Annual Annual Report 2005 Report 2005
Highlights...
Executive Director’s Report ...... 4 Comments from Board Chair .....3 Outstanding Volunteers...... 13 Farah’s Story ...... 5 A Story from 2 Dads ...... 7 Building Use Statistics...... 15-16 Fundraising Report...... 24 2005 Donors...... 25 A Snapshot of 2005
Photographs from: Diva Envy 2005 Days of Caring 2005 Construction Site Tour Pride 2005 AIDS Memorial 2005
Graphic Design and Layout by Fatema Mullan. Annual 1 committed to diversity dedicated to community Report 2005 2 mission statement Table of Contents meeting place Mission Statement ...... 1 participation The 519 is a meeting place and focus for its Anti-Discrimination Policy ...... 1 resources vital and and varied downtown community. Message from the Chair of the Board ...... 3 Board of Directors 2005-2006 ...... 3 supportive Within a supportive environment, it responds Message from the Executive Director ...... 4 dignity and ValueValue to community issues and needs by supplying the resources and opportunities to foster self- Programme Reports voluntarism Children’s and Parenting Programmes determination. It is committed to principles of A Mother’s Story ...... 5 self-determination Camp Stories ...... 6 accessibility, voluntarism, individual dignity and Queer Parenting Programmes accessibility value, participation and celebration. Some thoughts about our family’s journey to downtown communities the Daddy, Papa and Me Programme at The 519 ...... 7 A brief history of queer parenting at The 519 ...... 8 celebration Older Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Programme ...... 9 Community Living ...... 10 Anti-Poverty and Homeless Programme ...... 11 Anti-Violence Programme ...... 11 Trans Programmes ...... 12 anti- Volunteer Programme ...... 13 Volunteer Profi le: Chris ...... 14 discrimination Volunteer Run Programmes ...... 17 Volunteer Statistics ...... 18 policy Wills Clinic ...... 22 Partnership Programmes...... 19-20
Committee Reports The 519 Church Street Community Centre adopts and upholds AIDS Memorial Committee ...... 21 the City of Toronto policy statement which prohibits discrimination, AIDS Vigil Committee ...... 21 Space Use and Programme Planning Committee ...... 15 harassment and protects the right to be free of hate activity based Building Use Statistics ...... 15-16 on age, ancestry, citizenship, creed (religion), colour, disability, Nominations Committee ...... 23 Human Resources Committee ...... 23 ethnic origin, family status, gender identity, level of literacy, Strategic Planning Committee ...... 23 marital status, place of origin, membership in a union or staff Fundraising Report ...... 24 association, political affi liation, race, receipt of public assistance, 2005 Donors ...... 25 record of offenses, sex, sexual orientation or any other personal Financial Statements ...... 26-31 characteristics by or within the organization. Annual 3 committed to diversity 4 dedicated to community Report 2005 Message from the Message from the Chair of the Board Executive Director It was an exciting year Campaign partners. It support from our fabulous core funders continue to at The 519 and it was a was their diligence, skill donors and partners, support our important work. The 519 began this past year in mourning for Bill Ekins, real honour to continue and attention including the our beloved and respected Programme Manager. Through to serve as the Chair of that ensured tremendous The board remains the dedication and commitment of our staff and volunteers the Board and work with this project support from grateful to and inspired by we ended the year finding new ways to strengthen some our board members, the remained on Councillor Kyle the work that is done by programmes that had been dear to him; highlights include: amazing 519 staff and track. The Rae and the City. the staff and volunteers • We received a grant from the City of Toronto to and volunteers. And what board devoted at The 519. The range of determine how The 519’s volunteers and volunteer an exciting year is was … much of its The board services and programmes groups contribute to the community centre and the efforts to also worked that we deliver to our broader community. Our dream of an on a range of members and visitors is supporting this • In our children’s programmes, we are working with expanded facility is work and to other important amazing and essential well on its way to being issues, including to the vibrancy of our Family Service Association and the Sherbourne Health ensuring the Corporation to increase the range, accessibility and realized. This year we making sure many constituencies. Our We have done all this and more in continued responsible capacity of programmes for queer families. moved from piles of dirt stewardship of the funds that good governance programmes and services constrained space and in the midst of a • After operating the Anti-Violence Programme for fifteen and bricks to a gorgeous that we have collected structures are in place are delivered effectively construction site. We are delighted with years, we thought it was time to see how it matched new addition that will from our amazing partners. (including a new and compassionately in the spirit of our volunteers and staff, soon enter its final phase “relationship” framework spite of increasing funding current needs. We secured funding to do an evaluation who are committed to making this a towards completion. The Of course, it also took agreement for community pressures, a growing client to help us know how best to enhance this vitally welcoming and safe space for all people. important programme. construction project took considerable funds to centres, like The base and growing expenses. The end of the year saw the an enormous commitment be able to build such an 519, that the city has I am so pleased that our • We are working closely with a potential funder to transformation of a muddy path into an from all of the staff who impressive addition to our introduced) and on our redesign our counselling programme to increase its enclosed building of great beauty. We worked closely with centre. To accomplish policies around the use volunteer board continued to work hard and so well capacity, its accountability, and its connections to our look forward to moving some of our staff both The City of Toronto this, we continued of space at The 519. other programmes. and programmes into the new space and our valued Capital to benefit from the Of course, our strategic together in common • Our trans programmes continue to attract new funders soon, and we are thrilled to have it stand wonderful leadership planning and use of purpose to supporting our and requests for consultation. We are working with an as a symbol of our community’s pride and Board of and generosity of Salah space policy will become centre. They have proven ever increasing variety of housing and service providers determination. Bachir. Salah’s spirit of increasingly important dedicated and committed, Directors to make them accessible to trans folks, we are using giving continues to inspire when the new addition just as have the staff 2005-2006 art and drama to convey our message, we are training others and in 2005, The becomes available to the and the many, many Michelle Douglas, Chair more people in trans issues, and we secured funding for 519 was the beneficiary community. We continued volunteers, to ensure that a needs assessment. Joan Anderson, Vice-Chair of some amazing Capital to work closely with our the 519 remains “more Donald Middleton, Treasurer Campaign fundraising outstanding Executive than a number”. • Our seniors programme has become a force for change Alison Kemper Michael Went, Secretary events and continued Director, Alison Kemper, and a venue for connecting older LGBT people working for accessibility and respect in community services, and Executive Director Councillor Kyle Rae, and her team, on issues that continue to face the service providers working to respond. Ex-officio Member Michelle Douglas, Chair centre; from health and • Our anti-poverty programmes have begun to add more Roy Cain The 519 Board of Directors safety issues to ensuring supports to help our drop in users to gain housing. Martin Boily-Côté that our programme and There is still too much need and too few resources to Mathieu Chantelois make the difference we would like to make. Asif Kamal Lyle Kersey Derrick Navarro Marnie Peters Annual 5 committed to diversity 6 dedicated to community Report 2005 Programme Reports Children’s & Parenting Programmes Camp Stories The 519 programmes I ways. I am able to share A Mother’s Story have learned a lot about situations with the other 519 is a great camp. This is This my third year at The parenting: I have taken parents and the staff in My name is Farah. I OK. She told me about my 3rd year coming and each 519 summer camp and I courses like Nobody’s the programme to come immigrated to Canada The 519 programmes. year I can’t wait to come back. like it here. So far this is Perfect and I have been up with solutions that from Iraq in 1997. I have She said they would be We do fun activities such as: my favourite camp, actually able to connect with don’t involve hitting my a two and a half year old able to help me so I went. swimming, arts & crafts, playing it’s the only camp I’ve ever other moms who share child. I have learned son named Sami and Thank goodness I did. games and much more. The been to but I would have their experience and so much from these he is the light of my life. The 519 helped me fi nd counsellors are wonderful, liked this place anyway. My their ideas. The staff wonderful people in