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Built on compassion by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, Fontbonne Ministries believes that everyone deserves a life well lived. Through their programs, they aim to address pressing issues affecting so many in society such as lack of proper housing and food insecurity.

This is a big year for many not-for-profit organizations in Riverside so this month, we’re putting the spotlight on community services in the neighbourhood — from youth programs to free/affordable resources – leading up to our annual community clean up on April 25th!

For 25 years now, Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed site has been doing ordinary things with extraordinary care for the community in Riverside and beyond, from a hot meal to a cozy bed to a listening ear. Read on to know more about their amazing programs at 791 Queen St E in Riverside:

Good Food Market

A program in collaboration with FoodShare Toronto, the Good Food Market makes fresh local produce accessible and affordable for those most impacted by food security in the Riverside and Leslieville neighbourhoods. The markets happens every Wednesday (2 p.m.-4 p.m) in front of the Fontbonne Ministries building from spring-fall, and inside the building at 791 Queen E during the winter.

Clothing Boutique

Through community donations, the Clothing Boutique provides clothing year-round  to seniors, newcomers and individuals in precarious living conditions. The program aims to ensure that everyone has the essentials to be comfortable and healthy, especially during the cold Toronto winters.

Breakfast Program

As grocery prices continue to increase and more and more people experience food insecurity, Fontbonne Ministries helps to alleviate this problem by providing nutritious breakfast options to those in need five days a week. Every year, thousands of meals are served to community members in need. Fun fact: in 2024, the Riverside BIA and local businesses began supporting this incredibly essential local programming through the Riverside Antler Breakfast!

Fontbonne Place

Located at 791 Queen St E, Fontbonne Place and its 18 affordable apartments are a haven for older women who would otherwise be homeless or inadequately housed due to Toronto’s housing crisis. Residents also get to participate in activities organized by Mustard Seed, another key program of Fontbonne Ministries.

Friendly Visiting

Formerly called In Good Company, Friendly Visiting is all about providing a sense of companionship to isolated individuals in need of emotional and social support through conversations, social outings, and phone calls with volunteers. Before being matched with a participant, volunteers undergo screening and training to be well-equipped for this program. 

Volunteer and Donate

Whether it’s a financial contribution or a lending hand, any form of help is always appreciated at Fontbonne Ministries:

• Send an email to volunteers@fontbonneministries.ca or call 416-465-2889 Ext. 2631 to get in touch with a representative. 
• Donations can be made online, by cheque or in kind. Click here for more information on how to donate.
• Follow @fontbonneministries on Instagram or check the Fontbonne Ministries website for more information.

We release a new blog every week so be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram so you’re always updated. In the meantime, check out previous entries of our community blog series here and here!

Photo credit: Fontbonne Ministries

WoodGreen Community Services is celebrating their 88th year in April 2025. As one of the Toronto’s largest social service agencies, WoodGreen’s Riverside location at 650 Queen St E serves the community with its programs that promote self-sufficiency and overall wellbeing.

In case you missed last week’s feature, we’re putting the spotlight on community services in the Riverside neighbourhood this month — from youth programs to free/affordable resources – leading up to our annual community clean up on April 25th!

Whether you think you or someone you know could benefit from WoodGreen’s programs or are interested in helping the organization’s cause to help Torontonians thrive, here’s a rundown of their key programs of WoodGreen’s location operating in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood at 650 Queen Street East:

Food Bank Support

The Housing & Homelessness team runs a weekly food distribution in Riverside on Tuesdays (9:00am-2:30pm), free for low-income and homeless individuals. 6-10 volunteers are needed per session to assist in tasks such as unloading boxes and preparing food for distribution. 

First Step to Home – Community Meal Event

This program helps homeless senior men aged 55 and above make a successful transition from living on the street to a stable, healthy lifestyle with community meals on weekdays (Friday preferred, 10am-1pm). A maximum of 10 volunteers are needed to facilitate a meal with 20-25 seniors. 

Community Connections – Mentoring + Networking Session

Designed for newcomers in Canada, the program offers mentorship, professional networking, seminars and other learning opportunities to help navigate the Canadian employment market. They are seeking corporations to volunteer to share their experiences, career advice and industry-specific insights (depending on the group size, these sessions can be done in person or virtually).

WoodGreen Financial Empowerment – Tax Clinic Program

It’s tax season! Every year, WoodGreen organizes free tax clinics to help individuals prepare their tax returns and file them on time. Follow @woodgreendotorg on Instagram for updates.

