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“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact in the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
~Jane Goodall
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LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
Dear YWCA Toronto Community,
As we reflect on the milestones and challenges of the past year, we carry forward immense hope for the future, particularly for the women, girls, and gender diverse individuals in our community and beyond.
Heather McGregor, Chief Executive Officer, shares her reflections on her 30+ year tenure with YWCA Toronto, highlights of the past year and her vision for 2026 in this special video message.
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Thank you for supporting YWCA Toronto. Together, we will continue to drive lasting change, strengthen vital supports, and advocate for peace, justice, and freedom.
As ever,
Heather M. McGregor
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Toronto
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Advancing Poverty Reduction in Ontario
As part of YWCA Ontario, a coalition of 10 member associations across the province, we submitted recommendations to the Provincial Government using an intersectional Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) lens to shape the next poverty reduction strategy and end gendered poverty. Read the recommendations.
We also endorsed the Ministry of Education’s proposal to exclude the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from “adjusted income” in child care fee subsidy eligibility. Read the submission.
By advancing poverty reduction and gender equity—through housing, economic security, and accessible child care—Ontario can build a stronger, more inclusive province for all.
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The Let's Start Up Pathway Program is Back!
The Let's Start Up Pathway Program is back in Toronto and applications are now open for the Winter 2026 cohort. The next session kicks off on February 18, 2026, right here at YWCA Toronto.
Are you dreaming of a new career path or ready to launch your own business? The Let’s Start Up Pathway helps women and gender diverse individuals turn their ambitions into concrete actions to build lasting financial independence.
Want to learn more? Contact us at 416.269.0091 x231 or email LetsStartUp@ywcatoronto.org.
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Give a Gift in Honour or in Memory this Holiday Season
Still looking for the perfect holiday gift for a special someone? Look no further. Celebrate the feminists, advocates, change makers and caring people in your life with a donation in their name to YWCA Toronto. These thoughtful gifts create positive and lasting change in the lives of women, girls and gender diverse people.
Donate to YWCA Toronto in honour of someone you love and we will send them a holiday card letting them know of your gift.
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Supporting Survivors: Resources for the 16 Days of Activism
During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we shared a collection of resources to help you deepen your understanding and strengthen your allyship for survivors. Our collection featured content from the National Film Board of Canada, Indigenous resources, and youth led programs teaching healthy relationships, consent, and online safety. We also included content about legal support, a guide to local programs, emergency contacts, and resources for individuals affected by gender-based violence and more.
Learn more and access the collection here.
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We’re Better Together
We have joined the Canadian Council for Refugees, along with over 130 other organizations across the country, in the We’re Better Together campaign, affirming Canada’s support for immigrants and refugees and our commitment to building a country where all families can thrive.
We are proud to support and welcome newcomers, and remain steadfast in our vision of a just and equitable world, one free from racism, misogyny, gender-based violence, and all forms of discrimination.
Learn more and join the campaign here.
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December 6th Vigil and Memorial
YWCA Toronto staff gathered at our Elm Centre for a December 6th Vigil and Memorial to honour the 43 lives lost to femicide this past year and all others taken by gender-based violence. Together, we shared our grief and reaffirmed our commitment to speak out, show up, and push for an end to gender-based violence.
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Safeguarding Canada’s Global Leadership on Gender Equality
Alongside more than 250 organizations and individuals across the country, we shared a letter with the Prime Minister, urging the federal government to safeguard Canada’s global leadership on gender equality at a time of escalating global instability and mounting attacks on human rights.
It highlights our concerns about recent shifts in Canada’s foreign policy which risks weakening the country’s long-standing leadership on gender equality and human rights. The letter also underscores that feminist policy approaches are not simply about values, they are critical to global security, economic resilience, and Canada’s strategic interests.
Read the full letter.
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
YWCA Toronto operates on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We are grateful to work on this territory as we strive to build a more equitable and just city for women, girls, and gender diverse people. For a full land acknowledgment, please visit our website.
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