Dear Members and Friends of the Greek Community of Toronto,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Greek Community of Toronto, I extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your families!

Over the past year, we have made remarkable progress in advancing our mission, reflecting our continued dedication to the vitality and long-term sustainability of our community. We are proud to share that the 2025 financial audit has been successfully completed, resulting in a surplus of $86,898 thanks to prudent financial management. At the same time, we have maintained compliance with our bank debt covenant while carrying out essential maintenance and improvements across all four of our properties.

Some of our key achievements this year include:

• Renovations and Expansions:

1. Following last year’s renovation and second-floor addition at the St. Irene building and the renovation of the upper hall at the Thorncliffe building, we have begun installing an elevator at the Polymenakion Cultural Centre to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Thanks to our generous donors and the grant received from Service Canada for $125,000, the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
2. As of today, we have commenced the restoration of the windows with artistic detailing and completed the roof maintenance at Virgin Mary, for a total cost of $84,500
3. Equipment Replacement: We replaced the HVAC system at St. John’s building at a cost of $76,049.

• Fundraising Success: Through events including the Golf Tournament, Irida Art Group theatre production, fundraising events and galas, and the Summer Festival, we raised over $630,000 to support our programs and initiatives.
• Program Enhancements: Our Paideia Program has been modernized with the online platform Open E-Class, serving over 500 students. Starting January 2026, all grades—from kindergarten to Grade 12—will have access to the platform.
• Community Engagement: We hosted two annual parades on Danforth Avenue, attracting over 30,000 participants and spectators, further elevating the profile of the Greek Community of Toronto within Canada’s multicultural landscape.
• Student Support: We continue to work closely with parent council committees to enhance student achievement, equity, and well-being, fostering a supportive environment for every student.
• Philanthropic Efforts: PRONIA has demonstrated unwavering dedication to helping those in need, with holiday food drives for Christmas and Easter, as well as ongoing community initiatives that make a meaningful impact.

After the elections that took place on Sunday, November 23, at the Polymenakion Cultural Center, the new Board of Directors for the period 2026–2030 was elected.

Board of Directors 2026–2030 (Alphabetical Order):

1.    Belegris Lea

2.    Christakis Katherine

3.    Christofilopoulos Helen

4.    Fotinos Niki

5.    Galanis Paraskevas (Peter)

6.    Grigoriadis Agathoniki (Niki)

7.    Iordanidis Kostas

8.    Kasekas Konstantinos

9.    Lampiris Nikiforos

10. Manikis George

11. Rallis Theodoros

12. Skoutakis Paraskevi (Betty)

13. Tsopelas Maria

14. Vlahakis George

15. Yannopoulos Peter (Panagiotis)

The new Board is committed to contributing to a brighter future for our community, guided by integrity, dedication, and a shared vision for the growth and empowerment of Hellenism in Toronto.

Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our membership, fostering a connected and empowered community that thrives together. We are also excited to embark on new initiatives, including enhancing hall rentals at St. Irene Hall and Polymenakion Cultural Centre, and undertaking renovations such as:

·      Kitchen renovation at Thorncliffe building

·      Addition of a washroom and bar at the upper hall of the Polymenakion Cultural Centre

·      Renovation of the washrooms at Thorncliffe School location

·      Upgrading our schools with laptops and projectors to support the online program

Your continued support is essential! Donations and membership renewals enable us to fulfill our mission and serve the community effectively. We invite you to contribute in any way you can, as together we can create a brighter future for Hellenism in Toronto within our vibrant multicultural environment.

Charitable donations can be made online through our website: www.greekcommunity.org, or through the Greek Community of Toronto Application.

We also look forward to celebrating with you at our New Year’s Eve Gala at the Crystal Fountain Event Venue, featuring Greek artist Sabrina and the unique Parea Band! Tickets are selling fast, so please call 416-425-2485 to reserve your spot or book online at www.greekcommunity.org.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your participation and generosity are invaluable to our continued success.

Together, we can make a difference.

With appreciation,

Betty Skoutakis

President