What a day!
The grand re-opening of the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs Miles & Kelly Nadal Youth Centre was everything we hoped it would be! It was a dream come true – literally. It was more than three years ago that that a brave board of directors, lead by an ambitious executive director, began consultation with club members and parents; community partners such as the police and schools; along with alumni; staff; and donors to determine what our dream Club would look like. And, we dreamt big! Remarkably, architect John McAlpine, was able to translate our dream into a vision for the future. With the help of a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and with the support of key partners such as Kiwanis Club of Toronto and the provincial and federal governments, the shovel went into the ground!
Although the original church frame remains, once inside it felt like a completely new building. To watch the children’s faces as they toured the Club for the first time brought a tear to more than a few eyes. The reaction of alumni who viewed the activity in the gym from all sides of the building was heart-warming. The gym, previously known as the dungeon because it only had a single viewing point through the entrance, today has daylight shining in from all sides and a second floor viewing area!
Rick Walker, a Cabbagetown resident, past board member, campaign chair, and long-time literacy volunteer at the Club, was left speech-less when he first viewed the new Kelly Grier-Nadal Children’s Floor. The Ikea North York design team had transformed two rooms and the TD Library into delightful and inspiring spaces to learn and be creative. Moreover, the Rogers Raising the Grade Technology Centre featuring a state-of-the-art Mac computer lab was more than anyone could have imagined.
The new Lowe’s kitchen and Kiwanis Founders Room inspired Joe Elkerton, President of Kiwanis Club of Toronto, and long-time community leader, to remark on how proud of the project he personally felt. The two rooms ensure that the children and youth who come to the Club each evening have the space and equipment to prepare and enjoy a health snack – essential for healthy minds and bodies.
Once the formal proceedings were complete and the ribbons were cut, more than 500 club kids were invited for an evening dance party in the multi-purpose room. Neighbours of the Club who came for an evening tour were instantly won-over and eager to get involved. One neighbour and her son were so inspired, they signed-up as volunteers. Everyone who passed through the adrenaline-filled room could not help but feel like a kid themselves. Secretly, I’m sure more than a few adults wanted to join the dance party!
Probably the most emotional story of the day was of a woman who was able to visit the Club for the first time. Reliant on a motorized vehicle to get around, she had previously not been able to see where her children spent their after-school hours. However, with the addition of an elevator and a completely accessible building design, she happily scooted around – making all of us involved in the redevelopment project more than a little proud.
Perhaps the most heart-felt sentiments expressed over the course of the day were from lead donor Miles Nadal who, along with his wife Kelly, has pledged a total of $1.8 Million towards the Club’s first dedicated youth centre. Miles remarked, “Regent Park is one of Canada’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, and home to a generation of youth with the talent and energy that will shape the future of Toronto for years to come. We are making a long-term commitment to this community and we are honoured to play a role in helping provide a safe place where local youth can grow, learn and realize their full potential.”
What more is there to say…
Thank you to everyone who played a role in making our dream a reality.
Sincerely,
Laurie Lyle
President of the Board of Directors
Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs
Click here to view the photo gallery. See below for media coverage.
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