Representatives from Toronto's four major league sports teams: the Blue Jays, Argos, Maple Leafs and Raptors, launched Team Up for Youth, a partnership with team charities and the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF).
The teams have contributed up to $700,000 to Team Up For Youth, which was matched by the government of Ontario to create a $1.4 million investment.
The fund makes direct, grassroots investments in youth-driven initiatives that focus on engaging youth and providing opportunities for education, employment and leadership.
The funding is slated for 13 priority neighbourhoods including Jamestown, Jane-Finch, Westminster-Branson, Weston-Mt. Dennis, Lawrence Heights, Steeles L'Amoreaux, Dorset Park, Kingston-Galloway, Malvern, Scarborough Village, Eglinton East-Kennedy Park, Flemingdon Park-Victoria Village and Crescent Town.
The Ontario government launched the fund with an initial $15 million investment in 2006.
Each of the major Toronto sports teams will host a YCF night.
The Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs hosted their events Sept. 25. The Toronto Argonauts had its on Sept. 27 and the Toronto Raptors will host its on Oct. 16.