Moorelands History

Moorelands Community Services has been working with Toronto's children and youth affected by poverty since 1912. Originally called the Downtown Churchworkers' Association, the organization was founded by Canon R.J. Moore, an Anglican Minister, to address the needs of Toronto' s factory workers and their families living in the downtown core at the turn of the century. Robert Moore and his volunteers designed and ran programs that addressed the practical necessities of life for these families which included proper health care, nutrition, clothing, Christmas help and even supplying a much needed trip to the country to relieve the physical, emotional and environmental stresses of the city.

Over the years, the organization's programs have evolved to meet the social, recreational and economic needs of the day. Almost a decade ago we decided to focus exclusively on children and youth living in poverty. We took on the name Moorelands Community Services in 2001 to reflect the independent, multi-cultural, multi-faith and multi-ethnic community service we have become.

Today we operate Moorelands Camp (established in 1917) in the Algonquin Highlands throughout the summer and we now provide year-round support through our City Programs (after-school, leadership, city summer day camp). Our Camp is the modern manifestation of Canon Moore's escapes to the country for children and youth living in the city. Our city programs are mobile and we can take them to the under-served Toronto communities where they are most needed. Currently, we run programs in Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park and the Queen-Greenwood neighbourhood in the east end of the old city of Toronto.

The last 90 years have brought about many changes, including our separation from the Anglican Church. Despite the changes, making a difference in the lives of children and youth has remained our first priority. Our programs work with over 1,600 children and youth each year, providing positive and fun experiences to help strengthen their confidence, competence, character… Because every kid deserves a childhood.