2012 Ontario High Rise Builder of the Year and the recipient of the 2012 Toronto Arts and Business Award presented by the Toronto Arts Foundation, Daniels has built more than 25,000 homes throughout the GTA.  Daniels was chosen to partner with Toronto Community Housing to revitalize Regent Park - 69 acres in Toronto's Downtown East. Committed to community, Daniels champions neighbourhood initiatives that enhance residents' quality of life and supports numerous charities and non-profit organizations.

SOURCE: TD Bank Group

Amanda Tran, TD Bank Group, 416-983-7212, [email protected]; Alfred Jean-Baptiste, Toronto Centre for Community Learning & Development, 416-968-6989 ext. 101, [email protected]