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Where Community Meets Care: The Programs Behind WoodGreen’s Lasting Impact

As one of Toronto’s largest social service agencies, WoodGreen Community Services plays a pivotal role in helping Torontonians thrive. Their locations have been helping the community address key issues in society, from urgent unmet needs like homelessness and food scarcity to employment assistance and senior care.

In celebration of WoodGreen’s 89th anniversary next month, let’s learn more about the integral programs and opportunities they have (and how YOU can get involved!):

Photo credits: WoodGreen Community Services

WoodGreen Financial Empowerment – Tax Clinic Program

During tax season, WoodGreen offers annual tax clinics to support individuals in preparing and filing their returns accurately and on time. Register for WoodGreen’s FREE tax clinic HERE.

Community Connections – Mentoring + Networking Session

Designed for newcomers to Canada, this program provides mentorship, networking opportunities and educational sessions to help participants navigate the Canadian job market. Corporate groups can get involved by volunteering to share career insight and expertise.

Lunch and Learn Event

These sessions are an opportunity for companies to gain insight into WoodGreen’s programs and learn about opportunities for involvement. This can be done as part of team meetings or as standalone events. Representatives from WoodGreen can be invited as guest speakers as well. 

First Step to Home – Community Meal Event

This program supports senior men aged 55+ through regular community meals as they transition from homelessness to a more stable and healthy lifestyle. Volunteers are needed to help facilitate the meals with these groups of seniors. 

ID Replacement Clinic

Part of a city-wide program called Partners for Access and Identification (PAID), this clinic helps people get the identification they need to access healthcare, sources of income such as pensions, and other services.

Get Involved with WoodGreen

  • VOLUNTEER: Whether you’re an individual or a corporate group that wants to help the community or a student looking for an impactful internship, WoodGreen has plenty of opportunities for volunteers to help. You can find more information about volunteering at WoodGreen here.
  • DONATE: Monetary contributions are always welcome and can be made at any time via cheque or through WoodGreen’s donation page. You can opt for a one-time or monthly donation. You can also dedicate it in memory or in honour of someone special.

A quick PSA: Over the past few weeks, we’ve been highlighting community services in the neighbourhood on the Riverside Blog in anticipation of our annual community clean-up, Clean Queen East Together, happening on Friday, April 24th — sign up HERE!

If you want to learn more about how to avail Woodgreen’s services or how to support their programs, 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 and check out the Riverside Blog regularly to stay updated on what’s new and happening in the neighbourhood!

45 Years Strong: Celebrating Riverside’s Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Located at 765 Queen St E, the Ralph Thornton Community Centre is a vital hub in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. With its programs and resources, the centre “is where neighbours meet, events are celebrated, programs are enjoyed, and support is exchanged.”

This year, the RTCC turned 45 — on Valentine’s Day, to be exact! For almost five decades now, the centre has supported generations of East End residents through accessible programs, shared spaces and community initiatives.

In 1981, a former post office was transformed into the multi-purpose community space that the RTCC is now. Named after community activist Ralph Thornton, the centre honours a man who helped shape Riverdale into a more equitable and connected neighbourhood.

To commemorate its 45th anniversary, let’s take a look at the programming available at the Ralph Thornton Community Centre:

(Photo credits: Ralph Thornton Community Centre)

Youth Programs

From the After-School Program to mentorship and seasonal camps, the RTCC provides children and youth plenty of opportunities to learn, grow and connect. We’re doing a separate blog on childcare and youth services next month so stay tuned for that!

Seniors Programs

The Seniors Program, also called “Love at RTCC”, offers older adults workshops centered around a variety of hobbies such as yoga, gardening, cooking, crafts, just to name a few. Additional weekly telephone support is offered as well.

Exchange Loft

The Lewis Pearsall Exchange Loft is a welcoming drop-in space for those who need access to computers, internet and essential services like scanning and printing at a minimal cost. As of writing, the Exchange Loft is open daily from 9:30am-7pm.

Financial Literacy & Tax Clinics

For the past five years, the RTCC has offered free tax preparation and filing services to lower income people both in person or virtually through partnerships with the CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. More details on their free tax clinics here.

Spaces for Rent

From the Jim Houston Community Room to the Riverdale Auditorium to the Betsy Swift Community Kitchen, the RTCC has a variety of affordable spaces for public use, whether it’s for a dance rehearsal or cooking demo. For more information about RTCC’s spaces, click here.

(A little fun fact: Did you know that last year, the annual Riverside Holiday Market was held indoors for the first time at the RTCC? It was such a hit, we’re having it again there this year!)

BLOG: A Holly Jolly Day: Riverside Holiday Market 2025 Highlights

Some exciting news — Ralph Thornton Community Centre is beating the summer heat with their free programming for Game On East End!

Game On East End: ​P​op Up Cool Zone

Starting ​June 11th until July 19th *on days above 30C*, ​drop by the Pop Up Cool Zone tent located at the east patio space outside RTCC for mist cooling, cold drinks, music and​ socializing. Visit the Game on East End page on our website for more details!

