Christmas message from the President of the GCT Ms. Skoutakis

Dear Members and Friends of the Greek Community of Toronto,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Greek Community of Toronto, I extend our heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your families!

Over the past year, we have made significant strides in advancing our mission, demonstrating our commitment to the well-being and sustainability of our community. We are proud to announce that we have successfully completed the audit for the financial year 2024, and thanks to sound financial management, we have achieved a surplus of $102,035. Additionally, we have effectively managed our bank debt covenant while undertaking essential repairs at our four properties.

We are pleased to share some of our key achievements from this past year:

·      Collaboration with Key Organizations: We worked closely with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, the Hellenic Heritage Foundation, the Hellenic Initiative Canada, and the Hellenic Canadian Board of Trade to host the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on March 25, 2024.
·      Renovations and Expansions: We have successfully completed the renovation and second-floor addition at St. Irene’s building, totaling $635,000 plus HST. Similarly, the renovation of the upper hall at the Polymenakion Cultural Centre, at a cost of $117,000 plus HST, is expected to generate additional income for our community.
·      Program Enhancements: We modernized the Paideia Program by implementing the online platform “Open E-Class” for our credit schools. We are proud to report that over 600 students are now enrolled in our schools.
·      Community Engagement: We hosted two annual parades on Danforth Avenue, attracting over 30,000 participants and spectators. These events, attended by Canadian dignitaries, have brought the Greek Community of Toronto to the forefront of Canada’s diverse cultural landscape.
·      Fundraising Success: Through our various annual events, including the theatre production by our own Irida Art Group, our golf tournament, and the Summer Festival, we raised a total of $281,927 in support of our programs and initiatives.
·      Student Support: We have continued our close collaboration with parent council committees to contribute to our school’s vision, improve student achievement, equity and well being through a supporting environment for each student.
·      Philanthropic Efforts: «PRONIA» has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting individuals in need within our community. Their holiday food drives for Christmas and Easter, along with their ongoing community initiatives, have made a significant impact.
·      Supporting Fellow Organizations: We have also supported other Greek Canadian organizations, including the HHF Greek Canadian Archives and AHEPA, in showcasing their important work.

Looking ahead, we are excited to embark on new initiatives. Among these is the planned installation of an elevator at the Polymenakion Cultural Centre to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), effective in 2025. We have applied for an Accessibility Grant to fund this project and anticipate a decision by February 2025.

As we move forward with these projects, we recognize that your continued support is essential. Your donations and membership renewals play a crucial role in enabling us to fulfill our mission and serve the community effectively. We invite you to contribute in any way you can, as together, we can create a brighter future for Hellenism in Toronto—an endeavor that is especially important in the multicultural environment we live in.

If you wish to make a charitable donation and / or renew your membership, please visit our website at www.greekcommunity.org
Official tax receipts are issued immediately after payment.

You may also use our Greek Community of Toronto Mobile Application, available on iOs and Android smartphone:
Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gctapp.app
App Store
https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/greek-community-of-toronto/id6477624856

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We also look forward to celebrating with you at our New Year’s Eve 2025 Gala, which will take place at the Crystal Fountain Event Venue, featuring the band Parea! Tickets are selling fast! To secure your spot, please call 416-425-2485.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your participation and generosity are invaluable to our continued success. Together, we can make a difference!
 

With appreciation,
Betty Skoutakis President

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