the Sami and I attend the treatment and support for caring and experienced and favourite games at the camp are so helpful. Thanks last two years and I know Family Resource Centre my depression. They help each camper is unique. This is musical chairs, and stella to everyone in the that I will continue to at The 519 Church Street me with all the questions camp is a great place to meet ella olla. Oh and one more programmes, I feel less learn even more. I can Community Centre. I have about being a new people and have a fun time. thing if we could 56% less isolated and alone. honestly say I that I am parent. They help me Even if you have never been to crime in Canada. I fi rst learned about The deal with the challenges much more confi dent as a We live in downtown a day camp before come to 519 519 when Sami was three of raising a child and they parent because of these Anonymous, age 8 Toronto in a small house because everybody will welcome months old. One day, have shared in the joys of programmes. I know that with no backyard. I can’t you with open arms. I found myself actually raising a child. Sami and the people at The 519 imagine having a toddler, standing in the middle of I have made friends there. are there for me and for Tyneisha, age 12 full of toddler energy, a downtown street with I have found mentors and the other parents. They trying to run and play in my baby crying because people I can turn to for have become my family our house. When we go I was so overwhelmed advice. I am so grateful to in Canada. I feel very to The 519, Sami gets to with parenthood and that woman who stopped lucky to be living in this run in their open spaces suffering from post partum in the street. wonderful country. The great things about camp are that it is very easy I would like to tell you about my camp. We play depression. I knew and use the equipment. to make friends with the other campers & even the fun games and we do awesome activities like . . something wasn’t right but Two years later, Sami and We had such a great counsellors Rockstar, Olive, Mint, Casper, Captain, . . swimming, playing in the park, fi eld trips like I didn’t know what to do I still go to the programmes summer there and in the Through The 519 Skittles and Bonhomme. And Lonestar is cool. going to St Lawrence park to go swimming, science and I didn’t know who to regularly. We have to winter I don’t know what programmes I have Every day we do many fun things. Every morning center, Toronto zoo. We’re going to make puppets ask for help. I felt so lost. because if I don’t take him, I’d do without a place like learned a lot about the whole camp makes a circle to play games like and we made Volcanos and we go outside. Our Thankfully a woman came Sami will ask me to go. this to go to. It’s fun and parenting: I have Stella-ella-olla. On Mondays & Wednesdays we go counsllors are very nice. Even when the weather is up to me in the street that And ask me. And ask me. safe. to the playground or the wading pool, or we just bad we still have lots of fun. We went to see a play, day and asked if I was And ask me. He loves taken courses like play some indoor games. On Tuesdays & Fridays and we went canoeing to Toronto island. I can’t Raising a good, kind to interact with the other Nobody’s Perfect we go swimming at Christie Pits. Every Thursday wait till tomorrow. So I just wanted to say The 519 human being is the children. They run and and I have been able we go on a special fi eld trip like canoeing, High is a great camp. Thanks! hardest job ever. I play which is important Park and the Metro Zoo. have no family here to connect with other Tamara, age 10 for Sami’s physical and and sometimes I am so Youssef, age 10 social development moms who share overwhelmed. I come – something I learned from their experience from a culture that the programme. Through and their ideas. The believes spanking is a good way to discipline staff are so helpful. a child. I don’t agree. I Thanks to everyone learned from The 519 in the programmes, Family Resource Centre I feel less isolated that there are other and alone. Annual 7 committed to diversity 8 dedicated to community Report 2005 Programme Reports Children’s & Parenting Programmes A brief history of queer parenting at The 519
Some thoughts about our family’s journey to the In 2005 The 519 began to work on a partnership with the Sherbourne Health Centre and the Family Service Association, to provide Daddy, Papa and Me Programme at The 519 by John J. Guiney Yallop comprehensive queer parenting programmes in downtown Toronto. Since the late 1970’s, The 519’s Children’s Programmes has provided queer positive family programming (e.g. Family Resource Programme, My partner, Gary, and I area of equity education for Key to the programme are day camps, workshops, fi eld trips, special events) and resources (e.g. children’s and parenting books and videos). In addition, The 519 don’t recall for sure where many years, I know how the facilitators. Since the has provided community meeting spaces over the years for such groups as: Gays and Lesbians Parenting Together, COLAGE (Children of we fi rst heard about the important it is to see oneself beginning, our daughter’s Lesbians And Gays Everywhere), Gay Fathers of Toronto, and Toronto Public Health’s When Baby Comes Home. In recognition of emerging Daddy, Papa and Me included, to feel a part of a delight in seeing the and varied needs for Queer Parenting specifi c support, information, and advocacy, The 519 has taken on and developed the following initiatives over the years. These initiatives have been supported with federal funding from the Community Action Programme for Children through our programme. We think it community. facilitators and her Growing Up Healthy Downtown project, and provincial funding from the Ontario Early Years initiative through East York East Toronto - Toronto was after I received some While our daughter is comments about them to Centre Rosedale. Some have also been developed in conjunction with important community services and partners such as the LGBT Parenting Network. information through a very confi dent about her us outside the programme listserv regarding a picnic family and is also a strong attest to the warmth with Peer 1994-1997 Lesbian Parents Group: monthly peer support group for women in Toronto for families with advocate for herself and which they greet and interact Support queer parents. At that others, and while she with her. Meeting the other 1998 Lesbian Moms Try Fit: weekly fi tness support group for mothers picnic, Chris Veldhoven understands and values gay dads and interacting Family monthly drop-in for LBTQ mothers and their young children may have mentioned the difference, the Daddy, with them has also been Support 1998-present Mum’s the World!: programme to us. At Papa and Me programme an important component 2004-present Daddy, Papa & Me: monthly drop-in for GBTQ fathers and their young children any rate, we have been for our daughter and for us. Dykes Planning Tykes: course for LBQ women considering parenting provides a space where 1999-present going to Daddy, Papa and her difference is shared. The social chat of parents Family (co-created and led by Rachel Epstein) Me for over a year now helps build community and She meets other children Planning 2003-present Daddies & Papas 2B: course for GBQ men considering parenting (co-sponsored by the LGBT and it has been a very who are adopted and other is also educational. As well, Parenting Network) positive experience for our we recently participated in children who have a Daddy Pregnancy daughter, Brittany. a Daddies and Papa 2B 2003-present Queer Positive Prenatal Classes for Early and Late Pregnancy and a Papa. Whether Support Our intention for attending playing together with other course panel. Leaving our the Daddy, Papa and Me children or engaging in daughter for that time in the Discussion Queer Parenting Exchange: monthly discussion forum for queer parents and potential 2003-present programme was to provide parallel play, her time at care of one of the other gay Forums parents (co-sponsored by the LGBT Parenting Network) an atmosphere where our the Daddy, Papa and Me dads was an example to our daughter of how families Special daughter would have an programme is fun. 2001-present Queer Family Fun Fair: an annual celebration for queer families and prospective parents opportunity to interact with care for other families. Events other children who have The second Saturday of Public gay dads. As someone every month is an important 2001-present Co-sponsored queer parenting fi lms with the Inside/Out Film Festival who has worked in the date for our family. Once Outreach when we missed the LGBT Parenting Network: co-created and co-sponsored initiatives such as the course Daddies and 2001-present programme because Papas 2B and the discussion forum the Queer Parenting Exchange. Daddy and Papa forgot Human Sexuality Program –Toronto District School Board: co-created Families Against that that day was the Community 2001-present Homophobia – a series of workshops helping families work with the Toronto District School Board to second Saturday, Brittany Collaboration offer queer positive programming, and the curriculum for a school readiness programme for children was quite with queer parents. disappointed 2004 Metro Association of Family Resource Programs: supported the creation of Young & Proud: A and said that Manual for Staff Working with LGBT Families we should The 519’s Family Support Workers have: Training and never do that Provided training and support to agencies (e.g. Ontario Early Years Centres, Family Resource Programmes, etc.)
