Youth Without Shelter

Time4Change

IT’S TIME4CHANGE

For the past 14 years, YWS has hosted our annual Time4Change fundraiser across the City of Toronto, working alongside our community partners to educate Toronto students about youth homelessness through fundraising and art activism. Time4Change is where ART meets ACTIVISM. It’s a collaborative effort that blends the expressive and emotional influence of the arts with the tactical approach of activism, aiming to catalyze social change as we raise funds for the YWS Emergency Residential Program.

T4C 2025 – WE DID IT!

Thanks to you, we surpassed our goal of $45,000, raising $47,033 for our Emergency Residential Program through Time4Change!

Thank you to each and every one of you who visited the gallery, joined us for our closing event, donated, and bid on artwork. Your generosity fuels the work we do, and your support reminds us that change is possible.

As we wrap up this year’s Time4Change event, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made it possible. The gallery at Neilson Park Creative Center was filled with incredible artwork from T4C artists in our community — artists who share our vision of empowering youth, amplifying their voices, and pushing for real change. To each T4C artist: your work doesn’t just hang on the walls of those who won them in the silent auction – they will forever tell stories, spark conversations, and inspire action. Thank you for turning art into advocacy.

A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Mantella Corporation, and our T4C sponsors: Tangerine, Pattison Outdoor, Category 5 Imaging, and Lactalis. Your generosity and commitment to supporting youth experiencing homelessness are truly remarkable. Because of your support, YWS can continue to provide emergency shelter, vital resources, and hope for a brighter future.

We are also deeply grateful to Neilson Park Creative Center for welcoming us into your space. Art has the power to challenge perceptions and ignite meaningful change, and this incredible community has stood with us in advocacy and support. A very special thank you to Robin, whose dedication and countless hours of hard work made this event possible. And thank you to all of our volunteers – T4C wouldn’t have been the same without you!

But our work doesn’t stop here! We challenge you to continue changing the narrative – to speak up, advocate, and take action! Together, we can build a future where every young person has the support they deserve.

YWS Youth Zine

During Time4Change, the youth at YWS came together to create a zine filled with their own art and personal expressions.

Curated by our Registered Psychotherapist, Carah, this project provided a powerful space for young voices to be heard, proving that creativity can be a force for healing, empowerment, and change.

Video By Sky Media Solutions

CALLING ALL TEACHERS!

Spark Change in the Classroom with Time4Change Activity Sheets!

As champions of knowledge and compassion, we invite you to join us in an important mission to educate students about the realities of youth homelessness. Our Time4Change activity sheets are designed to foster understanding, and empathy, and to break down stereotypes surrounding this critical issue.

For more information on how you can engage your classroom please contact our Community Engagement and Educational Specialist at 416.748.0110 ext. 62 or CLICK HERE to book a workshop!

Thank you for your commitment to education and making a difference.

The History of Time4Change

Time4Change began as Tokens4Change (T4C),  a third party fundraising event in 2010. Scott Parish, a student volunteer with YWS and later a YWS Board member, alongside co-founders Salar Javid and Meggie Lyness-Javid, saw a need with the youth we support and decided to join together to spark change. Scott, Salar, and Meggie were struck by how something so small like providing transit fare could have such a positive impact on the lives of homeless youth. With family, friends, and a YWS community partner, Project: Humanity, Scott envisioned an experience to engage youth supporting youth.

By educating youth about the issue of homelessness and providing them with an avenue through art activism to create awareness within the community, T4C evolved into a successful city-wide YWS event aimed at supporting YWS’s work and providing youth with transit fare.

In early 2020, we celebrated T4C’s 10th anniversary. 350 community volunteers, students, and corporate partners raised funds at 20 different canvassing stations across the city of Toronto. Since its launch, T4C has raised over $1,000,000 to support youth at YWS.

Questions? We’re here to help!

Sponsors and media:  communications@yws.on.ca or 416.748.0110 ext. 26

Schools:  education@yws.on.ca or 416.748.0110 ext. 62

Volunteers:  akemp@yws.on.ca or 416.748.0110 ext. 39

General information:  communications@yws.on.ca or 416.748.0110 ext. 26

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