The Go Green Youth Centre Journey
Go Green Youth Centre (GGYC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through the transformative power of sports and education.
Our Story
With a proud 14-year history, GGYC began as a grassroots initiative in 2010, born from a community’s desire to uplift and support young people. Officially incorporated as a federally recognized not-for-profit in 2012, our early efforts focused on revitalizing Valley Park Middle School’s schoolyard. This ambitious project culminated in the creation of Canada’s first illuminated cricket and multi-sport field, a symbol of our commitment to fostering accessible and inclusive recreational spaces.
In 2017, we embraced a new chapter, rebranding as Go Green Youth Centre to reflect our growing portfolio of youth-led and youth-focused programs. This evolution marked our transition from project-driven initiatives to a broader mission of empowering youth through dynamic, community-oriented activities.
During the pandemic, Go Green Youth Centre (GGYC) demonstrated resilience and innovation by adapting its on-site activities into virtual programs, ensuring youth remained engaged and supported during uncertain times. Thanks to the Canadian Red Cross COVID-19 Emergency Support Grant for Community Organizations, GGYC equipped program participants with the necessary technology to thrive in this new virtual environment. Through mentorship and peer-to-peer learning, our educational and character development programs continued to empower youth, even at a distance.
As the pandemic receded, a new challenge emerged: addressing the post-pandemic achievement gap. Recognizing this, GGYC shifted its focus to expand and strengthen its educational initiatives. With support from the Toronto District School Board Caring & Safe Schools Depot, we launched a student-led tutoring initiative for Grades 3-11, backed by significant funding in the spring of 2023.
In 2023-24, the launch of Go For It became a reality, thanks to the Community Services Recovery Fund. This transformative program, made possible by the Government of Canada and administered by the Toronto Foundation, reflects our commitment to evolving systems and processes to meet long-term post-pandemic needs.
We are profoundly grateful for the partnerships and funding that have empowered us to create meaningful, sustainable change for youth in our community—because together, we’re shaping brighter futures.
