one by one®: Afro Canadian Development
As the need grows, Afro Canadian Development continues to expand its programs and services in the Toronto area for refugees, recently arrived immigrants and others who are less fortunate. Most recently, the organization expanded its annual Christmas celebration by providing families with winter survival kits, including a coffee mug giveaway purchased with a one by one grant.
“The main goal of our annual Gift a Christmas event is that less privileged children experience the joy of receiving gifts,” said Emmanuel Animodi, director. “But we are especially grateful to our sponsors this year who also made it possible to provide their families with items to help them endure winter.”
Volunteers help distribute coffee mug giveaways
To offer events like Gift a Christmas, Afro Canadian Development creates partnerships with government, business and community service organizations across the region. It also relies on volunteers as it strives to bring about lasting and positive change throughout the year.
Its integrated approach for delivering refugee services ranges from providing a needs assessment and referral for transitional housing, food assistance and employment services to helping people become self-dependent. Transitional housing occurs between emergency shelter and permanent housing. This step provides immigrants with a safe, secure place to live during the first 12 to 18 months of their resettlement process. Depending upon job openings and an individual’s needs, employment services can include help with writing resumes, providing interview tips and more.
Two new programs launched in 2023
To help others who are less fortunate in the Toronto area, Afro Canadian Development also provides mental health services and referrals, educational programs for children and community programs like Gift a Christmas. It launched two new programs last year, including a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program for children plus another to promote awareness and understanding of those with autism. Its STEM program offers free classes to children on topics like coding and robotics to expand their horizons for their futures. The program for autism involves a series of sessions with opportunities for artistic exploration and recreational tie-dye experiences.
A note from Cheryl
Trying to resettle in a foreign country can be difficult, and Canadian winters can make that process even more challenging. We’re glad that a coffee mug giveaway can remind refugee families of the help that is available to them. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.