Ontario Helping Scarborough Non-Profit Improve Community Services

Capital funding for Tropicana Community Services to support the Black Canadian communities

SCARBOROUGH, ON ― Today, MPP Raymond Cho, joined by his Scarborough Caucus colleagues, formally congratulates the Tropicana Community Services on what has been achieved since receiving a $150,000 Capital Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) for 2022-2023. This local non-profit organization delivers much-needed support programs to the Black Canadian communities in Scarborough and beyond.

“We are committed to supporting the vital work of non-profit organizations in Scarborough and across Ontario. This capital grant funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will empower Tropicana Community Services to enhance their community support programs and improve infrastructure,” said MPP Raymond Cho. “By investing in these organizations, we are ensuring that the spaces and resources needed to deliver high-quality services are available to those who need them most. Together, we are building healthier, stronger, and more vibrant communities.”

Funds from this grant are being used by the Tropicana Community Services to improve its capacity for live-streaming programs and classes, as well as hosting hybrid sessions. The grant has helped with audio-visual equipment costs for Tropicana’s head office as well as its employment centre.

“This funding will enable us to modernize our current outdated and unreliable audio-visual system.  This will allow us to live-stream our programs, provide a better capacity for virtual presentations streaming and make us more competitive in our programming, expanding our online services,” said Raymund Guiste, Executive Director of Tropicana Community Services. “We will be able to make our services more accessible by increasing service delivery to clients with disabilities. Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we will be able to benefit many more youths and adults accessing our programs at our Head Office and Employment Centre locations.”

“Non-profit organizations across our province deliver programming that makes a difference – whether helping people train for new careers, learn new things or simply connect with those around them,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why capital grant support is so important. With this funding, we’re helping to ensure that the spaces that provide these vital services remain the heart of Ontario’s communities.”

QUOTES

“Since 1980, Tropicana Community Services has offered culturally appropriate and supportive programs and services for people in need. Through internal development and outside partnerships, their growth over the years has been nothing short of staggering. But with growth comes change, adaptation and evolution, requiring changes in delivery of these programs. This grant will help immeasurably. Congratulations, Tropicana. We’re proud of your success in Scarborough Centre.”

   David Smith, MPP – Scarborough Centre 

“I am incredibly proud that our government is providing this funding to Tropicana Community Services to support the important work they do right here in Scarborough.  Tropicana offers vital programming to those in need whether it is through counselling, childcare, education, or employment services.  I know that this funding will expand this great work in our community.”

Vijay Thanigasalam, MPP – Scarborough-Rouge Park

“Tropicana Community Services is the worthy recipient of the Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant to continue their outstanding services and programs to empower our underprivileged residents and help them fulfill their potential. Tropicana Community Services is a pillar in Scarborough and continues to deliver important support to building healthy and vibrant Scarborough communities.”

Aris Babikian, MPP – Scarborough-Agincourt

“Safe, accessible and well-equipped infrastructure is essential for healthy, vibrant communities. Having appropriate spaces and equipment ensures that non-profit organizations can deliver high-quality programming to the communities they serve. These capital projects are vital and are expected to enhance over 4.5 million square feet of community spaces for Ontarians.” 

Katharine Bambrick, CEO, Ontario Trillium Foundation

QUICK FACTS

• The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
• To improve the infrastructure that Ontarians need to thrive, the Capital grant program is a part of an Ontario government investment of more than $37 million in capital grant funding to help 417 non-profit organizations across the province deliver much-needed community support programs. These grants are supporting organizations, like Tropicana Community Services, that are making a positive impact in communities throughout the province.
• Since 2018, the Ontario government has invested nearly $545 million in more than 4,900 projects through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, creating more than 4,600 full-time jobs and generating more than $828 million in economic benefits to communities across Ontario.