Dear Neighbours,
We’re excited to announce the launch of our Winter Fundraiser and invite you all to come together to help break the cycle of social isolation in the East End!
At the Ralph Thornton Community Centre (RTCC), we are committed to creating spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, share, learn, and build meaningful relationships. By supporting our local programs, you can make a real difference in breaking the cycle of social isolation, bringing warmth, care, and connection to those in need. From the Exchange Loft to our Seniors Programs: Love at RTCC, our Wellness Line, and Drop-In Seniors Yoga, and many community events, your generosity is crucial in strengthening our community and helping people feel supported and valued.
Seniors Programs (Love at RTCC, Wellness Line, Seniors Yoga):
Our Seniors Program offers a blend of light exercise, educational workshops, and recreational activities each week, helping seniors stay engaged, active, and connected. In the past year, 31 seniors participated in 42 enriching sessions, building friendships, sharing experiences, and forming bonds in a supportive environment.
The Wellness Line provides confidential emotional and mental health support for seniors over the phone, offering compassionate listening, practical advice, and helpful referrals to address stress, anxiety, and other challenges. This year, we made over 140 calls through this service, helping seniors feel heard, supported, and better connected.
We’ve also expanded our programming to include free, weekly Drop-In Seniors Yoga classes for all. Offered in Mandarin and English, these sessions provide seniors in our community from diverse backgrounds with a communal space to gather and safely exercise, improving both their physical health and mental well-being.
These programs do more than provide learning—they create opportunities for seniors to stay connected, engaged, and part of something meaningful. Your donation helps ensure these programs continue to thrive, offering free, crucial services that keep our community vibrant and connected.
Exchange Loft:
The Exchange Loft is a drop-in computer lab and community hub, providing free access to desktop computers, Wi-Fi, tech support, fax machines, a phone, a scanner, low-cost printing, and more. Last year, we welcomed over 5,500 visits, kept our doors open for over 300 days, and provided 3,400 hours of access and support to those in need.
This space helps bridge the digital divide and ensures that everyone in our community has the resources to stay connected and engaged, regardless of their circumstances.
Community Events:
Donations like yours make community-wide events possible, creating spaces for connection and celebration for all! In 2025, we joined forces with more than 125 incredible local residents, businesses, and community organizations to Clean Queen St. E. Together! We also hosted our annual family-friendly Halloween Party, welcoming over 225 attendees; celebrated Pride with the South Riverdale Community Health Centre; commemorated Truth and Reconciliation with an Indigenous Meal and Marketplace—and so much more! With your help, we can continue building a stronger, more vibrant community.
How You Can Help
Your donation ensures that these local programs at RTCC continue to provide space for people to come together, learn, share, and form lasting relationships. Every contribution helps combat social isolation and strengthens our community.
Here are a few examples of how your support can make a difference:
- $20 brings joy, connection, and support to a senior through the Wellness Line.
- $50 provides connection and support through technology for an hour in the Exchange Loft.
- $125 fosters social opportunities and safe exercise through Seniors Yoga.
- $500 fills a day with community, opportunity, and engagement through our enriching Seniors Program.
If you have the means, please consider donating today! No matter the amount, every gift makes a difference.
Click HERE to make a meaningful impact!
New this year: Join us at the 14th Annual Riverside Antler Breakfast! Happening at the Centre, 765 Queen St. E., on December 12 from 8:00 AM–10:00 AM, it’s a community meal and silent auction you won’t want to miss! To learn more or get tickets, click HERE!
For more information about the winter fundraiser, check out our FAQ HERE!
Together, we can break the cycle of social isolation and create a more connected, caring community.