East end charity joins century club: anniversary events planned

By Eric Morse –

Horse and buggy ride in the Park.

Central Neighbourhood House in South Cabbagetown is 100 years old this year.

Founded in an era when social support for poor people was either faith-based or non-existent, CNH was envisioned as a true social centre, where people of all ages and origins could find respite from the daily struggle of life in Toronto’s Downtown slums.

The idea emerged from the work of a group of Victoria College students, along with social reformer of the day John Joseph Kelso. One of the earliest known non-secular organizations, it was supported by virtually every religious group in early 20th century Toronto.

Participants in the Adult Day Program of the Stroke Survivors Club at CNH.

CNH quickly became a social and political force in the community, advocating for relief of the poverty that was endemic in Downtown Toronto, providing structure for the children and youth who even then were vulnerable to recruitment for gangs, supporting families whose men were away in the war years, instituting free health care for babies and children with its daily clinics and helping newcomers to feel at home in their new country.

The 2011 anniversary is being celebrated with twelve monthly events, on varying themes and in different neighbourhoods. The year-long party is called 100 Years of Neighbours.

The first event, a winter fair on a fine Sunday in February, took place in Riverdale Park West at the Farm gates. Over three hundred people—including MP Bob Rae and family members—turned out for a picnic, horse and buggy rides, and games for prizes including cakes donated by Absolute Bakery of Cabbagetown.

A composite shot of CNH’s first location in September 1911 was at 84 Gerrard St E. The children shown in the superimposed photo taken in 1915 are shown in fromt of the 82-84 Gerrard frontage. (CNH Archive)

The next monthly anniversary event will be on March 27, when CNH participates in the Toronto Storytelling Festival with stories for children from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at its home at 349 Ontario St.

A century, 300 staff members and 700 volunteers later, CNH has grown up with the Downtown east end. It still provides a broad range of vital services to young people, seniors, new Canadians and all members of the downtown east community.

CNH alumna and former mayor Barbara Hall is chair of the anniversary steering committee comprised of neighbours, local business people, long time volunteers and staff.

“From the beginning CNH has been about building community, about neighbours helping neighbours.” says Hall. “They did that in 1911, we did it in the 60’s when I worked there and it continues today. There’s so much to be proud of from the past but still many people who need our support today.”

Barbara Hall shows the form that made her famous in the Wellie toss as Bob Rae looks on in wonder.

Today, executive director Liz Forestell looks forward to “another hundred years of innovation—working with people in our neighbourhood to help bring about what support they need as they go forward, and challenging assumptions and making sure that we treat people with dignity and respect, and that we continue to grow with our neighbours and help make this a better place for everyone.”

For more information about CNH and its anniversary, plus a calendar of events, visit www.cnh.on.ca.