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been doing a series of blogs highlighting the community services in Riverside as a lead-up to our annual neighbourhood clean-up, Clean Queen East Together, happening on Friday, April 24th (11am-1pm)!

This is a joint effort by the Riverside BIA, Leslieville BIA, Ralph Thornton Community Centre and South Riverdale Community Health Centre. All supplies (and some post-cleanup treats!) will be provided. All you have to do is SIGN UP and show up on cleanup day! See you then?

If you want to support the RTCC, whether it’s through a donation or by volunteering, head over to their website. Don’t forget to follow @ralphthorntoncommunitycentre on Instagram too!

In the meantime, you can read our previous blog posts on community programming in Riverside linked below!

BLOG: Compassion in Action: How Fontbonne Ministries Supports Community

BLOG: A Riverside Cornerstone: Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch

Compassion in Action: How Fontbonne Ministries Supports Community

Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, Fontbonne Ministries provides programs that address some of the most pressing challenges that many members in our society face today, including food insecurity, housing instability and social isolation. 

Through operations at their Mustard Seed location at 791 Queen St E in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, Fontbonne Ministries offers essential resources such as fresh meals, warm clothing and emotional support in a welcoming and accessible space.

Here’s a closer look at some of the extraordinary work done by Fontbonne Ministries (Photo credits: Fontbonne Ministries):

Fontbonne Place

Fontbonne Place at 791 Queen St E offers 18 affordable apartments for older women who might otherwise face homelessness or unstable housing due to Toronto’s ongoing housing crisis. Aside from access to housing, residents also get the chance to participate in activities organized by Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed team.

Clothing Boutique

Thanks to generous donations from the community, seniors, newcomers and individuals living in precarious conditions get year-round access to clothing via the Clothing Boutique. The program helps ensure that everyone has the essentials to stay comfortable and warm, especially during Toronto’s frigid winter.

Breakfast Program

With grocery prices continuing to rise, food insecurity remains a pressing issue for many people. Fontbonne Ministries helps address this need by providing nutritious breakfast options five days a week to community members in need. Each year, thousands of meals are served through this vital program. Since 2024, the Riverside BIA and local businesses have been supporting this program through the Riverside Antler Breakfast!

Good Food Market

In collaboration with FoodShare Toronto, the Good Food Market helps make fresh, local produce accessible and affordable for residents in the Riverside and Leslieville neighbourhoods. The market takes place every Wednesday (2pm-4pm) in front of the Fontbonne Ministries building from spring to fall, and moves indoors during the winter months.

Friendly Visiting

Friendly Visiting connects volunteers with individuals who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Through conversations, social outings and phone calls, volunteers help build meaningful relationships and provide companionship. Participants and volunteers are carefully matched, and volunteers undergo screening and training before joining the program.

Volunteer and Donate

Fontbonne Ministries relies on the support of the community to sustain its numerous programs. Whether through volunteering or donations, every contribution helps.

  • To volunteer, email volunteers@fontbonneministries.ca or call 416-465-2889 ext. 2631.
  • Donations can be made online, by cheque, or in kind.
  • Follow @fontbonneministries on Instagram or visit their website to learn more about their programs and ways to get involved.

In other news, Fontbonne Ministries is also participating in Game On East End and joining in on the fun this summer!

Game On East End: Community BBQ & Sports Trivia

Join Fontbonne Ministries on Monday, July 6th (11am-1pm) at the Courtyard of their Mustard Seed location (791 Queen St E) for Community BBQ & Sports Trivia! Enjoy a free BBQ lunch, community gathering, and fun trivia with gift cards from local businesses. Check out more Game on East End programming page on our webpage!

This blog post is the first of the community programming feature series we’re doing on the Riverside Blog, leading up to our annual neighbourhood cleanup, Clean Queen East Together on Friday, April 24th. Tomorrow, we’ve got the Ralph Thornton Community Centre!

Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram so you’re always updated on what’s happening in the neighbourhood! 

A Riverside Cornerstone: Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch

Did you know that the Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter branch first opened in 1979 on the south side of Queen Street East, just west of Saulter Street? A year later in 1980, it moved and settled in at its current location — inside the Ralph Thornton Community Centre, 765 Queen Street East – historically the building was ‘Postal Station G’, a heritage building originally constructed in 1913.

Photo credit: Toronto Public Library (website)

More than an essential community resource, Riverside’s very own public library at 765 Queen St E is a neighbourhood landmark; a piece of history. In celebration of the Toronto Public Library’s 142nd anniversary (which was on March 6, 2026), we’re shining the spotlight on the Queen/Saulter Branch and its programs that inspire creativity, foster learning and support community.

