December 2024 Welcome Letter

While summer days are long behind us, the magic of the holiday season lies ahead to keep our hearts warm. Whether you are visiting friends and family or relaxing at home, I hope you find some time to relax and make some space for yourself.

As we celebrate the season, I ask that those who can afford to do so consider supporting a local food bank. The unfortunate truth is that many of these vital services are reporting that due to a surge in demand, they are being forced to cut how much food they can provide to clients. This means families who rely on these services will be stretching their resources even further.

According to the Who's Hungry Report 2024, 1 in 10 Torontonians rely on food banks. They are often invisible, including friends and family, and sadly can often include children. Toronto Centre has the unfortunate distinction of having the highest rate of child poverty in Canada, at a staggering 36.6% according to a report by national anti-poverty group Campaign 2000 and Social Planning Toronto. This is completely unacceptable.

As Chair of the Board of Health, I have worked closely with Mayor Chow to increase the City’s funding to expand student nutrition programs and advocate for more funding. I'm thrilled that both the federal and provincial governments announced in late November more funding to support students across the province.

But if over a third of children in Toronto Centre are in poverty, then that means a lot of families are too. There are a large number of food banks and related services in our ward, and if you have a bit to give this year, please consider donating to a food bank near you. My constituency office at 329 Parliament Street has a box inside with donations going to the Allan Gardens Food Bank. We are also accepting unwrapped toy donations at my constituency office to go to the 51 Division’s Annual Toy Drive.

For those joining us for our Toronto Centre Holiday Banquet on December 11, we'll also be taking food and unwrapped toy donations to be distributed to those in need. Let's join together put some smiles on faces this holiday season.

Yours in Service,

Chris Moise
City Councillor
Ward 13 - Toronto Centre

Latest posts

Patio Season has Arrived!

Toronto’s streets are once again set to come alive with vibrant outdoor dining opportunities as CaféTO 2025 kicks off this Victoria Day weekend. Like most Torontonians, I'm looking forward to enjoying a bite and a drink outdoors. From May through October, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore CaféTO patios and support local businesses. Below, please find a list of establishments with CafeTO curb lane cafes, sidewalk cafes or private patios for you to visit!

REmarket: May 28 and 29

The SLNA Waste Reduction Group is holding its 13th REmarket, a two-day event for the collection of unwanted items. A totally free market (FreeMarket) will also be held on May 28 only. On May 29, Repair Café Toronto will be fixing clothing, jewellery, computers, home electronics, small appliances, housewares, and toys, while CultureLink Bike Hub will be doing small bike repairs and safety checks.

Seasonal Park Washrooms and Drinking Fountains Open!

City crews have been actively working since early-April and most seasonal park washrooms and attached water fountains are now open. Over the next month, standalone drinking water fountains, bottle-filling stations and dog bowls in parks will be activated, followed by the opening of splash pads and pools.

December 2024 Welcome Letter

Latest posts

Patio Season has Arrived!

REmarket: May 28 and 29

Seasonal Park Washrooms and Drinking Fountains Open!

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Connect with Chris

City Hall Office

Constituency Office