Connection to supports
Making it easier for people in Canada to get the help they need in their own communities. This includes supporting the growth of 211 and improving access to local help.
Pillar 03 / Community Support
Grassroots Programmes
Pillar 03 / Community supportBuilding strong
Building strong
and healthy
communities.
The Steele Family Foundation is dedicated to the development of thriving neighbourhoods and communities in which everyone has a sense of belonging and connection to one another, as well as to the environment.
The well-being of the individuals who reside in a community is what gives that community its strength. Each and every person, regardless of their background or geographical location, deserves the opportunity to realise their full potential.
Community in actionOur community focusBelonging.
Belonging.
Connection.
Wellbeing.
As a result, we focus our resources on three critical areas that contribute to the development of thriving neighbourhoods and communities.
Neighbourhood and community engagement
Everyone should feel like they belong in the place they call home — from promoting volunteerism to helping people take part in community decisions.
Personal wellbeing and safety
Helping Canadians cope with life’s obstacles and make good choices — from addiction treatment and mental health counselling to independent living skills for seniors.
Our charitable partnersThe causes
The causes
we support.
Grassroots care takes many forms. These organisations help people find support, rebuild their lives and feel connected to their communities.
Care across generationsVisit ShareLife (opens in a new tab)
ShareLife
ShareLife is the official annual charitable appeal of the Archdiocese of Toronto, raising funds to support over 40 Catholic agencies and grant recipients.
Its work supports families, children and youth, young parents, seniors, immigrants and refugees, and people with disabilities. Donations also assist communities through international missions and development projects.
Care for people who are poor, sick or marginalised is central to the work of the Catholic agencies it supports.
Food, housing and essential careVisit Society of St. Vincent de Paul (opens in a new tab)
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Phoenix Diocesan Council is dedicated to feeding, clothing, housing and healing individuals and families in their community who have nowhere else to turn for help. As important, SVdP provides meaningful opportunities for volunteers to serve their neighbours in need with love and compassion.
They provide help for people’s physical, mental, and spiritual needs. By doing this with care and respect, they show them that they matter and they are children of God.
Recovery and renewed opportunityVisit Grace Sober Living (opens in a new tab)
Grace Sober Living
Grace Sober Living is a non-profit organisation committed to helping people in recovery rebuild their lives and position them to sustain a sober, peaceful and successful life.
People in recovery thrive when they have accountability and pursue optimal wellness. Everyone has unique needs, so they don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. A person achieves optimal wellness by balancing their spirit, soul, and body.
Compassion, dignity and belongingVisit St. Felix Centre (opens in a new tab)
St. Felix Centre
Established in 1993, St. Felix Centre is a registered charity located in downtown Toronto, dedicated to providing safe and compassionate services to marginalised communities experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, mental health challenges, and other complex circumstances, all this in a safe, welcoming and respectful environment inclusive of all religions, genders, cultures, and abilities. At their Centre, all people are treated with respect and dignity.
Programmes and services
- 24-hour respite
- Affordable housing
- Transitional housing for women
- Casework support
- Veterinary support
- Community engagement
Better care for every patientVisit St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation (opens in a new tab)
St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation
St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation brings donors and volunteers together to support St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Its work helps advance patient care, research, education and facilities, with a commitment to equitable access and compassionate care.
Alongside this work, Providence Healthcare Foundation supports rehabilitation, long-term care and related services at Providence Healthcare in Scarborough.
From the FoundationNews & info
News & info
from our Grassroots pillar.
Explore the people, organisations and community initiatives behind our grassroots support.
Supporting Young Musicians with School of Rock Calgary
Support for the Calgary and Douglasdale House Band’s planned Pacific Northwest Tour reflects our commitment to learning, confidence and creativity beyond the classroom.
Read the update
Educating for Impact
Gifts to the University of Waterloo support non-profit co-op placements and varsity athletes, helping students build careers and contribute to their communities.
Read the update
$10,000 Donation Made to Pride Stables
A $10,000 donation supports Pride Stables and its therapeutic horseback riding programmes for people with disabilities.
Read the update
Sponsoring a day at Covenant House
The Foundation sponsored a full day of operations at Covenant House Toronto, supporting its work with young people experiencing homelessness.
Read the update
Sharelife Mass of Thanksgiving
On October 18, 2018, the Steele family attended a Mass and reception at St. Paul’s Basilica in Toronto for ShareLife donors.
Read the update
Visit and Donation to Urban Promise Toronto
The Foundation visited Urban Promise on Jane Street in Toronto and contributed $5,000 to support its work.
Read the update
39th Annual Cardinal’s Dinner
The Foundation joined the 39th Annual Cardinal’s Dinner in Toronto to celebrate the charitable work of the Catholic community.
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The Duke of Edinburgh Award In Action
The Foundation’s support for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award includes programmes in India, a Ghana trip, and digital platforms that expand access.
Read the update
$10,000 Donation Toward the Philippine Typhoon Relief Effort
A $10,000 donation, matched by Saint John’s Albion, supported Typhoon Haiyan relief in the Philippines, including food, water, shelter and reconstruction.
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175 years celebrated for the Archdiocese Toronto
The Steele family joined a celebration of the Archdiocese of Toronto’s 175th anniversary at Saint Michael’s Cathedral Basilica.
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Charity work in the South of India over Christmas 2017
In December 2017, Michael and Stacey distributed blankets and bedding to people without permanent homes near the Foundation’s school site in India.
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Assisting Stranded Super Stars
In 2021, The Steele Family Foundation partnered with SOS Children’s Villages Canada and SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College to support students through the WISE Scholarship Program™.
Read the update