2009-2012

In 2009, former Senior Pastor of Toronto Christian Community Church, Rev. Dr. Harding Ng, received a vision from God to start a Christian community centre. It was followed by a series of prayer meetings, vision sharing, mobilization and presentation to the congregations. With the church board’s approval to purchase the 47,000 sq ft warehouse at 105 Gibson Drive, the next couple years focused on fundraising efforts and planning on the delivery of holistic services to the community.

105 Gibson Centre Building Project (8)
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November 2009

Negotiation began between TCCC and the former warehouse representatives

October 2010

Passed resolution to proceed with the purchase of the warehouse at 105 Gibson Drive

Passed resolution to proceed with the purchase of the warehouse at 105 Gibson Drive

May 2011

“Love in the Community” Stephen Yau Fundraising Art Exhibition was held and it also showcased a silent auction of art and craft items from TCCC congregation members.

“Love in the Community” Stephen Yau Fundraising Art Exhibitio

May 2011

One of the many presentation to TCCC members about the vision of the community centre and its ministries.

Schematic Design Presentation

June 2011

Fundraising concert by The Channels, a Christian band formed in mid 1970s, with special presentation by Angela Fong.

Channels in Concert

October 2011

First fundraising walkathon held at Tyndale University (formerly known as Tyndale University College & Seminary).

2011 - First walk at Tyndale

April 2012

Dancerganza for Gibson, organized by the TCCC Line Dance group, raised funds with five hours of dancing!

Dancerganza 2012

May 2012

Fundraising banquet “Passion turning into Action” with more than 800 people in attendance. Walt Disney feature animation artist Davy Liu and Dr. Philemon Choi, founder of the Breakthrough Magazine in Hong Kong, were present to encourage ministry with the youth in the community.

“Passion turning into Action” Fundraising Banquet

June 2012

TCCC’s Children’s Choir presented their annual year-end musical as a fundraiser with 105 Gibson as one of the beneficiaries.

Pirates of the "I Don't Care"-ibbean

July 2012

Ground breaking ceremony for Phase 1 construction took place on July 12. Mayor Frank Scarpitti officiated this ceremony and it was the first ground breaking ceremony after Markham was incorporated as a City. 323 t-shirts were sold and 700 ministry booklets were distributed.

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July 2012

“Be the Solution Benefit Concert” held to raise funds for 105 Gibson Centre.

"Be the Solution" Benefit Concert

Phase 1: 2013-2016

The Grand Opening in October 2013 officially marks the start of the Centre’s Phase 1 Development. Six core ministries were launched within this Phase 1 period and include:

 

We witnessed a steady growth from user registration to volunteer participation. Emphasis was placed on serving the youth in the community and local high schools. Ministries were launched with the help from other organizations who are already serving the community in a similar manner.

2013

Grand Opening - October 5, 2013

Hundreds of guests, included politicians, church and community leaders, joined us as we celebrated our official opening.

Youth Services

Started the following programs:

  • 40 Hours and Beyond
  • Student Employment Mentorship Program
  • Youth Success Initiatives
  • Stephen Leacock After School Homework Club
  • Previous collaboration with Dr. Norman Bethune CI continues

Food Bank

Started service with help from 5 With Drive.

Sports Program

Launched scheduled drop-in program for badminton and table tennis.

Community Classroom

Offered classes in categories of Creative Arts, Science and Tech, Visual Arts, Physical Activities, Music, Health and Wellness and Educational Workshops.

2014

Ministry Partner

Ministry Partner Joy Beyond Vision Community began serving meals at 105 Gibson Cultural Cafe.

 

The Open Market

TOM was held to raise funds for construction.

Walkathon

First walkathon at 105 Gibson Centre

 

Thrift Store

Held the first side walk sales for fundraising purposes

105 Gibson Cultural Cafe

105 Gibson Cultural Cafe Ministry’s first mini concert held and led by the Christian band Channels

Sports Program

Launched Scheduled Drop-in for basketball and Non-Scheduled Drop-in for basketball, badminton and table tennis

Community Classroom

Added senior-appropriate classes into Community Classroom roster

 

Tax Clinic

First year of filing tax returns at 105 Gibson Centre

2015

Fundraiser

Co-organized fundraiser “Dare to Dream. Build to Bless” with Richmond Hill Christian Community Church with proceeds split with John Kao Global Leadership Study Centre at Tyndale University

 

Tax Clinic

Community visit to file tax returns in an assisted-living apartment.

