Shawn Kimel and Kate Schatzky make a $1.25 million unrestricted donation to TPL
In December 2021, the Toronto Public Library Foundation received a donation from Shawn Kimel and Kate Schatzky for $1.25 million. What was so unique about this generous gift was that it was made with no conditions. Shawn and Kate’s extraordinary unrestricted donation empowered Toronto Public Library to invest the funds into areas where they were most needed.
One year later, TPLF is proud to share that several new initiatives have been launched as a direct result of the donation:
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Librarians meet people at their point of need by working directly in Black and Indigenous focused agencies and delivering critical services to families and individuals.
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These teams are providing access and connection to social service and mental health supports to address challenges faced by our city’s most vulnerable residents.
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Find help
TPL is offering equity deserving individuals and those living on low incomes access to financial counselling in select branches.
Interested in learning more about how to make a major gift to support Toronto Public Library? Click the button below to learn more.
Libraries lift up communities
TPL is impacting our city and changing lives in many meaningful ways. Thank you to everyone who donates – your generosity is making a difference to people like Tom, Manal and the Ahmed Family. Read their stories.
Let us know why you love Toronto Public Library!
We always enjoy hearing from library users, so please get in touch.
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A digital Lifeline for Families
Learn moreWhat are Internet Connectivity Kits? These kits provide individuals and families with a free laptop, Wi-Fi hotspot and data plan so they can stay engaged and connected with their community and the library. We’re proud to share that 913 kits have been distributed to vulnerable residents across Toronto to date. Thank you to a lead Anonymous Donor, and many other donors who made this initiative possible.
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Supporting Kids After School
Learn moreAfter School Clubs provide children ages 6-12 with access to safe, supervised, fun programs that facilitate learning. Each week, kids can interact with others, build a sense of self, and develop new skills and interests together. The Feeding Young Minds initiative which provides healthy snacks to children, will be delivered alongside After School Clubs programming, thanks to the incredible support of the Moez and Marissa Kassam Foundation.
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Getting Youth Job-Ready
Learn moreWhat is the Career Coaching in Residence Program? It offers remote career counselling and workshops to younger adults as they navigate the current labour market. Youth unemployment is at an all time high in Toronto, so the program connects those experiencing barriers to employment to resources at the Library, and beyond. More than 1,850 participants have benefitted since 2020. The program is generously supported by Lead Donor The Azrieli Foundation and Supporting Donors, Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener, and RBC.