Community Knowledge Centre - Toronto Community Foundation

About this organization

Mission

Our mission is to enable financially disadvantaged students to achieve excellence in their academic and personal pursuits by providing them with brand new computers, Internet access and police mentorship.

While the brand new computers ensure that students are equipped with the tools they need to be at a level playing field with their peers, the Toronto Police Officer mentorship provides students with the motivational support that empowers them to pursue their dreams. 

History of Organization

• Founded by Scott Paterson and John McMahon in 1997 to help level the playing field by providing access to technology for financially disadvantaged families. 
• Since 1997, the Foundation has supplied more than 1,000 computers to kids attending schools within Toronto's 13 priority areas.
• In the first year of the program, 21 computers were distributed to financially disadvantaged families.
• In 1998, with relationships nurtured within the Toronto District School Board, 28 more computers were dispersed to the homes of underprivileged children in Regent Park. From this evolved a new mentor component of the program which relied heavily on close relationships with Toronto Police Service 51 Division.
• After a successful distribution of 49 home computer systems and Internet dial-ups, Merry Go Round was ready for a full scale launch of its community outreach program. Nurturing of business relationships resulted in Mr. Paterson's success in securing four founding partners to launch the program in 2001 - Rogers, IBM Canada, Microsoft and CDI College (now Everest College).
• The addition of police officer "e-buddies" addressed the observation that troubled children new to technology would benefit from mentor support.

Accolades and Accomplishments

A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Merry Go Round Children’s Foundation for our outstanding participation as a partner of the Toronto District School Board. The award was presented for our contribution to the success and well-being of TDSB students through supportive, encouraging and inclusive educational experiences (May 25, 2009).

Programs

>Kids, Cops & Computers

Thousands of kids in Toronto cannot afford an internet connection and have insufficient or no access to a home computer. At a time when most people take access to such technology for granted, the struggle that these financially disadvantaged youth have to go through to finish even the simplest of school assignments is often forgotten.

Students have to wait for the family computer to become free or they are forced to go to the local library to research and complete school assignments. Without home access to a computer and Internet connection, kids fall behind in their technology literacy, their school work and ultimately, their self esteem suffers.

Merry Go Round Children’s Foundation recognizes those struggles. We want to ensure that financially disadvantaged kids in Toronto are digitally connected by providing them with brand new computers, USBs and computer training. We also assist with fasiclitating Internet access for those kids who need it.

Toronto Police Officers also act as mentors to students on our program.

Kids, Cops & Computers

The Program requirements are simple: students must be in Grade 7, have no or limited access to a home computer, and must be identified by their teacher as having a passion for learning. Once the students are selected and they have received their new computer, they are required to attend monthly lunch sessions with a Toronto Police Officer. 

Police Mentorship Sessions:

Students are required to attend all monthly lunch-time sessions (October-May) at their school and complete two assignments based on the information covered in the sessions. At the end of January, students are to have completed a 500+ word essay (Word document) on one of the topics covered in the sessions. At the end of April, students are to have completed a 5-slide PowerPoint presentation on one of the topics covered in the sessions. The assignments may be emailed to reportcards@merrygoround.ca. A winner will be chosen from each school and he/she will receive recognition at the year-end Inspiration event. Students are encouraged to take an active role in these sessions by participating, helping others and developing their leadership traits.

Funding and Program Partners

Toronto Police Service has been an integral part of the program for many years. Rogers Communications has been a significant contributor providing Internet access to students who have been part of our program since 2006. HP has contributed to our hardware needs and Microsoft and Symantec have generously provided software. Deloitte recently provided assistance through their Advising the Community Together (ACT) program by completing an extensive strategic planning exercise. Everest College provided computer training at their Toronto campus and many other organizations including CIBC Children’s Foundation and Imperial Oil Foundation are supporters of Merry Go Round Children’s Foundation.

Program Impact

"Yesterday began for me with a tear when I heard the open video statement from a girl who said she never had a computer before and KCC put one in her hands.  Her face told the entire story of your organization's success.  You change lives.  The five students I took to the program yesterday left feeling like 'somebody'.  They loved every moment of the day.  From the superstar welcome and swag to the give away gifts and awards...Even my hardest heart reported back to his teacher...that yesterday was 'like the best day of my life'." -K. Miller-Caise, D.A. Morrison Educator.

Toronto's Vital Signs® indicator(s) addressed by Program

“Education and prosperity are closely linked and successful cities rely on continuous learning.”

“High school completion key to success:

• 18.5 % of those in the region 15 years old and over, had not completed secondary education in 2008” (Toronto’s Vital Signs®, 2009)

Participant Vignette

"The Kids, Cops & Computers program helped me in many ways
It guided me through these past years, so I'll remember them always
They provided us with a computer and the setup was very swift,
The computer was extremely useful, it was a magnificent gift.
When the computer was set up, I went so berserk
I broke it in with a lot of games, and a load of homework.

I received countless gifts from them, like a USB
From Wonderland to baseball tickets, all of it was free
I got a Rogers bag, that's useful in every way
I use it for trips and meetings, I use it to this day.
From trips and excursions, like Camp Olympia and more
Thanking you, is what this poem is for.

Not only for my benefit, but for my parents too
For their documents and paperwork that they need to do
PowerPoints and Word are only a few
That help me on my homework that I need to do.
When deadlines and projects come about
I know that the computer will help me out

I continue to write this poem, to show thanks for all you've done
So to show my appreciation, I've listed my main ones.
This blessing that me and my family received,
Has taught us to appreciate things, and be more perceived"

-Chrishani P.