Blog Post
October 30, 2020
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada Statement on Racism and Discrimination
As Canada’s largest charitable organization serving kids and teens, Boys and Girls Clubs open their doors to all young people, of all backgrounds, in 775 diverse communities across the country. Our core values—Belonging, Respect, Encouragement and Support, Working Together, Speaking Out—are built around inclusion and we are proud of the work we do.
We stand against systemic racism, prejudice, discrimination, injustice.
And like you, we are tired. Tired of seeing the long-term repercussions of racism. Tired of seeing trauma repeated generation after generation. Tired of calling for action and accountability.
Boys and Girls Clubs build safety nets to catch those who fall into the gaps. We often work in neighbourhoods that are changed by struggles with poverty, unemployment, incarceration—and where we see firsthand the effects of systemic racism. We have witnessed youth who have been the target of violence and persecution by institutional forces, and we will continue to support these youth, to guide them through the trauma of this violence, and to make space for young people to be heard and to thrive.
We also know that we can always do more. As a national organization, we will provide funding and resources that help our Clubs create even more safe spaces for youth that identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour). We will provide more training and tools that will help white staff and youth recognize their privilege and learn how to be effective allies.
We are increasing our fundraising efforts towards the following anti-racism initiatives, in consultation with BIPOC community leaders and organizations:
Establishing microgrants for BIPOC youth and allies that want to create programs, initiatives, or events that combat racism and discrimination. As a For Youth, By Youth model, successful microgrant applications will be chosen by our National Youth Council—14 young community leaders nominated from Clubs across Canada
Developing anti-racism training and resources for our national team that will ensure we incorporate anti-racism practices into all national initiatives and programs
Running a youth-led anti-racism workshop, specifically designed to educate white youth and empower BIPOC youth, at our National Youth Forum in 2021, which brings together youth from Clubs nationwide
Creating national anti-racism programming for youth that can be run at every Boys and Girls Club across the country
We have seen the long-term benefits of investing in young people and their communities. We will continue to use our national platform to advocate for increased funding and prioritization of youth and community engagement programs at all levels of government and within law enforcement agencies across Canada.
Boys and Girls Clubs have always been committed to change and we welcome others to join us in speaking out against discrimination in all its forms. Together, we will continue to remove barriers and create opportunities for all young people.
Join us for our new fitness program for adults! Hi Lo Workout with Yoga Cooldown Tuesdays 7:00pm to 8:00pm November 19 to December 17 (5 classes) Dance Studio Maximum of 10 participants. No fee, but membership and registration are required. This 60 minute class will energize and refresh you at the end of your day. You'll be challenged to move and excite your muscles, followed by a calming yoga sequence to help you drift off to sleep. Allow yourself permission to experience some rejuvenating me-time. For more information or to sign up, get in touch with Anna !
We are excited to announce our "Reach for Success" fundraising silent auction , where you have the opportunity to win incredible prizes and contribute to a meaningful cause. Our generous partners, Coach and WestJet, have donated fantastic items, including luxurious Coach accessories and roundtrip flights. By participating in this auction, you will not only have the chance to win these amazing prizes, but also help raise funds for our new rock climbing wall at St. Alban's Club. A rock climbing wall will provide children with a fun and engaging activity that promotes physical fitness and fosters essential life skills. With your support, we can offer our community's youth an enriching environment to develop problem-solving abilities, build self-confidence, enhance coordination, and nurture teamwork. The silent auction will run from October 11 at 2:00 PM to October 25 at 2:00 PM . Don't miss your chance to bid on these exciting items and make a positive impact on the lives of our youth. Items can be collected in person at BGC St. Alban's Club, located at 843 Palmerston Avenue. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Together, we can create a brighter future for the youth in our community. Silent auction bids can be placed here !
Get ready for a day filled with fun, entertainment, and giving back! BGC Canada and Cineplex are thrilled to host the 12th annual Community Day , expanding their support for children and youth across Canada. This year, the celebration extends beyond movie theaters to include exciting experiences at The Rec Room and Playdium. 🎬 Cineplex Movie Magic: Enjoy FREE family-friendly movies all morning long, along with discounted concession items like popcorn, soft drinks, and select candy for just $3. Your support counts: $1 from every concession transaction and $1 from every Xscape playcard for the entire day will be donated to BGC Canada. 🎮 Fun at The Rec Room & Playdium: Experience free gaming all morning at The Rec Room and Playdium locations. Indulge in discounted concession items for $3, with $1 from every game band purchase and $1 from every food and beverage transaction for the entire day donated to BGC Canada. Join us on September 14 for Community Day and make a difference in the lives of children and youth while creating lasting memories with family and friends. Don't miss this opportunity to support BGC Canada and have a fantastic time at Cineplex, The Rec Room, and Playdium locations near you!
