A Small Team with a Big Heart: Celebrating NeighbourLink North York

Congratulations to NeighbourLink North York for winning the 2026 Toronto Community Champion Award, one of 25 organizations recognized in our city. These organizations do so much heavy lifting across our city to care for our communities and uplift the most vulnerable. I had the pleasure of attending the NeighbourLink North York AGM last week, where I was moved to see their tremendous growth in capacity and volunteer support. 

This organization of merely 6 full-time staff is a small but mighty team that does tremendous work to make Willowdale a more caring and connected community. If you have journeyed with them, you would know that they have faced a funding cliff more than once. But instead of scaling back on their operations or dreams, they pressed forward, and the community met their faith with additional donations. I do not know many people who would continue to dedicate so much passion to their work without an assured paycheck the following month. I know they do this because they truly love our community.

Another example of this care is when they took over an additional food bank that was set to close. Not because they had additional money or staffing capacity, but because they knew there was a roster of clients who would be left without support if that food bank closed down. 

I invite you to support them by joining me this Saturday, May 2, 10am at Hendon Park for their annual Let’s Move Willowdale Move-a-thon! There will be local performers, a BBQ and so much fun this weekend! Consider bringing your dog to walk, run, bike or scooter the Hydro corridor while raising money for NeighbourLink North York and North York Seniors Centre. Let’s support organizations that do so much to support our community! CLICK HERE to register or for more information.