Dear friend,
If you've walked through the Church Wellesley Village at any point over the last few years, you probably couldn't help but notice that The 519 Church Street Community Centre has been undergoing a major expansion.
Since opening its doors in 1975, The 519 has played a critical role in responding to the needs of the local neighbourhood and the broader Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTTQ) communities. The 519's programs have addressed poverty, violence, the needs of families, and the HIV/AIDS crisis, among many other important issues. The 519 has served as a gathering place where diverse communities meet, participate and celebrate. It has provided space for over 300 groups from all across the city, devoted to everything from learning and development to experiencing life as it was meant to be.
However, by the beginning of this decade, our communities' demands for facilities greatly excceeded the space available in the modest building. Groups were being asked to meet less often and hundreds of requests for space were being turned down each year.
Now, The 519's expansion is nearing completion. The new wing has taken shape, and extensive reconfiguration and refurbishment is underway on the original structure. A final fundraising push is needed to help The 519 achieve its goals for our communities.
Swingin’OUT, Toronto's queer swing dance group, is helping to close the gap. We are one of many community groups that will find a permanent home at The 519 once the expansion is complete. Our Swingin’OUT for The 519 campaign is collecting donations from our members and the community to benefit The 519 Capital Fund and, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the first $4000 we raise will be matched.
What better way to give back to our own community than by helping The 519 grow and thrive? This building, in the heart of Toronto's GLBTTQ community, is a beacon that cannot be allowed to dim. It is a shining example to all community centres across Canada that our community can work side by side with other diverse groups to make a better society.
You can donate in person, by mail, or online. Tax receipts will be issued by The 519 for donations of $10 or more.
All regular Swingin’OUT dancers are collecting donations. You can also make your donation at Swingin’OUT's Thursday evening dance classes at Saint Luke's Church, 353 Sherbourne St. Donations are welcome from 8:30 to 9:00 and, while you're there, why not stay for our beginner class?
Make your cheque payable to The 519 Church Street Community Centre and send it to:
519 Church Street Community Centre
519 Church Street
Toronto, ON
M4Y 2C9
Include the memo Swingin’OUT on your cheque to ensure your contribution is recognized as part of our campaign and matched by our anonymous donor. Enclose your full name and mailing address to receive a tax receipt from The 519.
Donate online to The 519. Select the Capital fund, and type Swingin’OUT in the message/instructions field to ensure your contribution is recognized as part of our campaign and matched by our anonymous donor.
Sincerely,
Swingin’OUT for The 519
Note: The Swingin’OUT for The 519 campaign ended on January 1, 2010, but you can still donate to The 519. The 519 continues to provide a safe and welcoming space for our communities, and can always use your help.