LEADERSHIP MESSAGE



Dear YWCA Toronto Community,

Happy Black History/Black Futures Month!

February is a month of both reflection and action, a time to advocate for, and celebrate progress. As we honour Black History Month, we not only commemorate the rich legacy and contributions of Black individuals, but reflect on the ongoing fight for equity and justice. Across the Association, our programs have been hosting and sharing impactful events, workshops and resources to engage staff and participants. Personally, I have been diving into books by Black authors and have a growing list of films and plays I am eager to experience. I hope you have each found your own way to commemorate this important month and considered ways to carry it through beyond February.

This month also marks Non-Profit Appreciation Week, presenting an opportunity to recognize the work of organizations that shape and support our communities. I am grateful to be a part of a sector that is not only driving powerful change but also offering a social safety net for those who need it most. The passion and dedication I see in my colleagues across the sector every single day inspires a collective commitment to push boundaries and create lasting change. 

It is also election week here in Ontario. With just days to go, I want to remind everyone of the importance of engaging in the election process. Whether you are eligible to vote or not, you have a say in this election! The outcome of this election will affect us all. For those of us who are eligible, it has never been more important to exercise our democratic right to vote. Our livelihood, our communities, and our futures are shaped by these elections. Mark your calendars, February 27^th is Election Day.

Be sure to visit our social media channels for helpful resources and answers to frequently asked questions about the provincial election. And, do not miss our latest blog designed to help you make your plan to vote.

With hope,

Sami Pritchard

Director of Advocacy and Communications

YWCA Toronto

FUND OUR CITY: Toronto Budget Rally

Earlier this month, in collaboration with Social Planning Toronto and many other community partners, we gathered outside Toronto City Hall for the FUND OUR CITY: Toronto Budget Rally!

Together, we made our voices heard as City Council voted in favour of the 2025 proposed budget, which included increased investments into vital community services such as affordable housing, transit and food/nutrition programs.



We took photos of some of our favourite signs calling for investments to build a more just and equitable city for all!

Check out the signs on our Instagram and tell us your favourite in the comments!  

City of Belonging: Celebrating Toronto’s Black Community Builders

In celebration of Black History, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has featured illustrated portraits of prominent Black community leaders on buses as part of their ‘City of Belonging: Celebrating Toronto’s Black Community Builders’ campaign.

The campaign features six portraits, created by Toronto-based Black artists, of Black community leaders who have contributed to social justice, public safety, education, healthcare, politics, the arts, and immigrant support in Toronto.

Three of the honorees, Akua Benjamin, Debbie Douglas, and Angela Robertson, have been recognized as YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction for their commitment to championing gender equity.