Lunch and Learn Event

For interested coporations, WoodGreen offers a Lunch and Learn session which provides an awareness presentation highlighting the impact of WoodGreen’s programs and how your company can be involved. This can be done as part of an annual meeting or even as an after-work session. WoodGreen can invite an expert on a topic of corporate interest such as housing or food insecurity to come in as a guest speaker.

Other ways companies or individuals can get involved in supporting WoodGreen Services:

• Special occasion events – Companies can participate during events tied in with cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year or Christmas to help serve meals, provide event support and mingle with WoodGreen clients.
• Care packages – You can also make a difference by creating care packages filled with essentials such as food and home items to help ease the lives of WoodGreen clients. Reach out to WoodGreen to inquire about what supplies are needed.
• WoodGreen Community Services tours – See where the magic happens! WoodGreen can arrange facility tours for corporations who want to know more about the programs and meet with key personnel from the organization.
• Financial donation – Donations are always appreciated any time of the year. Monetary donations can be made through cheque or online via the WoodGreen donation page.

For more information on WoodGreen’s programs, how to avail or how to help, send an email to volunteer@woodgreen.org, follow @woodgreendotorg on Instagram or check the WoodGreen website.

Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram to stay updated on new content like this blog!

Photo credit: WoodGreen Community Services

It’s St. Patrick’s Day on Monday, March 17, but in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, the celebration begins early. You don’t have to be Irish to partake in this joyous tradition. There’s may not be a pot of gold waiting at the end of the rainbow, but you’re still in luck because fun times await this weekend.

From live DJs to spice bags to the best Irish beers, get a head start on the St. Patrick’s Day festivities at these businesses in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:

Photo credit: The West Cork

The West Cork (@thewestcork)

Address: 701 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G6

As the one and only Irish pub in Riverside, best believe The West Cork will be pulling out all the stops for their first St. Patrick’s Day in the neighbourhood. Aside from Irish staples on the menu and classic Irish beers on tap, there will also be live music and festivities ALL DAY (11:30am-12:30am) on Monday, March 17. Get all the fun details via their Instagram @thewestcork

Photo credit: Prohibition Social House 

Prohibition Social House (@prohibitionsocialhouse)

Address: 696 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Always expect a good time at Prohibition Social House on the weekends with live DJ sets on Friday and Saturday nights, on top of their Sunday-Thursday happy hour deals on select beers and cocktails, and appetizers like fried mushrooms and burrata.

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Eastbound Brewing Company (@eastboundbeer)

Address: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Eastbound recently launched “The Late Shift” concept for night owls. Between 8pm and 10pm from Tuesday to Saturday, enjoy awesome deals such as $6 draft beer and $9 margaritas. On Friday and Saturday, you can get a 12oz beer for $2 with any food purchase.

Photo credit: Urban House

Urban House (@urbanhouseeastside)

Address: 718 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Urban House carries a wide selection of premium beers on tap, from ales to lagers. Their bestselling daily specials, which are available for dine-in only, include classics such as cheese burger and wings inclusive of a pint or pitcher of beer.

Photo credit: Duke’s Refresher + Bar

Duke’s Refresher + Bar (@dukesriverside)

Address: 709 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Duke’s Refresher + Bar Riverside has planned an exciting St. Patrick’s Day weekend. From March 15-17, enjoy beers from beloved East End breweries, brunch featuring spice bags (a popular Irish fast food dish), live karaoke and other food & drink specials!

Irish Design House (@irishdesignhouse)

Address: 756 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

And do not miss the Irish Design House’s annual customer appreciation sale on St. Patrick’s Day weekend – with 20-30% off in store and online – it only happens once a year!

Follow @riverside_bia so you’re always in the know about exciting happenings in the neighbourhood. Happy St. Patrick’s Day in advance, everyone!

Riverside is not only a bustling lifestyle/commercial district in Toronto; it is also a vibrant neighbourhood that thrives in serving the community and its people. This month, we’re putting the spotlight on community services in the neighbourhood — from youth programs to free/affordable resources – leading up to our annual community clean up on April 25th!

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

For this series of blogs, we’re starting strong with a Riverside institution: the Ralph Thornton Community Centre (RTCC).

Located at 765 Queen St E, the RTCC is a landmark in this bustling East End neighbourhood. Since it opened its doors on February 14, 1981 (yes, on Valentine’s Day!), the RTCC has become an important resource for many Riverside residents and Torontonians in need of support, whether that’s access to computers or a function hall to hold gatherings.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

It was named after James Ralph Thornton, who was described as “one of the original moving spirits in the Riverdale community”. Aside from being a hardworking taxi driver, he was also a beloved local community leader. Before the RTCC even existed, his own front living room was an organizing centre and a safe space for many.

