FCJ Refugee Centre was selected as one of the 25 recipients of the Toronto Community Champion Award. The recipients were annouced this Monday at an award ceremony at the Toronto Reference Library.

Part of the Stronger TOgether initiative, funded in part by the Government of Canada, the Toronto Community Champion Award recognizes organizations that provided exceptional support for Torontonians through the pandemic.

FCJ Refugee Centre was awarded “for helping newcomers and undocumented individuals overcome the challenges of rebuilding a life in Toronto during the pandemic, by implementing a city-wide food security initiative and vaccine equity strategy; also for providing access to health care and assistance and accessing income and housing support.”

Residents were invited to nominate organizations that made a positive and lasting impact on their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the organisation of the awards, “the Toronto Community Champion Award provides an opportunity for the city to honour the collective commitment and unwavering determination of our communities to support each other through some of the most unprecedented times Toronto has ever experienced.

Recipients were chosen by a selection committee made up of community leaders from Volunteer Toronto, United Way Greater Toronto, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto and City staff. Priority was given to organizations that were community-focused; demonstrated an inclusive and innovative approach to their work; served vulnerable populations; and provided community service as their primary focus.

Organizations honoured for their work include those that provided support to vulnerable residents, including people with disabilities, newcomers, the elderly or equity-deserving communities; worked to reduce social isolation; connected residents to vaccines; and addressed challenges such as homelessness and food security.