New housing and resource complex will serve Aboriginal community

TORONTO, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - YWCA Toronto announced today a generous gift of $250,000 from TD Bank Financial Group for the YWCA Elm Centre. The Centre is the YWCA's new $80 million dollar affordable and supportive housing complex for women, women-led families, and families of Aboriginal ancestry.

The YWCA Elm Centre includes 50 apartment units to house families of the Aboriginal community. Of these units, ten will be allocated to women fleeing domestic violence. The Centre will also house an Aboriginal Economic Development Centre and a drop-in resource centre for building residents and people from the broader Aboriginal community.

"TD has been a long-time partner that continues to support diversity and projects like the YWCA Elm Centre that benefits the Aboriginal community," said Heather McGregor, CEO of YWCA Toronto. "Their donation confirmed earlier this year is announced as we celebrate the construction of this much needed housing and resource centre and the launch of our capital campaign."

The YWCA Elm Centre will be located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Bordered by Elm, Elizabeth, Chestnut and Edward Streets , the complex is scheduled for completion in the year 2011.

"The YWCA has an impressive track record of making a positive impact on women for more than 100 years," said Kerry Peacock , Executive Vice President, Branch Banking TD Canada Trust. "TD is proud to assist YWCA Toronto in its goal to ensure that women and families of the Aboriginal community receive access to affordable housing and supportive resources to help improve their quality of life."

The YWCA in partnership with Wigwamen Incorporated and The Jean Tweed Centre will provide 300 permanent affordable apartments for women in need and their families. It will also become a hub for women-focused programming and activities, featuring a 200-seat auditorium, a reception hall and courtyard, a women's resource centre, a restaurant and retail space.

"TD's contribution truly illustrates its commitment to families, the environment and communities in the Greater Toronto Area and we hope this example will inspire others to give," added McGregor.

About YWCA Toronto

YWCA Toronto is our city's trusted multiservice organization by, for and about women and girls. For over 136 years, YWCA has helped women achieve equality, economic sustainability and lives free from violence in our four program areas: housing and support, employment and skills development, girls' and family programs, and advocacy. Last year we served over 26,000 people in our 40 plus programs across the city.

TD Community Giving: Making a Difference Together

Children's health, literacy and education, and the environment are the three main areas of focus for TD's community giving. Flagship programs within these areas include: TD Children's Hospital Fund; TD Friends of the Environment Foundation; TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup; TD Canadian Children's Book Week; TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership; and the TD Summer Reading Club. With support from customers and employees, TD is involved with a host of national, regional and local causes benefiting diversity, arts and culture and other community programs. In 2008, TD donated $35 million to more than 2100 organizations across Canada.

For further information: about YWCA Elm Centre contact: Christine Thompson, Special Giving Manager, (416) 961-8101 ext. 361, cthompson@ywcatoronto.org; To arrange an interview please contact: Raine Liliefeldt, Communications Manager, (416) 961-8101 ext.326, rliliefeldt@ywcatoronto.org; Gregory Harrison, TD Bank Financial Group, (416) 308-8597, gregory.harrison@td.com