When the Children's Storefront was gutted by fire Oct. 31, it appeared the destruction of the invaluable community resource would leave countless families at a loss.
The community, however, has rallied to ensure the centre finds a new home.St. Alban's Boys and Girls Club at 843 Palmerston Ave., has lent out gym space to give the Storefront a temporary home, and fundraising efforts are underway to help find a new location where the centre can operate full time.Children's Storefront Executive Director Roona Maloney said St. Alban's offer of gym space was a welcome act of kindness for the community institution, allowing children, parents and caregivers to enjoy some of the Storefront's services."It's such a different space for us, but it's really nice to be here," she said.The temporary location will allow families to drop in for programming from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.Having the temporary space also allows the Storefront to replenish its supply of books, toys and other goods, which were lost in the fire. From Tuesday, Nov. 17 to Thursday, Nov. 19, puzzles, infant toys, childrens' books and dress-up clothes in good condition can be dropped off at St. Alban's.St. Alban's Executive Director Chris Foster said the decision to help out the Storefront was an easy one to make."We have an existing early years program and we're hoping to be able to blend some of what we do and what they do together," he said. "This is just a temporary home until they can find a more permanent solution, but we wanted to reach out to a neighbour in need."Before the Storefront can find a new home, the organization must raise tens of thousands of dollars. A charitable bank account has been set up at TD Canada Trust (transit No. 13602, account No. 05425206664) where the public can donate to the cause.In addition, many have started arranging events to help bring in dollars. On Tuesday, Nov. 24, a daytime drop-in at the Tranzac Club, at 292 Brunswick Ave., will include live entertainment and activities for kids from 1 to 5 p.m. From 7 to 10 p.m. that night the Tranzac will host a benefit concert featuring a variety of local acts.From 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 15, a dance-and-donate Nia event at the Community of Christ Church, 1443 Bathurst St., will also raise funds.Children's Storefront spokesperson Krista Ellis said the fundraisers have been largely organized by some of the organization's patrons."We're just amazed at the assortment of skills and talents we have who use the Storefront and who are helping us out," she said. Maloney said the organization had raised roughly $7,000 by early this week, a far cry from where they must be in order to find and cover the costs of a new location."We're a long way from our goal," she said. "I think we're still waiting on a lot of personal donations that are being mailed in."Ellis added efforts to raise funds will continue in earnest."Right now, we're just looking to get as much funding as we possibly can," she said.