Queer Parenting Programme Queer Parenting again. Advocacy conferences (e.g. Community Action Programme for Children, Metro Association of Family Resource Programmes, Rainbow Health Coalition, etc.) Provided advocacy and support for individual queer families dealing with public institutions and services, e.g. the public welfare system. Provided information, advocacy and support to individuals and families wanting to access fertility, adoption and parenting services. Annual 9 committed to diversity 10 dedicated to community Report 2005 Programme Reports Programme Reports Older Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Programme Community Living
Arts Programming The Older Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans- gender and Transsexual (GLBT) Programme The Friday Night Club The Ontario Arts Council was helpful had an exciting 2005. Progress was made at The 519 to the programme by renewing their on several fronts including programming, ad- The Friday Night Club (FNC) at The 519 is a social/recreational programme grant and enabling us to offer our vocacy, public education, training and public that introduces new social, leisure and recreational activities to participants and spring Queer Refl ections programme. education and funding. This year we had an intergenera- members of the community. To many members it feels “like family” and offers a “fun, safe atmosphere to meet new people and friends” as well as develop their tional component that enriched the The Older GLBT Resource Centre is a social skills in a safe space. programme substantially. The artists weekly drop-in programme for queer se- participating shared their own stories niors. These men and women come out The past year has been a busy and exciting one for the more than 400 members and complemented these stories with each week to enjoy a speaker, a fi lm or of the 519’s Friday Night Club (FNC). We hold a dance every Friday night from an online photo site. The photo sites other planned activity. They are a diverse September to June. Each week, 8-10 people volunteer and up to 150 people were launched at a Pride Week event group which refl ects the different cultural attend. that drew friends and family of the art- and ethnic backgrounds, different abilities This year we were able to hire a permanent staff assistant for the FNC who has ists and the wider community. and different life experiences. They enjoy been a tremendous asset helping to organize regular social events including our Artz Alive, our fall painting and draw- one another’s company and ensure that weekly dances. ing programme was facilitated by newcomers are always welcome. The FNC received money from The Griffi n Centre and the much needed funds volunteer instructor Leon Soriano. An will be put towards purchasing a new amplifi er for the club! internationally recognized instructor, Educating the public to the issues and concerns of Older GLBT people contin- This year we also added new people to our FNC volunteer pool. Leon introduced members to char- ued during 2005 with signifi cant media success including coverage in The To- coal pencils, wax crayons, collage, ronto Star, National Post, Montreal Gazette and several TV and radio stations. acrylics and water colors. New artists Additionally, we continued in our efforts to build awareness for the issues and and veteran artists all enjoyed their concerns of older GLBT people through presentations at conferences including time in the group and had their fami- the Ontario Gerontology Association. lies and friends to a party to celebrate their wonderful creations. Tuesday Night Club
The Senior Pride Network realized Participants from the Tuesday Night Club say that they its Visibility Project with the launch look forward to a group every week. The highlights that of its poster celebrating older GLBT members like most are bowling and going to the movies. people’s presence and achievements One member said that “The Tuesday Night Club is like in the community. Fudger House a family to me and I look forward to it every week.” This hosted the event which drew 180 social/recreational programme allows participants to people. Jean Duncan Day, a recently be fully integrated within the community and provides deceased leader in the older GLBT them with an opportunity to explore new leisure and community and Jack Harmer un- recreational activities with some staff assistance. veiled the poster with the help of City Councillor Kyle Rae. The Older GLBT programme also met with the Minister of Health and members of his staff to advocate for change in the placement process used by the Ministry of Health. Annual 11 committed to diversity 12 dedicated to community Report 2005 Programme Reports Programme Reports Anti-Poverty & Homeless Programme Trans Programmes This supported me to think critically about how to be inclusive The 519’s Homeless and Anti- as 519 board members, staff and The 519 also offers a Sunday Drop-in within an anti-oppression framework. It revealed some of community and to Poverty Programme offers volunteers. programme which reaches maximum my gaps in knowledge. Great facilitation, very inviting and connect trans survivors supportive. This was very applicable to my practice. participants access to shelter, This progamme offers a critical capacity of 250 each week. with accessible services. nutritious food, clean clothing, health -participant at SunnyBrook and Women’s College and much-needed resource for our These much-needed and well- The expected results are care, identifi cation replacement, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre community and over the past year used programmes continue to be an increase in the capacity and recreational activities. All of this I was honoured to have shared a part of my life path with all The 519 provided: of great value to our community as of anti-violence services work is done in partnership with the of you strong women. Thanks for helping me to understand well as a rewarding way to bring myself a little more. to support trans survivors, Sherbourne Health Centre-Mobile • 15,767 balanced meals as together board members, staff and -participant at Ontario Association of Interval and and a decrease in the Health Bus, Partners for Access well as 9,457 breakfasts volunteers. Transition Houses (OAITH) AGM incidence and impact of Identifi cation Project, Windfall • 5,816 changes of clothing violence within the TS/TG Committee on Violence Clothing, Second Harvest, as well • 3,120 visits for much needed The 519 is proud to be build the skills necessary medical services involved in offering support to work in partnership community. Against Women and and resources to the with agencies and create Children (METRAC)’s In addition to launching transgendered community. change within community Violence Against Women the Trans Inclusion Our innovative work in this services. The dual (VAW) Justice Forum Programme Reports Project, The 519 area is evident in our new activities of the project are and the International Trans Programme also Trans Inclusion Project. to provide: Conference on Urban Anti-Violence Programme conducted 29 workshops This project, funded by Health in October; as to anti-violence service the Community Safety Training and policy well as presenting at In 2005 Anti Violence Programme (AVP) provided advocacy, support and assistance to sixty-eight people who sector agencies and Investment Programme development to assist International Human reported that they had been harassed or assaulted based upon their actual or perceived gender identifi cation or sexual organizations to improve of the City of Toronto, is a anti-violence services Rights Day on December orientation. The AVP assists individuals: trans accessibility. This partnership with Education to become accessible; 10th. Participation and project fostered new • with crisis intervention, Wife Assault to raise and Outreach and leadership in these events relationships between • by following up with the police to ensure that investigations are being conducted, awareness about violence awareness raising has assisted immensely trans communities and • by ensuring that assaults are counted as hate crimes (where applicable), against trans people (consisting of an in bridging gaps women’s communities. • by assisting individuals with their Criminal Injuries Compensation Board claims, and and provide training and outreach worker and between trans women In addition to our • by accompanying them to police stations or court