In celebration of the RTCC’s 44th anniversary, let’s take a look at the services they have available at the centre: 

Photo credit: Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Exchange Loft

The Lewis Pearsall Exchange Loft is where you can get free use of resources such as computers with internet access, fax, document scanning and a public telephone. Printing and photocopying are also available at a minimal cost. The Exchange Loft is open 9:30am-8:30pm, Monday to Friday and 9:30am-4:30pm on Saturday.

Photo credit: Pexels

Financial Literacy

Over the years, the RTCC has conducted workshops on a variety of topics related to financial literacy such as understanding debit and credit, budgeting, incomes and taxes, and investing. As part of the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, the RTCC  hosts free tax clinics conducted by community agencies and groups during tax season.

Photo credit: Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Youth Programs

The RTCC has a range of child- and youth-oriented programs including the highly popular After School Program, the Mentor Program which aims to help newcomer Chinese children improve their English language skills, and of course, the seasonal camps. We’re doing a separate blog on childcare and youth services later this month so stay tuned for that!

Photo credit: Pexels

Senior’s Programs

Fondly dubbed by participants as “Love at RTCC”, the Seniors Program engages elderly community members to take interest in hobbies such as cooking, gardening and other forms of physical activity. The program aims to maintain mental and physical wellness as well as break social isolation. Weekly telephone support is also offered as part of this program.

Photo credit: Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Spaces for Rent

If you’re looking for a venue for your next event, the RTCC has a variety of spaces for public use as very affordable rental prices. The Jim Houston Community Room, which can accommodate up to 70 people, is great for workshops and dance rehearsals. The Riverdale Auditorium, the RTCC’s largest space, is ideal for large meetings and events. There is also the Betsy Swift Community Kitchen, which is perfect for cooking demos and classes. Find more information about RTCC’s spaces here.

For more information about this important hub in Riverside neighbourhood, head over to the RTCC website. Interested in making a donation or becoming a volunteer? Here’s how you can support the RTCC.

You can also give them a follow on Instagram @ralphthorntoncommunitycentre and sign up for their e-news letter by contacting them.

We upload new stories every week so be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram so you’re updated on blogs like this one!

It’s the final stretch for Riverside Local Love! Running until Feb. 26, 2025, the Riverside BIA is inviting everyone to show their local love by shopping, dining, using local services and leaving Google reviews for businesses in the neighbourhood.

The campaign includes a series of videos, blogs (this is the last one!), PLUS weekly prize and grand prize raffles worth $250-$500. The mechanics are simple: just grab your proof of purchase or a snapshot of your Google Review. The grand draw will be on Wednesday, Feb. 26 so enter now!

Spring may be just around the corner, but we have a few more weeks left of these freezing temps. For the fourth and final blog of our Riverside Local Love campaign, here are five ways you can stay warm in the neighbourhood this winter:

Photo credit: Eastbound Run Crew

Sweat It Out

With the weather, staying active in the winter can be a bit challenging. Luckily, there’s plenty of fun alternatives to home workouts in Riverside. You can go running with the Eastbound Run Crew, sign up for a spin class at Rise Cycle, or do HIIT at La Femme Strong.

Photo credit: BlessedLove 

The Soup-erior Choice

If there’s one good thing about the cold, if that a comforting bowl of soup is always a good idea. You can’t go wrong with Isaan Der’s selection of curries or the popular curry noodle dish called Khao Soi. On Wednesdays, BlessedLove makes a mean red pea soup.

Photo credit: Ran’s Closet

Fashionably Warm

Cop a new jacket from one of the cool vintage clothing stores in Riverside. You’ll find a great collection of secondhand garments from Second Voyage and Good Juice Box. Ran’s Closet has some pretty cool brand new pieces from Korea as well.

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Coffee is Calling

Nothing beats the warmth of a freshly made cup of coffee. Why stop at just one cup though? Go cafe hopping in the neighbourhood and discover the unique drinks each coffee shop has to offer, from Isle of Coffee’s Maple Tahini Latte to Lemon Lily’s Tiramisu Latte.

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

Do Not Disturb

Check in at The Broadview Hotel for the weekend, get cozy in one of the hotel’s posh bedrooms and order room service. You can also watch the sunset at The Rooftop where there are space heaters and blankets provided.

While you’re in the neighbourhood, don’t forget to drop by and snap a photo with our life-sized LOCAL sign right outside the Queen Garden Centre. It’ll be up until Feb. 26, 2025 — make sure to tag @riverside_bia so we can see your posts. Follow us on Instagram for updates on exciting programming in the neighbourhood like Riverside Local Love!