Toronto Youth & Children Charities

Abilities Centre Durham operates recreation and activity programs for children and youth with physical disabilities in Whitby and the surrounding Durham Region. The organization provides accessible swimming, sports, arts, and social activities designed to build confidence and community connections for young people facing mobility challenges. Programs are adapted to meet individual needs, with trained staff and volunteers supporting participants in everything from aquatic therapy to competitive athletics. Beyond activities, the centre offers respite care for families and advocates for inclusive recreation opportunities across the region. By creating welcoming spaces where young people with disabilities can participate fully, Abilities Centre Durham helps reduce isolation and gives children the chance to develop friendships and skills alongside their peers.

Able Sail Toronto operates a sailing program that introduces children and youth with physical disabilities to the water through adapted boats and specialized instruction. Participants learn sailing skills while building confidence and independence on Lake Ontario, with instructors trained to work with various mobility challenges and accessibility needs. The program welcomes young people ages 6 and up, from those new to sailing to competitive racers, creating an inclusive environment where disability does not limit participation in this sport. Through regular lessons and seasonal programs, Able Sail Toronto demonstrates that sailing is accessible to all, regardless of physical ability.

Adapted Sports and Recreation of Canada delivers athletic programs and recreational activities designed for children and youth with physical disabilities and other support needs. Operating across the GTA including Etobicoke, the organization creates opportunities for young people to build strength, confidence, and social connections through sports like wheelchair basketball, sledge hockey, swimming, and track and field. Programs run year-round at various facilities and accommodate participants from ages five through young adulthood. The charity removes barriers to participation by providing adapted equipment, trained coaches, and inclusive environments where children can develop skills and friendships alongside peers facing similar challenges. Beyond competition, the organization focuses on helping young people discover their capabilities and integrate into mainstream recreational settings.

Art Inner Expression Association provides visual arts programs and creative workshops for young people in North York and the surrounding GTA. The organization uses painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media as tools for youth to explore their emotions, build confidence, and develop artistic skills. Their classes and drop-in sessions serve children and teenagers from various backgrounds, offering both after-school programming and summer initiatives. By creating a safe studio space where young people can express themselves freely through art, the association helps participants process their experiences, strengthen self-esteem, and discover creative abilities they may not have known they possessed. The programs are designed to be accessible to youth of different artistic levels and economic circumstances.

The Blind Sailing Association of Canada introduces children and youth who are blind or visually impaired to sailing and water sports. Based in Toronto, the organization operates adaptive sailing programs that teach navigation, boat handling, and water safety to young people with vision loss. Participants learn alongside sighted peers and instructors in an inclusive setting, gaining confidence, independence, and practical skills on the water. The association removes barriers to participation by providing specialized equipment, trained volunteers, and accessible instruction methods. Through hands-on experience, youth discover that visual impairment does not limit their ability to enjoy outdoor recreation or pursue new interests. The programs foster friendships, physical activity, and a sense of accomplishment among participants who might otherwise have limited access to water-based activities.

Bryan's Place Special Needs Center provides after-school and summer programs for children and youth with developmental disabilities and special needs in Toronto. The center offers recreational activities, life skills training, and social development opportunities designed to build confidence and independence. Staff work with participants on communication, problem-solving, and peer interaction in a supportive environment. The center also provides respite care for families, giving parents a trusted space where their children can engage in meaningful activities while they manage other responsibilities. Bryan's Place serves children and teens across a range of abilities and diagnoses, creating an inclusive setting where participants develop friendships and discover their strengths.

Cruisers Sports for the Physically Disabled provides athletic programs and recreational opportunities for children and youth with physical disabilities in Mississauga and the surrounding GTA. The organization offers adaptive sports training, competitions, and social events designed to build confidence, improve physical fitness, and foster friendships among participants. Cruisers removes barriers to participation by offering accessible facilities, trained coaches familiar with adaptive techniques, and modified equipment suited to various disability types. Programs range from wheelchair basketball and athletics to swimming and boccia, allowing young people to develop skills while enjoying the social and health benefits of organized sports. By creating inclusive athletic communities, Cruisers helps young people with physical disabilities experience the joy of competition and the sense of achievement that comes with athletic participation.

Canadian Blind Hockey provides competitive ice hockey programs for children and youth who are blind or visually impaired across the Greater Toronto Area. The organization teaches players fundamental skating and hockey skills while fostering teamwork, confidence, and athletic achievement. Using a specialized ball that makes audible sounds, teams compete in regional and national tournaments. The program serves children from age six through young adulthood, offering both recreational and competitive levels. By adapting traditional hockey for players with visual disabilities, Canadian Blind Hockey creates opportunities for young people to participate in a sport typically inaccessible to them, while building lasting friendships and demonstrating that blindness need not be a barrier to athletic pursuits.

Chava Farms Inc. operates an agricultural education program in Thornhill that teaches youth about sustainable farming, food production, and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning. The organization runs a working farm where young people grow vegetables, tend to animals, and learn ecological principles while developing practical skills in food security and land management. By connecting children and teens to the growing process and rural life, Chava Farms builds awareness of where food comes from and creates pathways for youth to explore careers in agriculture and environmental sciences. The program serves families across the GTA who may have limited access to outdoor learning experiences and green spaces.