rooms and by allowing them to talk about their experiences and support for agencies pamphlets / posters and assaulted women’s partnerships with advocating on their behalf. to make their services in multiple languages) services. Education Wife Assault accessible to trans to raise awareness of This past year, the AVP assisted twenty individuals, who were abused, by developing safety plans and helping them and Ontario Association survivors. abuse within the make a new beginning through applications for subsidized housing, new identifi cation and referrals to support groups trans of Interval and Transition and longer term counseling. The project model Houses, our project staff Yasmeen The AVP also hosted the Toronto book launch of Victor Janoff’s book, Pink Blood: Homophobic Violence in Canada. utilized is one of Persad and Janoff had interviewed AVP staff who provided Janoff with statistics and helped in his collection of data. ‘train-the-trainer’ and community Monica Forrester This year also saw the AVP join groups across the country for the National Day against Homophobia. In partnership with development. addressed Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario (CLGRO), and the Public Health Department of Toronto, we sponsored Members thousands Meal Trans Monday nights 6 - 10PM a Community Forum on June 8. of the trans of women at Trans Youth Toronto community September’s Wednesday nights 5 - 9pm The AVP was proud to present twenty workshops to nearly four hundred people. This year AVP was asked back to have been hired “Take Back the Other programmes include present to places such as Ryerson University, the Older GLBT Programme at The 519, the University of Toronto, Trans Inclusion Project and provided Night March”; Trans Community Shelter Access Project and Bick College (the training school for Toronto Police Services) by a number of colleges and universities (Ryerson, with training spoke at FTM Safe Shelter Research Project University of Toronto, Seneca College) as well as some new ones: The Ontario Department of Canadian Heritage, the Trans Cab and facilitation Metropolitan Sex Worker Outreach for Aids Prevention Simcoe County branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Rainbow Health Conference. opportunities to Action Annual Special Events Trans Day of Remembrance Hanlon’s Point Beach Picnic Annual 13 committed to diversity 14 dedicated to community Report 2005 Programme Reports Programme Reports Volunteer Programme Volunteer Profile: Chris The 519 has an invaluable support network of volunteers. • Labatt and Zipperz helped over 250 Pride volunteers While surfi ng the Internet, “You see differently what Chris knows what he is is very important. For It is this passion, diversity and dedication of our more than have a party of their own in July Chris discovered The you’ve been through and talking about, both here Chris, The 519 is a thirteen-hundred volunteers that makes The 519 one of • Hair of the Dog helped us host a relaxing evening for 519 and knew that he you see that you’re not and back home. signifi cant starting point. wanted to get involved [necessarily] the worst the most wonderful places in the world to be. our clinical volunteers “If you ask someone “The 519 is really and make a difference. case and it gives you • Xtra gave us discounted advertising space to take out from my country, nobody helpful, the people here The volunteers with staff support run several critical Chris’ contributions have hope that one day we’ll be an end-of-year ad letting the community know how would tell you that there are really friendly and programmes at The 519, including: been many and he is able to live our lives, with much volunteers do for us are gays in our country. understanding.” His • Community Counselling now an active facilitator people respecting us and Being gay is taboo involvement here has • Legal Advice Clinic The 519 is committed to building the skills of our of the Refugee Peer recognizing us.” there.” Chris is quiet for given him some food for • Wills and Powers of Attorney Clinic volunteers and helping to make them leaders in Support Group. Chris is While Chris is happy to a moment, before he thought. “I was thinking • Income Tax Clinic this community, and last year offered free training confi dent that through be in Canada, he knows continues, “My experience that if we had some more opportunities to many volunteers and we hope to expand his involvement and the Each year, The 519 receives support from organizations that there is still work to be personally was that I was people at City Hall who our training programme in 2006: support of other volunteers which have their staff donate their time for a day to our done. bullied when I was in high can speak up for the like him the Group will Centre. This year The 519 welcomed volunteers from: • Introduction to American Sign Language school and that’s when I community, and help make a real difference “There are a lot of issues • McCarthy Tetrault Law Offi ce (United Way Days of Caring) • Smart Serve for Pride Volunteers actually heard about gay, them—that’s the kind of in helping refugees in we still have, right? Even • RBC Financial (United Way Days of Caring) • Safety and Security for Pride Volunteers gay people. And being thing I would love to do.” Canada. though same sex marriage • Brookfi eld Property Management (United Way Days of • Group facilitation for Committee Volunteers in is recognized now, there effeminate as well was the “Why not?” he laughs Caring) partnership with the Self Help Resource Centre “The 519 is a kind are still problems we have worst! I’d [socialize] with when asked if that • Citicards Canada • Self-defence courses for gay men and lesbians in of refuge, where I’m to deal with, like HIV, as only my girl friends instead is the beginning of a partnership with the Anti-Violence Programme very comfortable. It’s of being with the other With more than thirteen-thousand hours of volunteer well as the psychological campaign speech. With • Trans 101 in partnership with the Trans Programmes interesting and informative guys in the classroom. I service donated to The 519 in 2005, we were fortunate to problems people might a mischievous grin, he • HIV 101 for the Wills Clinic Volunteers in partnership work.” was kind of marginalized be able to offer these donated gifts to our volunteers as a have because of being adds, “I’m waiting for my with the AIDS Committee of Toronto and bullied.” way of expressing our gratitude for their hard work: It ‘s also a chance for me bullied or discriminated citizenship fi rst.” • Peer Counselling for Committee Volunteers in to meet peers from a wide against.” He also knows that • Carol Pope played a private concert for The 519 in partnership with the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre / range of places around the advocacy here in Canada September Multicultural Womyn Against Rape world. • A holiday party here at the Centre, followed by free tickets to SCREWW, Toronto’s hottest queer retro One of the special projects which the volunteer programme achieved last year was the production of a party manual for LGBT refugees. This project was developed in response to • Buddies in Bad Times offered free tickets to several the many service requests we get from LGBT refugees and an attempt performances throughout 2005 to make their lives better and ensure that they get the multiple levels of assistance they need while they are with us at The 519. Funding for this project was secured from the City of Toronto Access & Outstanding New Volunteers Equity department. We were also supported by the Alliance for South Lisa Iannetta (Meal Trans) Extraordinary Volunteer Team (Front Desk Info Centre) Asian AIDS Prevention and RBC Financial’s Volunteer Grant Program. Antonio Remenyi (Clothing Programme) Adriana Chang Brian Hockey Karim Parshottam Doug Sloan We also made valuable community links through the creation of an Gary Logie (Tuesday Night Club & Refugee Peer Support advisory committee to the project. Members joined us from a number Group) Milton Chan Lia Providence Lynda Cheng Marsha Wallerstein of agencies: Access Alliance Multicultural Health Centre, Alliance for Long Term Volunteer Commitment Richard Tse Oscar Yanez South Asian AIDS Prevention, Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, Tanya Trojan (Tuesday Night Club & Children’s Programmes) Robert Huff Tom Packwood Hola, LEGIT-Toronto, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants / Outstanding Commitment in the Past Year Scott Johnson Simon Peter Nnaakira settlement.org, Women’s Health in Women’s Hands, the Youth Migration Ricardo Martinez (Refugee Peer Support Group) Outstanding Peer Volunteer Project, and the 519’s Refugee Peer Support Group. Inspires Others to Volunteer Mirjana (Family Resource Centre) Next year we are hoping to build on this success—so stay tuned. Dorothy Williams (Sunday Drop In and Clothing Distribution) Annual 15 committed to diversity 16 dedicated to community Report 2005 8 5 3 9 9 47 47 22 49 16 74 15 13 13 Committee Members Average 17 27 19 19 30 16 17 25 200 220 150 200 110 300 750 150 128 2200 5500 Lyle Kersey, Don Middleton, Attendence 1680 per Meeting 0 0 0 9 9 Michael Went, Roy Cain, Gary 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 4 4 8 5 0 0 0 18 18 61 84 52 12 82 49 51 45 42 42 30 37