Let’s look at a few of the several events running at the Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch:

Pawsitively Pets

One of Queen/Saulter’s March Break programs, Pawsitively Pets is a hands-on animal educational program happening on Tuesday, March 17th (2pm-3pm). Limited space, no group registration. 10 walk-in participants, tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event starts.

Arts and Crafts

Queen/Saulter hosts several arts and crafts-based workshops for all ages. There’s Crafternoon and Storytime & Craft for the little ones, and Cozy Craft for participants aged 18+. These are great if you want to unwind and show off your creativity! Several dates are available.

Robot World

Curious about coding? Participants can learn the basics of robotics by programming robots to navigate mazes, complete obstacle courses and solve challenges. All materials are provided.

Tech Support

From Introduction to Linux to Computer Skills Classes (Drop-in) to Tech Help in English & Cantonese, Queen/Saulter has workshops perfect for those who want to be more tech-savvy and learn how to maximize their gadgets.

Personal Development for Adults

Queen/Saulter also hosts personal development-focused programming for adults like Combating Misinformation & Disinformation, Maintaining Cognitive Health and Managing Stress with Aging (with Dr. Danielle D’Amico), and Employment Law & Workers’ Rights Workshop.

Aside from their regular lineup of programs, the Queen/Saulter Branch is also participating in this summer’s Game On East End event series!

Game On East End: ​W​orld in a City Programming and Workshops

As part of ‘Game on East End’ programming, eEnjoy free public programming with sports-themed book displays and cultural workshops, including a Chinese Brush Painting Workshop (June 27th, 2pm-3:30pm) and Henna Workshop (July 17th, 10:30am-12:30pm). Stay tuned for registration opening up and learn about more about Game On East End via our webpage!

Check out the Toronto Public Library website and @torontolibrary on Instagram for more information and regular updates on the Queen/Saulter’s programs and schedules!

Stock images from Pexels

In case you didn’t know, we’re doing a blog series on community programming in Riverside in anticipation of Clean Queen East Together on April 24th! 

We’ve got a couple more blog posts coming, so stay tuned and visit the Riverside Blog regularly. In the meantime, read our feature on Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed location in Riverside!

BLOG: Compassion in Action: How Fontbonne Ministries Supports Community

Your Guide to St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in Riverside

From live performers to delicious food & drink specials to cool sales, Toronto’s Riverside is channeling the luck of the Irish for an exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebration. 

Head over to Riverside and have a wee bit of fun this weekend. Check out these events and promos happening in the neighbourhood to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day festivities:

Photo credit: Irish Design House

Irish Design House (@irishdesignhouse)

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

Irish Design House’s annual St. Patrick’s Weekend Sale is back and you know what that means: 25% off storewide (online and in-store) or 30% off for in-store *cash* purchases! The sale is only until midnight on March 15th, so make sure to check out their website or drop by the store to get great deals on proudly Irish goods!

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Co.

Eastbound Brewing Co. (@eastboundbeer)

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

Get an inside look at how their delicious craft beers are created by joining Eastbound’s Saturday Brewery Tours. Aside from a guided walk through the brewhouse, you also get a free sample + every guest receives $1 off their first beer afterward. While you’re there, be sure to order an appetizer or two from the Cantina! Book your tickets HERE.

Photo credit: The West Cork

The West Cork (@thewestcork)

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

You can always count on Riverside’s one and only Irish pub to kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend on a high note. The West Cork has prepared an exciting line-up of live entertainment at the pub starting Friday until St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday. Check out @thewestcork on Instagram for more information on who’s performing and when!

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse Espresso Bar (@darkhorsecafe)

Address: 630 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3

Get your green on at Dark Horse! Matcha Madness kicked off earlier this month, where they test out six unique matcha-based concoctions and see which ones their customers like the most. From Grapefuit Matcha Spritz to Saffron Pistachio Matcha, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill matcha drinks, so try them before they’re gone! Read more about Matcha Madness HERE.

Photo credit: The Comrade

The Comrade (@comradetoronto)

Address: 758 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Come by The Comrade on Friday and Saturday from 5pm-7pm for cocktail hour! Enjoy $12 deals on classic cocktails like negroni, Tom Collins, Manhattan and their weekly highball feature +  $16 for THE Prime Rib Burger. Walk in or make a reservation HERE. (The Comrade’s Cocktail Hour happens Monday-Saturday regularly so you can get these deals even after St. Patrick’s!)

Just a little side note: less than two weeks remain until the Grand Prize Draw of the Riverside Rewards Raffle! So if you find yourself at The West Cork, Eastbound Brewing Co. or Dark Horse Espresso Bar this weekend, be sure to join the raffle and get a chance to win gift cards to local businesses in Riverside! We’ve got our last weekly draws of $100 gift cards on March 17th and the grand prize draw for $1000 worth of gift cards on March 25th. Check out the Riverside Rewards Raffle page on our website for the full mechanics and important dates. Good luck!

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog so you’re always in the know about exciting happenings in the neighbourhood. Happy St. Patrick’s Day in advance, everyone!