Power of the Purse: A Unique Online Silent Auction Experience! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our highly anticipated Power of the Purse online silent auction ! From August 12th at 4 PM to August 26th at 4 PM, this unique fundraiser presents a wonderful opportunity for you to own a genuine Coach handbag while supporting St. Alban's. Our loyal supporter, Coach, has graciously sponsored this event and donated authentic Coach products directly for fundraising purposes. Coach has been a steadfast supporter of our Club for almost a decade, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference through their generous contributions. The Power of the Purse online silent auction is a distinctive experience that brings together fashion enthusiasts and supporters of St. Alban's. You will have the chance to bid on a variety of stylish and high-quality Coach handbags that have been thoughtfully selected to cater to a range of tastes and preferences. To participate in this one-of-a-kind event, simply visit the auction site and explore the collection of stunning handbags available for bidding. As you browse through the selection, remember that every bid you place not only brings you closer to owning an exquisite Coach handbag, but also makes a significant impact on the lives of those in our community. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to combine your love for fashion with your desire to make a positive change. Join us for the Power of the Purse online silent auction, and experience the joy of giving back in style! Stay tuned for updates, and be sure to spread the word about this exciting event. We can't wait to see the amazing impact we can make together through the Power of the Purse!
🏊️🏊 Fall Swimming Lessons: Registration opens August 9 at 9am 🌟 Dive into a new season of aquatic fun! We're excited to announce that our online registration for fall swimming lessons at Winona and the Main Clubhouse pool will open on Friday Choose from group or private lessons tailored to various skill levels and age groups. Don't forget, spaces fill up quickly, so s ecure your spot as soon as you can! 💦 🌟🌟 Become an Aquatic Instructor! 🌟🌟 We are also thrilled to offer an upcoming Aquatic Instructor Course from August 23rd to 31st. If you're 15 years of age or older, have your Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C certifications, register now to make a splash in your community this fall! 🏊️🏊
Our online silent auction is now open! Win two roundtrip flights to any regularly scheduled WestJet destination! 🌟 Link to auction: can.givergy.com/stalbansclub/ 🌟 All proceeds benefit BGC St. Alban's Club! Huge thanks to WestJet for donating the incredible grand prize! 💙 Check out other amazing auction items too, but don't miss your chance to bid on this unforgettable travel experience! ✈️ Auction closes July 26 at 10am. Bid now and help support our community while making memories that will last a lifetime! 🌍🌈
From one room in a church basement, to 25+ sites in five communities...and a campground, we have had a remarkable journey! Over the next few months, we will remember where we came from, and celebrate where we are going! We have two exciting events planned for the fall - a children's party for the kids attending the PA Day program on November 15, and a celebration for adults on November 21st in the evening. For more information about our celebration plans, please visit this page. If you are an alumnus of the Club or a former staff/volunteer, please join our mailing list to stay updated about our events. We would love to hear from you!
On our seventh annual awareness day, BGC Clubs will share the unbelievable impact Clubs have on youth and their families in communities across the country. Get ready to celebrate BGC Club Day on Friday, June 7, 2024 Welcome to BGC Club Day! BGC Canada’s annual national awareness day will occur on Friday, June 7, 2024. We will showcase the incredible work of Clubs across the country as they continue to have an unbelievable impact on young people. For 120+ years, BGC Clubs have been creating opportunities for millions of Canadian kids and teens. Our trained staff and volunteers provide programs and services that help young people realize positive outcomes. Opportunity changes everything. BGC Clubs across the country will host different kinds of activations throughout BGC Club Day. At St. Alban's, kids from all of our satellite communities will meet at our Main Clubhouse and participate in a day of FUN and CELEBRATION! The day will include: Water balloons and Drip Drip Drench! Games like bean bag toss and potato sack races Face painting Tug of War Yummy snacks Talent Show Music and dancing! The kids will have so much fun meeting their friends from our family of Clubs! We look forward to sharing pictures of the day on our social media feeds! Look for the CN Tower and Niagara Falls to be lit up in BGC Green that night!
To celebrate our 75th year and BGC Club Day, @Alex_Beauregard with Sutton-Group Associates Realty, will sponsor a BBQ and CORN fundraiser! Our favourite grill master and neighbourhood realtor will match all proceeds dollar for dollar! June 7 4:00-5:30 (or until we sell out!) Proceeds go to our children and youth programs. Skip cooking dinner and come and support our Club!
BGC St. Alban's Club (legal name: St. Alban's Boys and Girls Club) engaged Charters Professional Corporation to rewrite the Club's bylaws in relation to the revised Ontario Corporations Act. The Club's governance committee has reviewed and recommended the new bylaws for approval by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors approved this recommendation on April 16th, 2024. The Board has now called a meeting of the corporate members on May 16th, 2024, at 7:00 p.m . to approve the new bylaws. Please contact Chris Foster at chris@stalbansclub.ca for the definition of a corporate member and to register for the May 16th, 2024 meeting of the corporate members. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for June 18th, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Please contact Chris Foster at chris@stalbansclub.ca for the definition of a corporate member and to register for the AGM. Review the updated bylows. Call for new Board members BGC St. Alban's Club is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors. As we continue our mission of fostering growth and creating opportunities for our communities, we recognize the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in driving our organization forward. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds including race, gender, sexual orientation, ability and indigenous peoples. We're looking for visionary leaders committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity, and who are eager to make a positive impact on the lives of our members. As a Board member, you'll have the opportunity to: • Contribute your unique skills and expertise • Collaborate with other community leaders and professionals • Help shape the strategic direction and future success of BGC St. Alban's Club If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and want to be part of a dynamic team, we encourage you to apply at board@stalbansclub.ca
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MAIN CLUBHOUSE
416-534-8461
843 Palmerston Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M6G 2R8
info@stalbansclub.ca
We respectfully acknowledge Toronto is on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
