​As an Indigenous agency, Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, continues to serve the community in the downtown core of Toronto for the commitment to, their health, safety and well-being.

Today, we are doing our part to avert the catastrophic spread of COVID-19. We know that this virus is ever-increasing not only in Ontario but also in Toronto.

While most of our community members and clients find themselves in the downtown area, there are many more that are serviced on the outskirts of the city. It is unfortunate that our clients, who are marginalized, homeless, and those at risk of homelessness, by the vary nature of their circumstance depend upon the support services of our collective agencies. As a result of that component, we currently provide over 55,000 meals annually.

This pandemic has made it difficult for us to organize as it brings additional challenges to our Centre, which is annually underfunded. This new extraordinary demand generated by COVID-19 now requires us to purchase and access protective equipment, medical equipment, sanitization supplies, and added health and safety supports. We are also experiencing an increase in demand on our already challenged food supplies. Daily meals, through pick up and deliveries has essentially doubled as we try and meet the demands of our seniors and clients who have self isolated and the homeless who pick up scheduled take-out meals.

As doing our part increases, to maintain the new standards invoked by the Province and City it is imperative that immediate financial assistance be received.