Christmas celebrations that give back to TCHC communities

CSU staff and tenants pose for a holiday group picture

This holiday season, the Community Safety Unit (CSU) focused on giving back to the individuals and families it serves. Thanks to the generous support of an anonymous donor, CSU volunteers, Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) staff and other community partners, the CSU handed out holiday food, gift cards, and winter coats and boots to TCHC tenants in December.     

Two giveaways, Christmas Comes Early and Turkeypalooza, are annual traditions for the CSU. Christmas Comes Early took place on Saturday, December 14 in Moss Park and the Jane and Finch community. Turkeypalooza ran throughout the city from Monday, December 9 to Wednesday, December 11. 

“We gave out thousands of pounds of turkeys and other foods,” said CSU Community Safety Advisor Ken Tooby proudly, speaking for all TCHC staff and community partners involved. He is one of the many coordinators of Christmas Comes Early. “A lot of our officers and their families volunteer their time for these giveaways, and officers on-duty will often stop by to pitch in.”  

TCHC staff, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) volunteered to help give back to TCHC tenants across the city. Operations staff from TCHC and Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation assisted by identifying vulnerable tenants and local shelters in need. They also delivered food or other items directly to tenants. TCHC Central region staff were instrumental with their support preparing the Shuter Street community for Christmas Comes Early and making sure attendees had a great day. 

"Everyone volunteered their time to come into our TCHC buildings to cook the turkeys,” said Tooby. “They do this on Christmas Day, serving 30 to 40 tenants in each building. This makes life easier and reduces stress for our tenants.”  

Gift cards were provided to tenants with religious and dietary needs so they could purchase food for a holiday meal. 

In Moss Park for this year's holiday giveaway, live music, coffee and a food truck were available with free food and drinks. A local Harvey’s restaurant also joined in the action, offering free burgers and snacks.  

“We found people were spending the whole day with us,” said Tooby. “They were really enjoying the festival-like atmosphere.” 

As part of Christmas Comes Early, the TTC drove in a bus filled with winter jackets, boots, and other winter accessories. CSU donated gift cards to tenants, persons living in shelters, and to those who are homeless. 

Allan Britton, Senior Director of the CSU, said he is very proud and incredibly thankful to everyone who donated goods or their time.

“It’s an incredibly special thing to be a part of this organization, particularly at this time of the year. I see so much generosity and partnership with other agencies in helping us support our tenants.”  - Allan Britton

As part of these giveaways, the CSU and our partners have been able to provide more than 13,000 people with some food, warmth, gift cards, toys, support and friendship at a very difficult time of the year. To make this happen, TCHC and the CSU offer thanks to the following people, agencies, and companies who made it all happen: