Impact on Community

What We Do

Local Impact in West-End Toronto

  • Volunteer monthly at the Fort York Food Bank, helping distribute food and provide dignity for families in need
  • Raise funds through community bingo nights at Delta Bingo
  • Support grassroots charities across Parkdale, High Park, Humber, and beyond

Global Reach That Matters

  • Hosted a fundraiser to support landmine removal in Ukraine, helping communities rebuild safely
  • Contributed to clean water projects in Haiti, bringing safe drinking water to vulnerable populations
  • Backed conflict resolution training programs that build peace in divided regions
  • Supported literacy initiatives that open doors for children and adults
  • Helped fund small business and market garden projects in Africa, giving families tools to become self-sufficient
 
Organizations that we proudly support
The Get REAL Movement
 
The Parkdale–High Park-Humber Rotary Club supports The Get REAL Movement (Get REAL), a Canada-wide non-profit organization dedicated to combating LGBTQ+ discrimination through education and youth-focused programming. Get REAL reaches more than 250,000 people through its online curriculum, digital tools, and workshops. Founded as a university club committed to creating safer, more welcoming campus environments during orientation week, Get REAL has grown into a national leader in inclusion education. Its programs continue to focus on building understanding, improving mental health, and strengthening self-confidence among youth. Our club’s funding specifically supports programming for Gender-Sexuality Alliances, or "G.S.A.s" (also known as Gay-Straight Alliances and Positive Space Groups), which provide critical safe spaces in three GTA schools. Despite their proven impact—reducing LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and fostering healthier school climates—G.S.A.s often operate with very limited resources. We encourage fellow Rotary clubs to support Get REAL. 

Parkdale Activity Centre

On October 16, 2025, Kerry Riordan, Director of Development and Communications, joined our meeting to share an overview of the organization’s impact and ongoing work. Founded in 1980 by volunteers responding to the closure of local institutions, the Centre remains committed to its mission: “A community where people rebuild their lives.” The organization supports community members facing poverty, mental health and substance-use challenges, homelessness, and food insecurity. For 45 years, it has been a vital resource in Parkdale and its impact is consequential, including; 85,000 meals served annually; 15,000 visits to the drop-in program; 109 supportive housing units; 189 individuals receiving mental health support; 20 individuals now gainfully employed; Strong focus on eviction prevention and helping clients thrive Drop-in centre open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.