We believe that if there is one place that should be a true reflection of diversity and inclusion, it must be an airport. Our business, after all, is to connect people and cultures from all over the world; this is the essence of who we are at Toronto Pearson.
In June of 2020, the GTAA joined the voices condemning anti-Black racism, systemic racism, inequality and injustices in all shapes and forms that impact Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and promised to take a more active role in the community. Together with our Board of Directors, we are committed to continuing the journey to ensure that principles and practices that drive diversity and inclusion are present in every corner of our business.
Our corporate Diversity and Inclusion program includes an overarching strategy with a broad outlook on the inclusion of many underrepresented groups within our society. To build on our commitments, we signed on to the Black North Initiative CEO Pledge in July 2020, along with other leading organizations in Canada, as a show of our commitment to help alleviate racial, ethnic and other tensions and to promote the elimination of anti-Black systemic racism wherever it exists.
In February of 2021, we announced 7 new Nest funding recipients. Each of these organizations has its own unique area of concentration, but collectively their activities contribute to the ultimate goal of helping to build better futures for those impacted by systemic racism. We are proud to have supported:
- The Black Youth School Success Initiative is a prevention and intervention school support program that supports Black children and youth from grade 6 through high school.
- Canadian Roots Exchange is a national, youth-led, charitable organization that supports and facilitates programs that focus on increasing the resilience of Indigenous youth to navigate changing landscapes and barriers while advocating for better outcomes for their communities.
- Eshkiniigjik Naandwechigegamig, Aabiish Gaa Binjibaaying (ENAGB) provides mental, emotional, physical and spiritual programming and services to Indigenous youth ages 12-29 years.
- Help a Girl Out works to ensure all women have access to sanitary products regardless of circumstance and initiates year-round anti-stigma campaigns and educational workshops to end menstrual shame among women and girls in Canada.
- Helping Hands Platform is a grassroots organization led by Black youth that matches Black, newcomer and low socioeconomic status youth with volunteer, educational, entrepreneurial and employment opportunities.
- Trust 15 Youth Community Support Organization provides youth in the Rexdale/North Etobicoke area with programs that promote and facilitate positive behaviour, creative expression, and cooperative working skills.
- Weston Frontlines Centre is a dynamic youth charity in York-South Weston that provides culturally relevant and inclusive programming –from homework/tutoring programs and camps to pop-up events and employment programs—to children and youth aged 6-29.
"Toronto Pearson is passionate about widening their reach by engaging with grassroots organizations, resulting in lasting relationships and tangible impact. They are at the frontline of promoting and encouraging Canada's diversity not just as the avenue of entrance but also as a champion for the needs of the wider population."Yanique Brandford – Founder, Help a Girl Out
The Nest Fund is currently closed for applications. New funding cycle will be announced later in 2022.
Prior to our 2021 Call, we had proudly supported numerous community organizations through our Nest fund, these include: Artscape, JAYU, Nai Children’s Choir, Newcomer Kitchen, Oakville Foundation, Ogaden Somali Association of Ontario, The Riverwood Conservancy, Visions of Science.