Number of 114 140 175 479 153 449 Leroux, Helen Rykens, Janet Meetings 5
Rowe 94 16 94 Total 88 200 220 150 200 220 300 750 150 899 900 361 565 195 213 971 363 127 157 147 458 398 635 378 466 2200 2500 2307 3155 1049 1616 1333 2985 8657 2428 3120 1680 9872 11000 15594 Responsibilities and Activities Attendance 21000 25660 0 0 5 0 0 0 5 85 10 17 12 60 56 Number of 94 390 115 217 213 235 266 619 102 100 138 398 220 200 300 750 150 899 225 500 361 1287 1877 1033 1875 4560 1000 3000 5714 The focus for the committee in Individuals 1990 3 2 0 9 4 3 4 1 1 1 3 2005 was to review and revise 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 12 25 42 Number 16 10 22 60 128 the space use policy. The new of Groups
policy emphasizes the strategic Rental Groups plan directions of serving both Individual Users Organizational Meetings
the local community and the 519 Partnership Programmes
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans 519 Special Events and Partnership (GLBT) communities in Toronto and beyond. That revised policy was approved Dances, parties and benefits Rehearsals and auditions Other rentals Commercial Rentals Total Rentals Agency Tour (Youth) Desk assistance of 15 minutes or more Inquiries and assistance at the front desk Cawthra Square Café Customers 519 Information Table Off Site Total Individual Users 519 Community Festive Party 519 Special Event 519 Volunteer Appreciation Party AIDS Vigil Event Early Years - Queer Family Fun Fair Pride Day Fundraiser Trans Day of Remembrance United Way Days of Caring Memorial Service for Bill Ekins, Programme Manager Inside Out Collective - Screenings Inside Out Fillm Festival - Theatre Under the Stars Pride & Remembrance Run Event Sherbourne Health Centre Community Fair Total 519 Events and Partnership Events Community Fundraising Government Off Site Recreation Professional Associations and Unions Political Parties Non Governmental Organizations and Social Activists Social Service Organizations Tenants’ Groups Total Organizational Meetings by the board in early 2006. Activity and Group Name Double Recovery Group (12 steps for Mental Health and Addictions) English as a Second Language - Intermediate Good Food Box People With AIDS Yoga PWA Yoga - Fridays Sherbourne Health Bus Partners for Access and Identification (PAID) ID Clinic Fred Victor Trans Outreach Worker Cawthra Square Café - Participant workshops Cawthra Square Cafe Participants Daily Activities When Baby Comes Home Total 519 Partnership Programmes 8 6 5 4 6 7 1 6 8 30 30 50 10 13 21 15 22 14 12 40 18 14 25 12 11 23 43 52 11 Average 16 10 20 17
New Group Initiatives in 2005 115 178 249 112 4291 Number
Attendence 12754 Due to the construction process, per Meeting of Meetings
our ability to welcome new groups 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 3 1 1 5 1 1 0 3 8 3 6 4 0 0 3 7 45 12 52 86 21 11 42 15 44 53 23 48 51 49 Number of 45 394 358 119 1188 to The 519 remains limited. Meetings 1092 1889 Total 4 70 93 45 30 50 50 25 50 15 89 15 22 69 12 40 61 75 72 32 39 159975 717 505 740 100 346 735 103 112 475 484 250 Total 914 Attendance 3967 7016 A number of neighbourhood 1334 5870 1793 9457 2583 1096 2187 2533 18188 29888 Attendance 13184 66235
tenants’ organizations became 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 8 12 47 40 70 30 69 50 60 25 14 50 12 20 94 475 240 300 Number of 277 308 518 1793 1400 8332 active in 2005 and used space at Individuals 1666 2769 25734 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 0
The 519. Number of Individuals 50 Number 16 10 38 68 As space opened up (due to of Groups Miscellaneous
some groups leaving), the Trans Programmes Meal Trans Program Trans Youth Toronto 300 Additional programmes Community Programmes Groups
following new activities made Number of their home at The 519: Crystal 519 Programmes (continued...) Homeless and Anti-poverty Programmes Trans AIDS Prevention Outreach Programme Meth Anonymous (focus on gay Older Gay Lesbian Bi and Trans Programmes
users), Drag Kings, Gaylaxicon Community Education and Trans Access Shelter Project (organizing committee for the GLBT Science Fiction Convention Activity and Group Name Meal Trans Client Contacts Meal Trans Drop In Program Workshops Housing Referrals Legal Support Trans Youth Toronto Client Contacts Trans Youth Toronto Drop in Centre Outreach Programme Hostel Referrals Phone Client Contacts Trans Access Event Trans Communities Shelter Access Project Trans Access Workshop off site Trans Access Workshop on site Trans Access Staff Meetings and Trainings Trans Programmes Focus Group Trans programmes networking dinner Trans 101 Course for community workers Trans 101 for 519 vollunteers Trans programmes press conference Trans Programmes Staff Team Meetings Older GLBT Programme Client Contacts Events Monday Afternoon Drop In Senior Pride Network Artz Alive Forums and Workshops Queer Reflections Media Interviews Workshops at Long Term Care Facilities Sunday Drop In Breakfast Sunday Drop in Lunch Sunday Drop in Extended Hours Referrals Sunday Drop In Gift Programme Clothing Programme - Sundays Clothing Programme - Tuesdays Clothing Programme - Thursdays Cross Disabilities Project ASL Courses Total 519 Programmes Community Services Educational Programmes Recreational Programmes Self Help and Peer Support Total Community Programmes Centre Administration
planned for Toronto 2006), GRAND TOTALS 7 9 3 5 5 8 4 1 8 5 3 8 9 6 7
Ontario Rainbow Alliance of the Average 44 23 90 12 75 25 18 15 18 27 14 15 19 21 13 18 20 10 12 11 40 16 Attendence 250 137 Deaf (ORAD), Pride Uganda, per Meeting
PWA Yoga (expanded to a 6 4 6 1 0 3 1 1 5 3 5 6 1 1 0 4 6 0 0 8 9 3 7 6 7 2 0 0 0 0 8 3 5 6
Number of 11 21 18 49 11 27 40 37 49 Friday afternoon class when Meetings 199 5 5 8 6 90 43 98 90 10 12 75 75 88 88 33 40 25 35 88 10 96 34 79 38
the Wednesday class filled to Total 263 474 250 375 530 490 180 120 151 117 172 128 126 136 330 capacity), Refugee Peer Support Attendance 1960 3674 4078 1580 5085 3 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 30 17 10 90 19 75 75 18 15 33 40 18 15 18 60 18 10
Group (for GLBT refugees), Number of 263 250 375 187 490 180 120 278 295 595 Southern Ontario Gay and Individuals Lesbian Association of Doctors Number 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 of Groups (SOGLAD), and The Space 519 Programmes Early Years at the Y
Between (a group for people School Break Camps Volunteer Programme Children’s Programmes Anti Violence Programme
exploring their trans identity). Queer Parenting Programmes Community Living Programmes Professional Assistance Programmes
Otherwise, groups seeking space AIDS Memorial and Candlelight Vigil Space Use and Programme Planning Committee Reports were referred to other possible meeting places. Space at 460
Jarvis continues to be used by Family Resource Centre / Early Years Growing Up Healthy Downtown
several “519 groups”. Activity and Group Name 519 Volunteer Orientation 519 Volunteer Training Program Refugee Peer Support Group AIDS Vigil Committee Vigil Volunteers - Green Room for Candlelight Vigil Anti Violence Programme Client Contacts Gay Partner Abuse Project Community Liaison Process with the Police National Day Against Homophobia Media Interviews Participation on a Panel - off site Acts of Resistance (formerly Dyke Defense) Gay Men’s Self Defence Classes Bar Nights - Community Outreach Off Site Anti Homophobia Workshops Volunteer Training Community Counselling Income Tax Clinic- 2004 Year Income Tax Clinic for Back Taxes Legal Clinic - Thursdays 519 Wills Clinic with Pro Bono Lawyers Queer Parenting - Adults Served Queer Parenting Programmes - Kids Served Daddy and Papa Me Mum’s the World (Previously Queer Mom’s Family Lunch) Queer Parenting Exchange TS TG Parenting Group Pre Natal Group Daddies and Papas 2 B Dykes Planning Tykes Staff or Volunteer Training Early Years - Tuesday night Y programme - kids attending Early Years - Tuesday nights Y programme - adults attending FRC / GUHD Early Years Client Contacts Family Resource Centre - Adults attending Family Resource Centre - Children attending Family Resource Centre Workshop FRC- Nobody’s Perfect GUHD- Growing Up Healthy Downtown Summer Day Camp March Break Camp Summer Day Camp Administration and Training Friday Night Club Tuesday Social Club Annual 17 committed to diversity 18 dedicated to community Report 2005
