Office of the Chief Executive

Last weekend, we asked Toronto to stuff a bus with new backpacks and school supplies – and the response was fantastic. The TTC bus parked at the Walmart Supercentre located at 165 N Queen St. in Etobicoke, over the weekend collected more than 200 backpacks and hundreds of supplies ranging from math sets to calculators to writing utensils.

This month, volunteer organizers from the TTC’s Recreation Committees are supporting the Toronto and Region Chapter of Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) with its annual backpack and fundraising drive. Employees are showing their generosity by leaving new backpacks and school supplies at drop boxes located across the property. The donations are being collected for children and teens in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas around the city.

This year’s goal is to collect 500 new backpacks and an assortment of school supplies. Last year, employees donated more than 450 backpacks loaded with supplies and raised nearly $2,000 for students in the Lawrence Heights, Malvern, Shawn Blu Rose Park and Allen Gardens Park areas. The back-to-school drive runs until August 23.

Saturday, August 19 is Warriors’ Day
​Finally, the Warriors’ Day Parade at the CNE takes place tomorrow. It is with heartfelt appreciation that we continue our annual tradition of providing free travel to all current members of the Canadian Armed Forces in uniform as well as war and peacekeeping veterans wearing their medals. Please salute their service by providing TTC service free of charge.

Richard J. Leary
​Chief Executive Officer
​August 18, 2023