Toronto's Regent Park youth program receives $25,000 from developer

Broccolini donation ensures Dixon Hall participants will receive meals

Students take part in a Dixon Hall Children and Youth program in Regent Park. - Dixon Hall photo

A Regent Park program that serves children and youth will help feed some 200 families through the winter months thanks to a donation from a local developer.

Broccolini has made a $25,000 donation to Dixon Hall, specifically to support its Regent Park children and youth, and music school programs.

Dixon Hall identified about 200 families of participants of those programs facing food insecurity and committed to providing them with a meal and snack program. However, this effort was in jeopardy due to a funding shortfall, partly because fundraising events were cancelled and partly due to the loss of some funders.

Broccolini, which is currently building a condo in the neighbourhood, stepped up to help.

“Beyond the emotional challenges of the pandemic, many young people also struggle with living in households experiencing poverty where getting a basic need as simple as food can be a daily challenge,” said Phil Brennen, vice-president of real estate development at Broccolini, in a news release. “Broccolini believes strongly in the importance of supporting young people and building strong communities where everyone is taken care of. We are humbled by the incredible work Dixon Hall does in the Regent Park community and feel honoured to support them at this crucial time of need.”