Programme Reports Programme Reports Total Active Hours Programme Volunteer Run Programmes Volunteer Statistics 519 Holiday Party 7 7 21 519 Volunteer Training 117 117 9126 The 519 is proud to serve its community with programmes that are run exclusively by 519 volunteers and supporters; Administrative Assistance 34 33 106 programmes include: Annual General Meeting 16 16 67.5 AIDS Memorial & Garden Club 19 7 190 43rd Toronto Girl Guides Narcotics Anonymous AIDS Vigil 8 8 35 Action Grrrlz, group that supports creative projects Ontario Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf Thank you AIDS Vigil Meetings 18 8 90 from knitting to writing Overeaters Anonymous Anti-Violence Programme 46 5 25 Actor’s Jam – an acting workshop for the community Out & Out Club, offers range of outdoor activities for to the 1416 AIDS Memorial Garden Club, builds and maintains gays and lesbians Board of Directors and Committees estimated 450 hours 22 10 470 AIDS Garden in Cawthra Park Outwrites – queer writing group Capital Campaign 2 4 300 Alcoholics Anonymous Polish Gay and Lesbian Group Programme Children’s Camp 10 2 80 Avanti: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Italian Group Pride ACA Group, support for adult children of alcoholics Bisexual Women of Toronto Prime Timers, support and social group for older gay men Volunteers Clothing 24 7 1447 Coming Out Being Out Discussion Group Psychic Society Community Outreach Committee 14 13 21 Cocaine Anonymous Rainbow Ballroom Dancing Community Service Orders & Court Diversions 7 7 210 Crystal Meth Anonymous Rainbow Group of Alcoholics Anonymous who put in Counselling 20 11 548 Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere Rainbow Tai Chi Days of Caring 18 18 78 Counterpoint Community Orchestra Sexual Compulsives Anonymous 22743.5 hours Friday Night Club 32 23 1386 Debtors Anonymous SM Women’s Discussion Group Family Resource Centre 25 8 410 Double Recovery Group, supports people with both Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous in 2005 and the Front Desk Info Centre 46 21 800 substance abuse and mental health issues Student Artists Workers Activists, Philippine cultural Gift Programme 22 22 70 e_Motions, performance group composed of group which creates art exhibits Income Tax 18 11 436 differently-abled people SOFFA Voices, support for spouses of Female-to-Male Partnership Income Tax - Back Taxes 1 6 61 Female-to-Male Transgender/Transsexual Peer transsexual and male transgender people Info Tables 17 16 80 Support Group Survivors of Incest Anonymous Legal Advice Clinic 6 5 104 Queer Parenting Exchange, provides support for Survivors of Medical Abuse and Community Meal Trans 25 15 871 gay and lesbian parents Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia Meal Trans Legal Clinic 10 10 180 Gays Lesbians of African Descent (TEACH) Volunteers Pride Day 396 221 1187 Heart House, provides support to those that have The Space Between - for people exploring their own suffered a break-up with a partner gender identity Queer Family Fun Fair 13 13 28 HOLA!, supports gays and lesbians of Spanish origin Toronto Bisexual Network who contributed Refugee Peer Support 18 17 116 Latina Writing Group Toronto GO Club Sunday Drop In 189 39 2374 LEGIT Toronto – Assists same sex couples with Transition Support, support for transgender and 11,248.5 hours Sunday Drop In Gift Wrapping 25 25 150 immigration to Canada transsexual people Sunday Drop In Holiday 38 36 144 Lesbian Gay Bi Youth Line, provides peer support to Triangle Squares of Toronto, opportunity for gay men Seniors Programme 12 11 784 youth across Ontario and lesbians to learn and enjoy square dancing by running groups Speaker’s Bureau 1 1 6 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, WAVE: Welcoming All Youth to the Village, support for Special Events 135 46 157 Intersexed and Queer Pride Toronto, supports Pride gay and lesbian young adults at The 519! Student Placements 4 4 256 Week celebration, the community’s largest festival Women’s Group Tuesday Night Club 5 5 316 Life Drawing, weekly class to practice drawing skills Yoga Wills Clinic 5 10 13 Board Sponsored Programmes Subtotal 1416 824 22743.5 Partnerships and Community Subtotal 363 11248.5 TOTAL ALL ACTIVITIES 1187 33992 Annual 19 committed to diversity 20 dedicated to community Report 2005 Programme Reports committed to diversity Partnership Programmes dedicated to community
Supporting homeless people (with the Anti-Poverty & Homelessness Programme)...
Supporting Consumer Survivors... Health Bus The Sherbourne Health Centre provides a mobile health service to increase access to health care for homeless and Cawthra Square Café marginalized people. The services are dispensed with the use of a bus that has been fitted with two examination Trinity Square Enterprises provides consumers of mental health services with work orientation and training in rooms and a small intake area. Nurses volunteer their time and talent to this free service at up to 12 different supportive café settings. The 519’s café is one of two locations in downtown Toronto. Due to The 519’s expansion nd locations across the city each week. The 519 community benefits from the Health Bus services each Sunday from project, the café moved to the 2 floor and is operating on a take-out basis. Catering remains available. 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and cough syrup are also available along with Participants combine practical experience in the kitchen with attendance at workshops on health and safety, food personal hygiene products. Streamlined referrals to ongoing health care are a fundamental part of this innovative handling, first aid, customer service, cash management, and goal setting. service to our community. ID Clinic Supporting healthy eating for everyone... Partners for Access and Identification, (P.A.I.D.), is a project that offers access to identification for homeless and marginalized people. This includes birth certificates, statements of live birth, social insurance cards, records of Good Food Box landing and health cards. The service is free and P.A.I.D. staff are available in the lobby of The 519 every Tuesday This Foodshare programme runs like a buying club with centralized co-ordination. Top-quality, fresh food is made from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ready to assist the community. available in a way that does not stigmatize people, fosters community development and promotes healthy eating. People pay for their box at neighbourhood locations, including The 519, and receive their box a week later. Supporting people with HIV/AIDS... Each box contains the same mixture of food, though the contents change with each delivery, depending on what is PWA Yoga Classes in season and reasonably priced at the time. FoodShare drivers deliver to The 519 and other locations every week. Gentle Yoga is sponsored by the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation for anyone who is living with AIDS. Classes are free and ongoing. Classes take place on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 – 6 p.m. Support with Transportation and Communication... Supporting new parents (with The Family Resource Centre)... Community Bicycle Network The 519 became a hub for BikeShare in 2002, the Community Bicycle Network’s programme to encourage cycling When Baby Comes Home in the downtown core. For three seasons a year we lend bikes to community members for up to three days at a This is a 6-week class, run by Public Health nurses, for parents with newborns up to eight months of age. The time. Join the club so that you can ride the yellow bikes! programme promotes a healthy adaptation to parenthood, provides a supportive and educational environment for new parents, and promotes social contact networking among new parents. English as