September 2010

Providing opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices.

Dear Friend,

What a summer! 65 kids at Camp Tropicana, 330 employers and 1,192 youth in the Summer Jobs for Youth program, and a celebration of our 30th anniversary with 350 honoured friends and guests.

Tropicana has been able to make a difference in the lives of thousands of children, youth and families this summer thanks to the support we receive from you.  In the words of a Camper's parent, "Thank you so much!"

17th Annual Caribbean Ball

Guest Hosts

Tropicana's 17th Annual Caribbean Ball  themed "Roots and Passion" in celebration of the agency's 30th   anniversary was held on June 5 at On the Park.

The event was hosted by comedian Jean Paul and
actress Ngozi Paul.

Highlights included inspiring keynote speaker Dr. Carl Mack of the National Society of Black Engineers and the presentation of the Community Builder Award, President's Award and Founder's Award to Hamlin Grange, Frances Lankin and Derrick McLennon respectively.

Over $17,000 was raised for the campaign to establish Tropicana's Centre of Excellence.  Check out the next edition of Sway magazine for pictures from the Caribbean Ball.

Summertime Memories

Camp Counsellors

"Camp Tropicana has exceeded the expectations of both my daughter and myself."
Parent of camper.

65 children from preschool to grade 9 attended Camp Tropicana for 6 weeks of fun, physical activity and learning.

Weekly themes included "Art Attack" and "Mad Science Week." Activities ranged from arts and crafts and weekly swimming to  trips to Canada's Wonderland and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Tropicana's mission is to run a high-quality camp that is accessible to low income families. 49% of GTA parents say that affordability is their biggest challenge in making summer arrangements for their children.

Find out more..

Summer Jobs for Youth

In July and August 1,192 youth were matched with 330 employers for the opportunity to gain vital work and life skills they can build on for the future.

For many of the youth, who were all from Toronto's 13 priority neighbourhoods, it was their first paid work experience.  They also benefitted from job readiness training and post-employment support. 

The Summer Jobs for Youth program is funded by the Ontario Government Youth Opportunities Strategy.

Back to School

Increase Your Success.

Increase Your Success, Tropicana's weekly Saturday tutoring program, runs from September to May.  This year  up to 40 students will receive support from dedicated volunteer tutors each week.

"We work with them on their academics and we also talk to them about life... and it is really wonderful to see these students gain their confidence, to see their personalities come out and to see their grades go up." Volunteer Tutor

Find out more...

Thank you for your support of Tropicana Community Services.  Together we are the Tropicana Effect and are changing lives by providing those in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices.

Sincerely,
Kathryn Hill
Tropicana Community Services