Senior Program

First summer camp for older adults,

Sports Program

Hoop & Shoot basketball program for children.

 

2016

Ministry Partner

Ministry Partner “Talking Book Library” installed recording booth at Centre for producing audio Christian books.

Door Open Community Event

The Open Door event was held for the community to come and explore our programs and services.

Phase 2: 2017-Present

After serving the community for 3 years, we were ready for the Centre’s Phase 2 development. Many meetings were held with ministries and the planning committee to discuss how to proceed on this. Of course, a fundraising campaign was launched to raise the funds needed for the construction. With much joy, the Centre’s Phase 2 Grand Opening was held on March 25, 2018.

2017

Phase 2 Fundraising

Launched fundraising campaign to raise $1.07M for Phase 2 construction

 

Ministry Partner

First “Earth Care thru Indoor Farming” course in partnership with Nature Harmony

 

Ministry Partner

Grand Opening for partner “Meals in Need”

Sports Program

First dodgeball tournament.

 

Youth Services

Hosted Youth Strengths Summer Camp and started In-class tutoring at L’Amoreaux C.I.

Doors Open Markham

Participated in City of Markham’s Doors Open for the first time. We welcomed 600+ guests in the open-house style event and introduced our programs and services to them

 

Staff Retreat

Staff spent time together at a retreat, led by Dr. Philemon Choi from Hong Kong (President of the Youth Foundation and Founder of Breakthrough)

 

Spring Passion Senior Day Camp

Spring Passion Senior Day Camp was held with funding from New Horizons Program for Seniors

 

2018

Food Bank

Partnered with York Region Food Bank to receive fresh produce.

Youth Services

Collaboration with Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy, Agincourt C.I. and York Region District School Board. Also hosted Teenager Parenting Alpha course and Youth Strengths Workshop.

Phase 2 Grand Opening

Celebration took place on March 25 with tour of the new facilities.

Sports Program

Launched pickleball courses.

 

Community Open Houses

Held 2 Open Houses on April 10 and 12 for community groups, local churches and media partners to learn more about us.

 

Food Bank

Hosted Friendship Kitchen and ESL Cafe over the summer months for the first time. Newcomers BBQ took place with families joining for hot dog and fun.

Youth Services

Offered Teenager Parenting Alpha Course in April and October.

Abundant Life Institute

ALI established and Grand Opening held on September 6.

 

5th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner

Celebration for our milestone 5th anniversary. We shared stories of how each ministry has grown over the five years and Dr. Brian Stiller (Global Ambassador of World Evangelical Alliance) shared words of encouragement and reminded us to continue serving the community.

Click here to watch the videos from that evening.

 

Abundant Life Institute

Wellness Clinic began service for ALI members in October to provide holistic care that addresses physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

2019

Out of the Cold

Partnered with Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold and Toronto Christian Community Church to host Out of the Cold, offering warm meals and accomodation to guests during the winter months

Tree Planting Day

Held our first Tree Planting Day as a fundraiser.

 

New General Director

Former General Director Rev Jonathan Chan assumed his new role as the Senior Pastor at the Toronto Christian Community Church as former Senior Pastor Rev Harding Ng retired. Raymond Lee became our new Executive Director on July 1. [Read about the news release here.]

 

Clothing Giveaway

Held our first Clothing Giveaway in Scarborough where families in need received free clothing and other accessories before the school year began.

Abundant Life Institute Wellness Consultation Day

Participants enjoyed a full day of health workshops delivered by doctors and health professionals.

 

2020

Health Services Launch

The launch combined the existing Wellness Clinic and the new Counselling Service to provide holistic care to the community

COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the provincial State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centre was closed to the public except for two essential services: Food Bank and Counselling.

Arabian Cultural Night

Our first Arabian Cultural Night where newcomers celebrated their culture with others by sharing music, food and dance.

Online Classes

With the Centre closed, some Community Classroom and Abundant Life Institute courses and Youth Services workshops were moved to online platform.

Mobilizing Masks for Health Care Providers

Partnered with Mobilizing Masks for Health Care Providers for a large-scale mask donation drive. Goal was to  bring masks to frontline healthcare workers at hospitals and long term care facilities across Toronto and the GTA