On July 20, 2014 – Local 79 was proud to participate in, and sponsor, Youth Day.

Youth Day Toronto is a one-day summer festival held at Yonge-Dundas Square, and features the work and performances of over 350 youth. The day was founded in 2005, after Toronto’s  “Summer of the Gun” to provide youth a free platform to showcase their talents and positive achievements.

Check out the photos from the folks who came to our booth to talk about how Local 79 members are taking care of Toronto.
Local 79 President Tim Maguire’s remarks from the day are posted below.

On behalf of CUPE Local 79 I want the youth of Toronto to know we support you and believe in you. We want to see you thrive and reach your full potential. You will be the City builders, creators, innovators, and champions of social justice. Your potential is Toronto’s future.

After the Summer of the Gun in 2005, it became everyone’s business to keep Toronto’s communities safe and healthy. By providing programs and outreach, City workers have helped youth to engage in their communities, develop life-skills and leadership abilities.

City of Toronto recreation programs are geared to youth participation not only in sports and physical activity- but also services are available to help connect youth with employment, education, health care, and counselling. Often Community and Recreation Centres are a hub of activity for youth and their neighbourhoods.

Members of CUPE Local 79 can be found working to keep youth safe at Toronto Community Housing. They are often on the scene and first to respond to sometimes dangerous instances that arise.

CUPE Local 79 is a key partner with the City in keeping youth safe and providing services to help Toronto’s youth thrive.

Keeping communities safe and healthy is what we do to “Take Care of Toronto”.

— Tim Maguire
President, CUPE Local 79