By Anthony Joseph

The Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough celebrated 70 years of service to the community during its Annual General Meeting, an evening that reflected on decades of impact while looking ahead to a new chapter in the organization’s history.

Held at the club’s Orchard Park location, the gathering brought together staff, volunteers, board members, community partners and supporters to recognize the achievements of an organization that has become one of East Scarborough’s most important community institutions.

Utcha Sawyers the organization’s CEO, said “the club operates from 36 locations across East Scarborough, reaching thousands of children, youth, families and seniors through programs that include licensed childcare, youth outreach, employment services, leadership development and community support initiatives”.

Sawyers highlighted several accomplishments from the past year, including the launch of a culturally focused restorative justice pilot program. The initiative, developed over several years in partnership with provincial authorities, is among the first of its kind in Scarborough and aims to provide community-based approaches to justice and youth development.

Board President Arjun Sahota praised the organization’s staff and volunteers while encouraging young people to believe in their potential.

“I believe that a kid from Scarborough can do anything,” Sahota told attendees. “I hope every young person remembers that they can accomplish anything.”

The club reported that more than 2,500 young people participated in programs throughout the year, while nearly 2,900 attended activities at its main sites. Another 1,500 residents took part in community services and special events.

Addressing one of the community’s most pressing needs, the organization also reported distributing more than 55,000 meals during 2025, helping families facing food insecurity throughout East Scarborough.

The evening also featured presentations on the club’s financial performance. Officials reported significant improvement in the organization’s financial position, reducing a deficit of approximately $218,000 in 2024 to a modest deficit of about $29,000 in 2025.

Plans were also announced for the Scarborough One Love Festival, a reimagined version of the popular Scarborough Food Truck Festival. The event, scheduled for later this month at the Toronto Zoo, will raise funds for youth leadership initiatives while celebrating the diversity and culture of Scarborough.

A special moment during the AGM came with the recognition of outgoing board members whose terms had concluded. Among them was Anthony Joseph, publisher of the Caribbean Camera, whose service on the Board of Directors came to an end with the meeting.

Joseph was recognized alongside other departing directors for their volunteer contributions to the governance and growth of the organization. New board members were elected to help guide the club into its next phase of development.

Long-serving staff members were also honoured, including employees celebrating 10, 15 and 35 years of service, highlighting the dedication that has helped sustain the organization for seven decades.

As the Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough enters its 71st year, leaders say their mission remains unchanged: creating safe, supportive spaces where children, youth and families can thrive while building a stronger and more connected community for future generations.