The Dwarf Athletic Association of Canada Inc. organizes sports and recreational programs for children and youth with dwarfism across Canada, with a strong presence in Toronto. The organization creates opportunities for young people with short stature to participate in athletics, build confidence, and develop friendships with peers who share similar experiences. Through competitive and recreational activities, the association helps members develop physical fitness and social skills in an inclusive environment. The group also provides support to families navigating life with dwarfism and connects them with resources and community.

Grandravine Special Hockey provides ice hockey programming for children and youth with physical and developmental disabilities across Toronto. The organization operates inclusive hockey teams and recreational skating sessions that give young people with disabilities the chance to participate in competitive and casual play alongside peers. Players develop athletic skills, build confidence, and form friendships through structured coaching and game opportunities. The program serves children ranging from beginners to experienced players, accommodating various ability levels and support needs. By making hockey accessible to youth who might otherwise be excluded from traditional sports, Grandravine Special Hockey creates meaningful athletic and social experiences that extend beyond the ice.

Horses at Heart Therapeutic Equestrian Adventures offers equine-assisted therapy and riding programs for children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area. The organization uses structured interaction with horses to help young people build confidence, develop emotional regulation skills, and improve physical strength and coordination. Participants work with trained instructors and volunteers who guide them through grooming, ground exercises, and riding activities tailored to their individual abilities and needs. The program serves children facing various challenges, including those with developmental delays, behavioural concerns, and emotional difficulties. By combining the therapeutic benefits of horses with skilled instruction, Horses at Heart creates a supportive environment where youth can experience growth and build positive relationships with animals and peers.

Music for Every Child provides free music instruction and instruments to children in Mississauga who would not otherwise have access to musical education. The organization runs weekly group lessons in schools and community centers, teaching piano, guitar, violin, and other instruments to elementary and secondary students. Through its instrument loan program, participants receive instruments to take home for practice. The charity believes that music develops confidence, discipline, and academic performance while offering a creative outlet for young people across different socioeconomic backgrounds. By removing financial barriers to music education, Music for Every Child helps students in the Greater Toronto Area discover their musical abilities and build lasting skills.

Physical Lifestyles for Autistic Youth Corporation operates fitness and recreational programs designed specifically for autistic young people in the Brampton and Greater Toronto Area. The organization creates safe, structured environments where autistic youth can participate in physical activities tailored to their individual sensory and social needs. Their programs include adapted sports, movement classes, and recreational outings led by staff trained in autism-informed instruction. By providing accessible fitness opportunities, the charity helps autistic young people build physical strength, develop social connections, and experience the health benefits of regular activity in a supportive setting that understands their unique communication styles and sensory sensitivities.

PowerHockey Toronto runs ice hockey programs for children and youth with physical disabilities across the Greater Toronto Area. The organization provides adaptive hockey instruction, equipment, and ice time to young players who might not otherwise have access to the sport. Participants develop athletic skills, build confidence, and connect with peers through competitive and recreational leagues. PowerHockey operates at multiple arenas throughout Toronto, offering programs for different age groups and skill levels, from beginners learning the fundamentals to players competing in organized tournaments. The charity removes financial and physical barriers to participation, ensuring that disability does not prevent young people from experiencing the benefits of team sport and athletic achievement.

Sheen for She Foundation provides mentorship and educational programs designed to build confidence and leadership skills in young women and girls across Toronto. The organization focuses on creating safe spaces where participants can develop self-esteem through workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and community engagement activities. By connecting girls with experienced female role models, the foundation helps them navigate challenges, set goals, and envision their future potential. The programs address barriers that girls often face in accessing quality mentorship and support, recognizing that early intervention and positive relationships can significantly shape their life trajectories. Sheen for She Foundation works with schools and community organizations to reach girls from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that young women in Toronto have access to the guidance and encouragement they need to thrive.

Special Hockey International operates ice hockey programs for children and youth with physical and cognitive disabilities across the Greater Toronto Area. The organization provides adapted hockey instruction, equipment, and ice time at multiple rinks, enabling young players with varied abilities to participate in competitive and recreational play alongside able-bodied peers. Programs serve children from elementary school age through young adulthood, with trained coaches who modify techniques and rules to match each participant's needs. Special Hockey International removes financial barriers through scholarships and donated equipment, ensuring that disability does not prevent access to the sport. By building inclusive teams and fostering athletic development, the organization helps participants develop confidence, friendships, and physical fitness while introducing families to a supportive community of other families navigating similar experiences.

Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League operates a competitive hockey program for children and youth with physical disabilities, providing them with opportunities to play adaptive ice hockey in the Greater Toronto Area. Players use specially designed power wheelchairs modified for hockey, competing in organized leagues and tournaments throughout the season. The league focuses on athletic development, skill-building, and team play while fostering confidence and social connection among young athletes. By making hockey accessible to kids with mobility challenges, the organization demonstrates that disability does not limit participation in competitive sports. The league operates out of East York and welcomes players of varying skill levels and experience.