Nurturing Community Acts of Kindness for a Better Tomorrow

TRP Students Help Fred Victor Fight Homelessness in the GTA.

As students of the Translation Research Program, we believe that a healthy tomorrow is bigger than just the ‘science’. Healthcare is equal parts medicine & care and being active in our community is central to our education. The TRP Service Club was formed to put into practice our beliefs. The group’s launch initiative that took place in December 2021 raised $2,183 for the SickKids Toy Drive, surpassing our goal of $500.

For our second initiative, after nearly four months of planning, organization, gathering donations, and packing, on August 5th, 2022, the TRP Service Club collected over 400 items to donate 5 Full Home Starter Kits to help people fighting homelessness.

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged not just our health, but also people’s ability to afford basic necessities of life, increasing the number of people experiencing homelessness. In response and as part of its ongoing efforts, the City of Toronto selected Fred Victor through an RFP process to operate the housing and provide 24/7 support services on Kingston Road in Scarborough, Ontario. The project has two phases. The first phase is the renovation of the existing motel (pictured below), followed by the construction of a new five-story modular building. Upon construction completion of the building, it will provide 86 units of deeply affordable housing with 24/7 support services to the community!

Image 1: Kingston Rd. Supportive Housing Site – Building 1- Existing renovated motel units
Kingston Rd. Supportive Housing Site – Building 1- Existing renovated motel units
Interior Look of a Single Housing Unit (credit: Sam Neumark)
Interior Look of a Single Housing Unit (credit: Sam Neumark)

Our team was incredibly inspired by this project, and we wanted to contribute in an impactful way. So, we partnered with the wonderful individuals at Fred Victor, to create full home starter kits that will help individuals get started in their new homes! 

We held a donation drive that was promoted on social media, for household items to create 5 Full Home Starter Kits. From blankets to toothbrushes and cutlery, these Home Starter Kits consisted of essential household products that would support the tenants moving into their new homes! For over 2 months, we collected donations from TRP students, University of Toronto faculty, family, friends, and our community! With everyone’s generous contributions, we received over 400 household items, worth over $2,500, helping us surpass our donation goal. Our team hand-delivered the kits on location and joined Fred Victor on a tour of the new facilities!

We wish the new tenants a safe and enjoyable transition during this important time of their lives!

Thank you to Fred Victor for the amazing opportunity to give back to an important cause! Thank you to our TRP family for their support and selflessness! And of course, Thank you to our University of Toronto Community who continue to support us!

Like this story?

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Share via Email
Picture of Kimberly Crasta

Kimberly Crasta

Picture of Sai-Amrit Maharaj

Sai-Amrit Maharaj

Picture of Sam Neumark

Sam Neumark

Picture of Radhika Prabhune

Radhika Prabhune

Picture of Jaspreet Randhawa

Jaspreet Randhawa

Picture of Tyler Redublo

Tyler Redublo