1921: A Safe Place to Play
In 1921, BGC Toronto Kiwanis, then known as the Kiwanis Boys Club of Toronto, was established with the support of our founding partner, The Kiwanis Club of Toronto.
1939: Putting Down Roots
In 1939, BGC Toronto Kiwanis’ historic flagship facility, a church originally built in 1921 at 101 Spruce St., was purchased by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto.
1974: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
In 1974, BGC Toronto Kiwanis expanded their programs to include girls. The Club was renamed the Kiwanis Club of Toronto Boys and Girls Clubs.
1992: Officially Established
BGC Toronto Kiwanis incorporates as a not-for profit organization, separate from the Kiwanis Club of Toronto. Since 1992, BGCTK has helped over 50,000 children and youth within our community reach their full-potential.
2009: Expanding Our Footprint
After 90 years our 101 Spruce Street Club began showing its age. The Club was temporarily closed for a $7.5 million redevelopment project. During those capacity-building years, BGCTK opened six additional program sites in the Regent Park community. Two of those program sites continue to operate – Dundas P.S. Club, and St.Paul’s Catholic School Club.
2012: Our New Home
Our ambitious two-year capital improvement project ended on January 26, 2012 when the 101 Spruce Street Club re-opened as The Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Clubs Miles & Kelly Nadal Youth Centre.
2020: Expanding Our Footprint (Again)
In September 2020, BGC Toronto Kiwanis was excited to share their merger with the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (CYC). With the generous support of the Kiwanis Club of Toronto and the Kiwanis Club of Toronto Foundation, BGC Toronto Kiwanis is proud to continue offering CYC programs and services, including Boxing Club activities, to the community for many years to come.
2021: New Name, Same 100 Year Legacy
In May 2021, the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs officially became BGC Toronto Kiwanis. Removing gender from our name modernizes our Club and echoes the inclusive practices we’re known for without straying too far from our history. It also embraces the fact that we serve young people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.
New name, same legacy: 100 years of creating opportunities for thousands of children and youth in the Regent Park & Trinity Bellwoods Communities