Tropicana Community Services

Dear supporters, We ask that you please consider donating today, on Giving Tuesday! Tropicana's focus this year is to raise funds for our Food & Toy Drive, in which we will be supporting more than 400 clients. These funds will go towards food, toiletries, toys, and other gifts. We are so grateful for you taking a moment to consider donating, even if it is only a small amount, it can go towards changing a life this holiday season. Donate Now at https://ow.ly/aj1n50Ujw1M

Reflecting on the 2024 Fall Economic Statement The 2024 Fall Economic Statement underscores the Federal Government’s continued commitment to empowering Black communities across Canada. With targeted investments aimed at supporting Black entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profits, charities, and addressing systemic barriers, these initiatives mark a significant step forward in creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Key highlights from the Fall Economic Statement include: ✅ Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP): $189 million over five years to advance opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and business owners. ✅ Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI): $36 million in 2025-2026 to strengthen Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused community organizations. ✅ Black Justice Strategy: $77.9 million over two years to address systemic inequities and launch Canada’s Black Justice Strategy. ✅ Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program (YESS): $9.5 million over two years to help Black youth overcome employment barriers. These achievements are the result of sustained collaboration between Black community leaders, organizations, and government partners. Programs like SBCCI, BEP, and YESS are critical to ensuring that Black communities across Canada continue to thrive and contribute to the country’s economic and social fabric. The progress we celebrate today reflects the dedication, resilience, and advocacy of countless individuals and organizations working in unity toward shared goals. Efforts such as the recent advocacy day demonstrated the power of strategic collaboration and the importance of amplifying community voices. Tropicana Community Services acknowledges and appreciates the support of government leaders who have championed these initiatives, including Ministers Kamal Khera, Rechie Valdez, Hon. Marci Ien, and Ahmed Hussen, along with their teams including Chiefs of Staff Christopher Evelyn and Helen Gao. These investments demonstrate the critical role of government partnerships in addressing systemic inequities and fostering positive change for Black communities across Canada. Let us continue building on these successes as we work toward sustainable and lasting impact for Black communities in Canada. Tiffany Callender (FACE) Liban Abokor (Foundation For Black Communities) Louis-Edgar Jean-François, CPA (Groupe 3737) Matthew James Martel, PMP, ICD.D (BBI) Samuel Juru (Africa Centre) Dr. Rustum Southwell O.N.S. Anthony Grey (Tropicana Community Services Organization) Karen Soltau (Tropicana Community Services Organization) Ryan Oneil Knight Isaac Dream Maker Olowolafe Agapi Gessesse Foundation for Black Communities Full Statement https://ow.ly/H6JP50UuvcP Regarding supporting Black communities: https://ow.ly/UAwv50UuvcR #SupportingBlackCommunities #EquityAndInclusion #CommunityImpact #EconomicEmpowerment #BlackEntrepreneurship

Please note our holiday hours have changed since the original notice was posted. Below is the updated list of days we will be closed.  All Tropicana offices will be closed on: Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Thursday, December 26, 2024 Friday, December 27, 2024 (correction) Wednesday, January 1, 2025 The Tropicana Daily Bread Food Bank will be closed on: Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Friday, December 27, 2024

Our goal is to raise $100 per client, but any amount will help. Funds will provide food & toiletry items. With the rising costs of housing and groceries, those in need often find the winter months, and in particular the holidays, the hardest time to make ends meet. Please donate to our food bank today https://ow.ly/s3Hs50UqU8j

Our goal is to raise $100.00 per client, but any amount will help. Funds will provide food and toiletries to local children and their families over the winter months. The increase cost of housing and groceries makes the winter months a little harder for those in need. Help us make this time of year a little easier for them. Donate today https://ow.ly/3tGp50UqTFw

A bi-monthly literary arts event. Doors & open mic sign-up start at 6:30 p.m. Prose & poetry accepted. This month features Q+A with Gloria Blizzard & Joshua “Scribe” Watkis. Held at St Francis Centre for Community, Arts & Culture (78 Church St S, Ajax) Register https://ow.ly/H32U50Upq4E.

This critical conversation is being hosted by Kujenga Wellness Project via Zoom & will focus on the rise of youth facing criminal charges in our city and the transformative role Black men can play in healing the trauma of young Black boys. Register Now https://ow.ly/cchY50UppMP

A big thank you to everyone who donated to Tropicana for GivingTuesday in support of our Holiday Food & Toy Drive. If you have not donated yet, its not too late. Please help us make this holiday season a better one for as many as we can. Thank you! https://lnkd.in/g6G_wUmE

Check out Strides December activities. https://ow.ly/rh2r50UkjmX

Tune in to celebrate excellence as well as our past President, Jenny G. Gumbs, who was awarded the Marcus Garvey Award! This year's awards theme was, "Aspire to Inspire," and honours extraordinary individuals and organizations breaking barriers and shaping the future. OMNI 1 - TELEVISION Monday – 11.00 PM AFROGLOBAL TELEVISION Monday – 6:30 PM Wednesday – 4:00 PM Saturday – 6:00 AM | 5:00 PM Sunday – 4:30 PM | 11:30 PM Afroglobal is on: 708 on Rogers cable 884 on Ignite 2472 on Bell Fibe 886 on astlink 2701 on Telus