Scadding Court Community Centre wins race relations award

JOANNA LAVOIE

November 11, 2009

An innovative Annex-area community centre has received the City of Toronto's 2009 William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations.

Named in honour of the city's first African-Canadian councillor from 1894 to 1913, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to race relations in Toronto.

The Scadding Court Community Centre, which is located in the heart of downtown near Bathurst Street and Dundas Street West, is being recognized for its leadership, advocacy and innovation in establishing programs and partnerships on a local and citywide basis that improves the opportunities and removes barriers caused by racism.

"This award speaks to the leadership of our board and staff as well as the commitment and contributions of many community partners," said Kevin lee, Scadding Court Community Centre's dynamic executive director, in a release.

Some of the agency's efforts to further diversity include its Investing in our Diversity Scholarship program. A partnership with Toronto Community Housing and other supporters, the program provides $4,000 scholarships to youth from marginalized communities who are active in anti-racism or diversity work. Since its 2003 inception, 75 young people have received more than $300,000 for their post-secondary studies.

Other initiatives at the downtown community centre include programs that help child and youth newcomers better navigate Canadian society and community celebrations that raise awareness and knowledge about diverse groups.

The agency also runs a health equity project with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and a Community Education and Access to Police Complaints Partnership with the Toronto Police Services to help improve community-police relations.

Scadding Court Community Centre will receive The William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations during the 2009 Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at the annual Human Rights Day ceremony held at City Hall.