Past Programs
The Common Thread
Launched in 2020, The Common Thread program was designed to help newcomers secure employment directly with our partner employers across different sectors in the GTA. By helping employers meet hiring needs with access to qualified, pre-screened newcomers who are motivated to work, the Common Thread program contributed to Impakt Foundation’s vision of an environment where newcomers no longer face barriers to employment and have equal opportunities for economic success. The program gave newcomers an opportunity to gain Canadian experience with meaningful employment and better integrate into Canadian society.
As we understand the varied challenges newcomers face not only in employment, but also in housing, transportation, and food necessities, the program offered newcomers flexibility by providing additional support services to participants as needed.
Success Stories
Listen to Hanadi El Bizri speak about her experience with the Common Thread program
In the pilot phase of our Common Thread Program, we were able to secure 7 newcomers with meaningful employment.
We helped Toronto’s most vulnerable To stay safe during covid-19.
We started Impakt Foundation with an innovative face mask campaign in 2020 to help Toronto’s most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring vulnerable people have access to personal protection as needed to stay safe and healthy.
Donations were used to produce locally made reusable face masks made by vulnerable people. These were distributed by the Impakt Foundation to Indigenous communities and by the City of Toronto to vulnerable populations, and non-medical Canadian organizations on the front lines who are using these masks to stay safe on the job.
This campaign touched the lives of numerous people in different communities and we received great testimonials on the impact these face masks made.
With the rising cases of COVID-19, we launched another campaign in 2021 with over 20,000 face masks, which enable us to expand our reach to more organizations and communities, ensuring that vulnerable residents stay safe while creating job opportunities for vulnerable people.
L - R Martina Ambiri - Former Executive Director Impakt Foundation for Social Change, Jade Shortte and Ranelle Aquino from ANIDA, Josh Klein - Impakt Foundation for Social Change during the Facemask Outreach Program.
This campaign was done in partnership with the City of Toronto and Canada Sportswear with the generous support of TD and Cadillac Fairview.
ORGANIZATIONS THAT BENEFITTED FROM OUR FACE MASKS CAMPAIGN
2020
Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Streets to Home, Nishnawbe Homes, Second Harvest, Victims Services of Durham Region, Interval House, Ve’ahavta, Youths Without Shelter, Parkdale Community Food Bank, Nawalakw Healing Society and Culture Project, Ḵwikwa̱sutinux̱ and the Ha̱x’wamis, Dzawada̱'enux̱w
2021
City of Toronto, Sea to Cedar, Daily Bread Food Bank, Ve’ahavta, Second Harvest, ANIDA Foodbank, Victim Services of Durham Region, interval House, Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Afri-Can Food Basket, Black CAP, TAMOGO, COSTI Immigrant Services, Dixon Hall Neighborhood Services, Syrian Canadian Foundation, Access Employment