Grace Chinese Gospel Church of North York (a federal corporation)
201 Tempo Ave, North York, ON, Canada M2H 2R9
Tel: 416 499 0111 Fax: 416 499 9879 www.gcgcny.org
Press Release December 21, 2012
Official Christmas kick-off launch and introduction of brand new multi-use facility to service North York and neighboring Scarborough communities
Ontario Government Invests in the Chinese Community of North York
(North York): Grace Chinese Gospel Church of North York (GCGCNY), along with its community service partners - Hong Fook Mental Health Association, St. Paul's L’Amoreaux Centre, Grace Christian School of North York, Five with D.R.I.V.E. Foundation, Across U-Hub, Parent Child Resource Centre, Christian Wushu Fellowship, and Heavenly Melody Gospel Ministry - are proud to invite Chungsen Leung, MP for Willowdale, David Zimmer, MPP for Willowdale, Andrea Cohen, CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, David Shiner, City Councillor for Willowdale and other distinguished guests along with the media and public to the official opening of their multi-use gym facility, housed at Grace Chinese Gospel Church at 201 Tempo Avenue in North York. This facility will service comprehensive community needs for the diverse communities in North York and neighboring Scarborough, not just activities related to physical activity.
The construction of this new $1.5 million facility was only made possible, with financial support of $500,000 from the Ontario Government through an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant, with the balance raised by GCGCNY.
Funding is provided through the Community Capital Fund, which helps not-for-profit organizations to deliver important public services to cultural communities. Improved facilities will lead to increased access and space to allow for more learning and skills development, recreation programs and cultural activities.
“The new multi-use gym at Grace Chinese Gospel Church will serving as a welcoming space for local organizations to offer their programs and services. Support for initiatives like this is part of our government’s plan to create healthier, more active communities.I am proud that support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has helped to make this project possible,” said Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Michael Chan.
“Christmas has come early! This grant will provide vital development funds for the Grace Chinese Gospel Church and its community partners,” said David Zimmer, MPP for Willowdale. “This is an excellent investment in the health and well-being of our community. As I am currently visiting China I regret I cannot join you in person for this wonderful occasion.”
“The addition of the Grace Gym to the area is certainly beneficial to our community,” said Mr. Chungsen Leung, Member of Parliament for Willowdale. “Our Government is committed to improving community infrastructures. We have announced in the Economic Action Plan 2012 that the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund will provide $150 million for the repair and improvement of community infrastructure facilities across the country. In Ontario, $49.6 million would be allocated over two years.”
Councillor David Shiner said, "Whether it is used for dance, Tai Chi, Scouts, sports or just as a place to meet with friends and neighbours, the Grace Chinese Gospel Church's fantastic new gymnasium is providing much needed space and a terrific benefit for our community."
“Thanks to funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and $1,000,000 from Grace Chinese Gospel Church of North York, the dream of a new multi-purpose gym and food share program to serve the community is today a reality. These facilities are truly a marvelous Christmas gift that will keep on giving. Please check our website www.gracegym.ca often as we working together with our partners to add more services to meet the needs of our community,” said Dr Tat-Kwan Wong, the Project Coordinator, during the official opening ceremony.
Completed according to schedule, the facility is already in use, an early Christmas present for many groups and members of the North York and neighboring Scarborough and Markham communities, and in particular, a pre-Christmas blessing to the more needy living in the community. Grace Gym is housing these activities to serve the community:
1. Grace Community Food Share (partnership with FIVE With Drive Foundation), whose goal is to provide food assistance to any individuals and families who need food support, serving these clients with dignity and respect regardless of their race or religion, and operating the first and third Saturday of every month between 10 am and 12 noon. This service is already proving to be an early Christmas present for many individuals and families, with over 75 people currently benefiting from the Grace Community Food Share during this Christmas season;
2. 201 Grace Scouts, a new Scouts troupe whose new home will be based out of the new gymnasium, and meet every Tuesday night between 7 and 8:30 pm. The first meeting for the Grace Scout Troupe will take place in February, for boys and girls (between the ages of 5 to 7 for Beavers, 8 to 10 for Cubs and 11 to 14 for Scouts), and will be led by GCGCNY’s Reverend David Lee and Donny Ng;
3. Weekly sports activities (Monday: drop in badminton for new single immigrants from China; Tuesday: afternoon recreation time organized by Hong Fook Mental Health Association, evening: Line dance classes and drop in badminton; Wednesday: Tai Chi classes and drop-in sports activities; Thursdays: afternoon Line dance classes with community partner St Paul L’Amoreaux Centre, evening drop in badminton; Saturday morning drop in badminton; Sunday afternoon: Wushu classes with community partner Christian Wushu Fellowship).
4. Grace Christian School Day Camps for children during Christmas holidays, summer, PA days and strike days.
Community groups are welcome to book the gym for use, for a very reasonable hourly rate. Later, if the scheduling permits, we will offer bookings for individuals. For more information, please visit the website at: www.gracegym.ca
A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.
For more information, please contact:
Pauline Lau, English Media coordinator Aster Ka, Chinese Media Coordinator
GCGCNY GCGCNY
Tel: 416-873-3831 Tel: 416-999-7978
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