A neighbourhood in Scarborough that was the scene of Toronto’s worst mass shooting will receive $150,000 to fund new initiatives that will support the community thanks to a private donation.
The donation, which will be made over three years, comes from Akanimo Udofia, a local philanthropist and CEO of Desicon Group, the City of Toronto announced Wednesday.
The money will go towards funding a variety of initiatives that were developed by residents living in the Danzig Street community.
"As a Toronto resident, I was very troubled by the situation at the Danzig community,” Udofia said in a news release provided by the city on Wednesday. “As a philanthropist, I look forward to supporting the programs and initiatives created by the residents. I am honoured to be able to help them shape their own destiny."
In a series of meetings facilitated by the city and Toronto Community Housing, residents in the Danzig community identified the need to create a safe, shared space in the area where children can participate in academic activities and adults can have access to employment opportunities.
The Scarborough Boys and Girls Club will act as the trustee for the funds with oversight on the progress of activities provided by the city.
Scarborough councillors praised the donation and the impact it would have for area residents.
"[This] gift will help the residents of the Danzig community to recover from adversity and to find new social and economic opportunities,” Coun. Michael Thompson said in the released statement.
“[The] contribution is greatly appreciated,” Coun. Ron Moeser echoed. “The residents of the Danzig community now have an unexpected opportunity to take advantage of. The new local programs will help build a stronger and safer community."
Wednesday’s announcement comes less than a week after police announced two people had been charged in connection with the mass shooting in the neighbourhood that left two dead and injured dozens others in mid-July.
On Thursday, police announced that Nahom Tsegazab had been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the case.
Tsegazab was also charged with attempted murder and 22 counts of aggravated assault.
A day later, on Friday, police said a 17-year-old male was facing a number of charges, including two counts of second-degree murder, in connection with the shooting.
Earlier in November, police charged Shaquan Mesquito, 18, with two counts of first-degree murder for his alleged role in the block party shootout which killed 14-year-old Shyanne Charles and 23-year-old Joshua Yasay.
