At this year’s AGM, we gathered to celebrate and recognize the incredible individuals who help our community thrive. These awards recognize not just service, but heart. They honour those who go above and beyond to uplift others, build connections, and create lasting change. They embody what community truly means.
For more than three decades, Lucile Barker has been a vital part of the RTCC community. Since 1994, she has led the Joy of Writing workshop, creating a welcoming space for creativity, connection, and self-expression that continues to meet weekly at the Centre.
Lucile’s contributions extend well beyond her work with writers, to campaigns for equity and inclusion in community building. As a long-time President of the Ralph Thornton Community Organization (RTCO)—a charitable partner of RTCC—she has been a steady and dedicated advocate for community engagement and support. Her 24 years of service on the RTCO Board, which concluded in April 2025, reflect a deep and sustained commitment to the neighbourhood and its people.
In 2023, Lucile received the Award for Partnership with RTCC. Today, we offer our heartfelt thanks for her extraordinary dedication, thoughtful leadership, and the lasting impact she has made on the broader RTCC community.
Maggi Redmonds has been a steadfast advocate and leader in the South Riverdale community for over a decade. Her deep commitment to social justice, community accountability, and inclusive governance has shaped the Ralph Thornton Community Centre in lasting ways.
Maggi first joined the RTCC Board in 2011, serving two full terms—including as Board President—and returned in 2021 for another two terms. Over the years, she has contributed to nearly every Board committee and generously volunteered at countless community events. Her leadership has helped ensure that RTCC remains rooted in the needs and voices of the diverse community it serves.
Beyond RTCC, Maggi has brought her wide-ranging experience—from community work to taxi driving, from program management to international travel—to numerous grassroots initiatives, most recently the ‘Save Jimmie Simpson’ campaign. A long-time resident of the neighbourhood, she has raised her family here and continues to give back with humility, insight, and unwavering dedication.
We are proud to honour Maggi Redmonds with the RTCC Community Impact Award in recognition of her extraordinary service and enduring contributions to the life of our community.
For over 30 years, Literacy for East Toronto (LET) has quietly and steadfastly supported adult learners in our community. Through free, one-to-one tutoring in reading, writing, and math, LET has helped hundreds of individuals build the skills and confidence needed to pursue their goals—whether in employment, education, or everyday life.
Founded in 1990 as a grassroots coalition, LET grew into a fully volunteer-run organization rooted in compassion, patience, and respect for each learner’s journey. Their presence at the Ralph Thornton Community Centre has been a testament to the power of community partnerships and the belief that learning is lifelong.
As LET concludes its operations, we honour their legacy with deep appreciation. Their work has left a lasting imprint on East Toronto—one learner, one tutor, and one story at a time.