a Second Language Intermediate classes have been offered at The 519 since 1992 through the Toronto District School Board. Four days a week a group of people gather on the 3rd floor and discuss newspaper articles and current issues as they REMEMBERING... Albert “Keith” Russell learn a new language. People can register for ESL classes by dropping into the class at The 519 and speaking with John William Inglis 1939-2005 the instructor. Keith volunteered at The 519’s front desk for several years, our 1953-2005 loyal “Wednesday afternoon” volunteer. He not only came in with John passed away at Casey House on January smiles and good cheer for everyone, he supplied us with cookies and 8 2005. John will be remembered by his Kleenex, two indispensable items at the information centre. I think partner of 14 years, Ron Merko, and their cat other volunteers used to drop in on Wednesday afternoon especially Puss, as well as many friends and relatives to indulge in Keith’s cookies and enjoy his friendship. throughout southern Ontario. John and Ron have been involved at The 519 since the early As a former employee of the Royal Bank of Canada, Keith made sure days. You may know Ron as the “sound guy” his volunteer work counted towards a Royal Bank donation to our who keeps The 519’s sound equipment in order Counselling Programme, and he always had something to give to the and who creates the music tapes and manages children’s programmes in December. the sound equipment for our beer gardens on Keith is survived by his loving partner, Colm Foley, his sister, nieces, Pride Weekend. extended family and many cherished friends. Annual 21 committed to diversity 22 dedicated to community Report 2005 Committee Reports Programme Reports AIDS Memorial & AIDS Vigil Committees Wills Clinic Sitting in a classroom get the service back. attorney. So I was able to do The clinic was able to hit the AIDS Memorial Committee and imagining you are at Enter Pro Bono Students a bit of that, but I saw how ground running thanks to the Members someone’s hospital bedside, Canada. PBSC matches important it was. [HIV] is obvious devotion that staff deciding what will happen law students with community such a terrible disease. It will at The 519 have to the local Patrick Fahn, Barrie Martin, Bruce Prouty, after they die is not every rob you of pretty well everything, community.” Helen Rykens organizations, as well as law student’s dream. But with lawyers doing pro bono including your money.” He has also relied on the Chris Hovius felt differently. work in order to provide Hovius took his duties very generous support of the legal Responsibilities and Activities “When I was in fi rst year students with an opportunity seriously. After responding community to bolster the The AIDS Memorial, located in Cawthra law, a professor mentioned to apply newly learned skills to a call out for volunteers work of the clinic. Square Park, provides a focus for personal that he visited hospitals and to communities in need to facilitate the soon-to-be- “The generosity of the and public grief. In 2005, 21 names were completed wills and powers and develop practical legal restarted clinic, he worked lawyers involved in the clinic engraved bringing the total to 2,619. of attorney pro bono for skills. The 519’s clinic was a with colleague Danielle is astounding. They have Currently, engraving is funded by individual AIDS patients,” says Hovius, perfect match. Marks to make sure it donated signifi cant time to charitable donations made to the project as a volunteer with The 519. “It “The practice of law is happened. “Together we completing wills and powers a whole. struck me as something that fundamentally different worked in close cooperation of attorney, checking things I would like to do too.” to restart the clinic,” he says. Several people in the community volunteer from the study of law,” says over, working with students, with the AIDS Memorial garden club, “It’s not always fun and Walker, who is associated The wills clinic reopened its offering advice, taking sometimes clients are not with the clinic. “Being able doors in late 2005. Marks things on under serious time creating an evolving perennial garden on in particularly good health to take what you’ve studied will be facilitating the clinic constraints, and helping the grounds of the AIDS Memorial. In and if you are dealing with and apply it in a practical for the coming school year, students fi nd their bearings. 2005 we received a grant from the Toronto a client who desperately setting is really invaluable. as Hovius is in his last year One lawyer associated with Parks and Trees Foundation to replace the needs a will … a few days For those students especially as a student. the clinic also donated half landscape fabric between the pillars and later you [may] learn that the who are interested in wills Hovius’ enthusiasm for a dozen books on Wills and AIDS Vigil Committee refresh the gravel. client has died,” cautions and estate work, it’s probably the clinic was obvious. He Powers of Attorney to the Members attorney Bruce Walker. the best kind of experience would often be seen, with clinic.” “That takes a little bit of you could get.” his young son in tow, making “The service is really Jocelyn Watchorn and Philip Weaver co- getting used to.” chairs, Rick Kennedy, Sandra Miller, Karim Walker is no stranger to this last minute preparations for valuable,” adds Walker. The Wills and Powers of kind of work. He was like the clinic or coming in to “The 519 needs to be Parshottam, Brian Primeau, Bob Smyth, Attorney clinic is a long- that professor that Hovius familiarize himself with 519 commended for that. I think Kenn West and Helen Rykens standing weekly clinic at remembers so distinctly. staff and facilities. it’s a great programme for The 519, run entirely by both the community and the Responsibilities and Activities “I opened my law practice But he notes that he couldn’t volunteers. It is a unique in 1992,” he says from his have done it alone. individuals involved.” This group of volunteers organizes the programme, providing both small offi ce at Church and The 519 Wills Clinic can be AIDS Candlelight Vigil, which takes place free services to people living “I am grateful to The 519 Wellesley. His sleek meeting for giving us the opportunity reached at 416-392-6878 x 342. on the Thursday of Pride Week. They work with HIV and a rare learning room furniture stands out closely with AIDS service organizations and opportunity for law students. restart the Clinic. The by Geoff MacDonald against a small, ragged organization has been a the AIDS Memorial Committee, receiving After many years, the couch that is decorated great partner, and offered support from the AIDS Committee of Community Legal Aid modestly by a multi-coloured a lot of support from space Rawlinson Choir at 2005 AIDS Candlelight Vigil Toronto and Casey House. During the Services Program (CLASP) wool blanket. “I was called to sensitivity training. The ceremony, names recently engraved on decided it wanted out of into the hospital quite often fact that The 519 is so well the Memorial are read. To contact the this work and the clinic was because people, mostly known in the community, and committee, call 416-392-6878 x 312. on hold. During this time, lesbian and gay people, has the trust and respect of The 519 had a change in were in hospital without their so many people, enhanced volunteer coordinators and documentation—especially in the Clinic’s ability to meet it looked like a hard road to terms of wills and powers of client needs immediately. Annual 23 committed to diversity 24 dedicated to community Report 2005 Committee Reports Nominations, Human Resources, Strategic Planning Fundraising Report
