Come Together and Help Break the Cycle of Social Isolation in the East End – donate now!
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.
What You Are Supporting:
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.
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.
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!
With your help, we look forward to breaking the cycle of social isolation and fostering a more connected, caring community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Where is my donation going?
A: When you make a donation to our Winter Fundraiser, the money goes to the Ralph Thornton Community Organization – the charitable branch of the Ralph Thornton Community Centre (RTCC). Funds are then disbursed to the RTCC to support various programs and services, which include, but are not limited to, the Exchange Loft, Seniors Program, Drop-in Seniors Yoga, the Wellness Line and free community events!
Q: How can I learn more about or register for any of these programs or services?
A: The Exchange Loft is a drop-in program and does not require registration. It is open from 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM, Monday to Sunday. For more information about the Exchange Loft, click HERE.
The Seniors suite of programs is open to all seniors with a special focus on Mandarin-speaking Chinese seniors. To learn more about the Seniors Program, click HERE.
To attend Drop-In Seniors Yoga, simply drop by 765 Queen St. E. on Monday at 9 AM! The room location may change so be sure to check the elevator signs! For more information about Seniors Yoga, click HERE.
Q: What are the fees for the programs, services and initiatives?
A: The Exchange Loft, Seniors Program, Wellness Line and Seniors Yoga are all offered for free to the community. The only fee associated with any of the listed programs is a nominal print and copy fee in the Exchange Loft. All other devices and services are free in our drop-in computer lab (e.g., access to 7 desktop computers including an accessible desk for wheelchair/scooter users, Wi-Fi, a phone charging station, a phone, a charging station, a fax, a scanner, and, most importantly, help and support from staff).
Q: Will I get a charitable tax receipt for my donation?
A: Donations of $20 or more made through Canada Helps or via cheque to the “Ralph Thornton Community Organization” will receive a charitable tax receipt.
Q: How can I support your programs?
A: You can support our programs by making a general donation to help sustain our roster of programs. Donations can be made by filling out the donation form linked HERE or by writing a cheque addressed to the “Ralph Thornton Community Organization,” the charitable partner organization of the Ralph Thornton Community Centre.
Tickets can also be purchased HERE for the Riverside Antler Breakfast which supports Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed Food Programming and RTCC’s Youth and Seniors Programs!
Q: What impact does my donation have?
A: Every dollar you donate goes directly towards RTCC programs, services, and initiatives, covering costs such as staffing, honorariums, workshop activities, program materials and supplies, and other expenses that make it possible for us to operate safely.
Q: How much should I donate?
A: Any amount you can contribute is appreciated. Here are some examples of how your donation can help:
$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 Drop-In Seniors Yoga.
$500 fills a day with community, opportunity, and engagement through our enriching Seniors Program.
We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the Ralph Thornton Community Centre’s Winter Fundraiser. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our Fundraising Coordinator, Ming, at mingr@ralphthornton.org.