Capital Campaign organizations, Thanks his winnings to The Human Resources Committee including The City of Toronto to our 519. Altogether, these Sandra Bernhard The 519, at has been a key partner dedicated excellent card players Members headlined a May 2005 “We’re Funny since the beginning of supporters donated $2,308 to The Joan Anderson, Michelle Douglas, Jack Fitch gala in the legendary That Way”, the Capital Campaign, Labatt 519 in 2005. (chair), Kyle Rae (Fall 2005) Imperial Room at the her fabulous providing both fi nancial Breweries Nominations Committee Fairmount Royal York The 12 step programmes Responsibilities and Activities comedy fest and in-kind support to Ontario Hotel. Produced by the at The 519, ranging Members The committee reviews staff-related matters and at Buddies. the construction and our incomparable Salah from AA to CMA all Michelle Douglas, Joan Anderson advises the Executive Director on matters related of the new wing. hundreds Bachir, The 519’s Capital Special take collections at their Mathieu Chantelois (Summer 2005) to labour relations, pay equity, and collective of committed volunteers, Campaign Chair, the gala thanks to Rob Oliphant meetings to provide bargaining. our beer gardens grossed Responsibilities and Activities featured local favourites and Marco Fiola for the meeting materials and $87,000. The Nominations Committee seeks In 2005, in addition to their regular duties, the Molly Johnson, Maggie donations collected in coffee. Extra funds are nominees for the Board prior to the committee monitored the City’s work in aligning the Cassella, Billy Newton- honour of their marriage Groups that use The 519 always donated to support Annual General Meeting elections, HR practices and policies of The 519 Church Street Davis and John Alcorn. in October. They on a regular basis are The 519’s programmes. and also recommends nominees to fi ll Community Centre with the City’s and guided The requested that donations involved in fundraising Salah Bachir, in recognition The Lesbian and Gay mid-term vacancies. 519’s responses. be sent to The 519 Capital for programmes. Charlie for his work for The 519 Community Appeal Campaign in lieu of Seminario organized “Diva th and the queer community, celebrated its 25 wedding gifts, and raised Envy” in August to support was elected Grand anniversary and continued over $3,700. The 519’s Older Gay, Marshall of the 2005 Pride to support Trans Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Strategic Planning Committee Parade, giving The 519’s Holt Renfrew Bloor Street Programming, the Anti- programme. This event expansion campaign an donated a percentage of Violence Programme, and raised over $1500 and Members even greater profi le. their day’s sales on June Community Counselling. Joan Anderson, Michael Went, Roy Cain, Gary Leroux and 26th, adding $8,700 to our featured Rex Harrington, To thank The 519’s Last, but not least, the Alison Kemper. Building Fund. among many others. volunteers, Salah extensive fundraising Mustafa Nazarali raised Responsibilities and Activities organized a concert Annual Campaign efforts of the staff and The committee encourages and monitors progress on The funds by running a half volunteers at The 519 featuring Carol Pope. The 519 continues to be 519 Strategic Plan – The 519’s longer term plan for the marathon on behalf of The must be acknowledged. This special treat generously supported by organization. The committee assists with emerging issues 519. The 519 family happened on a hot August core funding from the City and advises the Board on its governance role - its role and Don Middleton and Clayton participated in a wide night in the auditorium at of Toronto and the United responsibilities. Wilson raised close to variety of local events The 519. Way of Greater Toronto. $4,000 at a fundraiser supporting our partners in The Strategic plan includes these Key Directions underway: The 519 was a recipient The United Way and the they hosted in February to the community, including • Renovating and Expanding the Building organization for the Pride & City of Toronto provide celebrate their birthdays. AIDS Walk Toronto, the • Diversifying Funding Partnerships Remembrance Run, which us with the stability and United Way Walk-a-thon • Growing Current Programmes, Adding New Programmes brought in over $20,000 for funding The 519 needs Prime Timers, the social and the CN Tower Climb. (especially to prepare for when the new space becomes the capital campaign. to continue providing and support group for gay men over 40 has the available) Maggie Cassella crucial services to all the most consistent donation • Nurturing the Relationship with the City of Toronto raised funds for many people in our diverse • Improving Communications neighbourhood. programme of all. Every week, the bridge and • Evolving the Governance Role of the Board Pride is always a highlight euchre players donate • Expanding Our Leadership Role of the year at The 519, a dollar each to play. and 2005 was no different. The winner donates Annual 25 committed to diversity 26 dedicated to community Report 2005 2005 Donors Thank you for your generous support!
Gifts Over $150,000 Bruce Lawson Alexander Maclean Harold Wu Mary-Louise Reddick Salah Bachir, Famous Players Media Inc. (Now Cineplex) Interactive Male Patricia Thomson and Cathy Pappas Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Richard F. Glaze Mustafa Nazarali Gifts of $50,000 to $100,000 N. Donald E. Altman and Judy Skinner Jennifer Cawthorne Andrew McKinnon Pringle York University A. MC. N Austin Cineplex Media Richard Silver Bill Vrantsidis BMO Financial Group Ronald G. Merko Brenda and James McNee Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention Brian Hockey Pride and Remembrance Run Evan Young Bruce Simpson Joan Chalmers and Barbara Amesbury Barbara Hall Calvin Hambrook John Bailey David Himelfarb and Peter Proszanski Charles and Brenda Baird Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) Canada Deborah Barrett Dennis Findlay Ellen Flanders Gary Pyper Gifts of $1,000 to $9,900 Jane Rowe Gary Rogers Toronto Arts Council Nancy Lockhart and Murray Frum Grant Wedge Holt Renfrew Patrick Vandesompele Gwen Gibson Estate of Philip Stanbury Ronald Shannon J. David Whitney Martha McCain Sheila Gregory & Eugene Knapik Jack Brannigan Ontario Arts Council Victor Loewy Jeffery Mayne
L.G.C.A. Foundation Viola Ekins Jenna Paterson Financial Statements Hugh Clarkson Ziad Bachir John Tsirlis Nancy Lockhart & Dr. Murray Frum, The Frum Foundation S. Lee, Digital Home System Mark Daitchman Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund Pride Toronto Mary Ball Robert Lavery RBC Financial Group Meri Collier/Perlitz Chum Charitable Foundation Segal Group Inc. Michael Best Canadian Stage Company Michael Went Pam Shime Maggie Cassella Brian Rolfes Paolo Cini Brian Terry N. Perrin Philip Ing and Mark Malinowski Warner Home Video (Canada) Ltd. Emma Lewzey and Ingrid Randoja Rob Howe AIDS Committee of Toronto Helen Rykens Robert Crichton Casey House Hospice Rainbow AA Friday Group Robert and Marjorie Krull George Yabu & Glenn Pushelberg, Yabu-Pushelberg Richard Durk and Steve Weiss Sarah and Zolton Toth Donald and Clayton 25dates.com Shane Longmore Laurie Goodman & Mark Lash Vincor International Inc. Todd Sloan Northern Lights Alternatives Laura Pearce Vivian Harrower David W. Pretty Alice Simard William and Anne Farrell Apotex Foundation Angele and Birute Abromaitis BMO Fountain of Hope Employees Foundation Estee Lauder Colm P. Foley Woody’s On Church Derrick Navarro RBC Royal Bank Community Donations Bettina Metzler Ellis Jacob Yves Martel Gabrielle Trujillo and Lizbeth Orea 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations Paul Austin Gary Miller Prime Timers Bridge and Euchre Players Dean Carlson Gavin Clark IATSE Local 822 George Smitherman John Lloyd Rainbow AA James Limacher Laurence Burnstein Alcoholics Anonymous Jennifer Ross Paul Oakley Overeaters Anonymous Jim Leech Rich Fishell Prime Timers Pearse Murray and Taras Shipowick Robert Brown The Promises Group Robert Archer and C. Richard Pond Family Service Association Pride Toronto Wayson Choy Bill Graham Debtors Anonymous Appel Family Foundation Brad Schmale Friday Sexual Compulsives Anonymous Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation Brian Gluckstein Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous Wallenstein Feed Charitable Foundation Chris Wallace Cocaine Anonymous XE.com Christopher Field Amnesty International LGTB Clive Veroni Cocaine Anonymous Group Gifts of $200 to $999 David Kelly Programme, Family Service Association Toronto Gay Hockey Association Starbucks Coffee Company John Altenburger Rainbow Ballroom Dancing Michelle Douglas Lorraine Himelfarb Youth Link Paula Fleck & Anna Simone Mike Karapita and Paul Harris Three Coats Productions Martin Kohn Peter Quaid Toronto Tong Zhi Club 7-24 Video Russ Nesbitt WRIB Lyle Kersey Wish Restaurant Annual 27 committed to diversity 28 dedicated to community Report 2005 Financial Statements Financial Statements Annual 29 committed to diversity 30 dedicated to community Report 2005 Financial Statements Financial Statements committed to diversity 31 dedicated to community Financial Statements Thank you to all our fabulous funders!