Toronto PWA Foundation - Toronto, Ontario

Rustanbek C.

Letter of gratitude

Dear Team, and the People of Canada

My name is [Robin], and I want to express my sincerest words of gratitude from the bottom of my heart.

I recently found myself in a difficult life situation - without support, without medication, without hope. But it was at you, at 163 Queen Street, that I received what I needed: attention, care, kindness and real help. You gave me not only the necessary medications, food and a warm sleeping bag - you gave me the feeling that I am not alone, that I am important, and that life goes on.

I am especially touched by the warmth and respect with which you treat each person. This is not just help - this is support that restores strength and the desire to live.

Now that I feel energy and peace in myself again, I want to give back a piece of the good that I have received. I will gladly help you in any free time - as a volunteer, as an assistant, as a person who sincerely wants to be useful.

Thank you for all you do. You are a light to those who have lost their way.

With respect and warmth,
[Robin]
Toronto, [June 27, 2025]

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I agree with Prince JH. PWA has completely changed. You talk about waiting a week, I've been waiting 6 weeks, and phoning them is an unpleasant thing. They LIED to my face. They obviously don't honor their promise. On top of other issues! The food bank was another unpleasant experience, I'm never going back!!

Prince J.

In the past, I have used there services just for basic needs and services..but sadly this place is nowhere near what it used to be

The funding that they received or have received is either gone or it is being pocketed because many services are gone.

Many front line staff now are either refugees or immigrants who can't speak English. They play on their phones at the front desk, they have nasty African attitudes as if we owe them something...I'm sorry but why are you at the PWA if your life in africa is so perfect? How dare you roll your nasty eyes and show attitude to fellow patrons

The whole cheque system is outright nonsense. It was a piece of cake for us where we would submit our receipts and receive our cheque. Now you have to submit very specific items to even be eligible. We literally would provide a receipt list and have the cheques printed in 2-3 days now it takes over a week.

Why are staff members asking people if they can speak Spanish? Am I in Mexico or Colombia where I would need to speak Spanish? How dare you try to infiltrate your beliefs and behaviours on us?

The laziness from staff members is very visible and we can see it. If your staff members who are getting paid please make sure they are well aware of the fact that this isn't Africa or Latin America where they can treat people as they please. They should not be lazy working in a space that deals with every day citizens who are going through life situations.

Joseph A. T. (.

I've been involved with the PWA and ACT since high-school. With a warm place for Bill Handley, and a shout-out to the employees and volunteers who exemplify what service to community means... Chris, Kyle, Errol, Llewellyn; you and so many others are artists of love to model oneself after.

Guylaine R.

I've been going there for a few years now. Still as welcoming as the first day.

Kieron K. (.

Wow - fantastic new building which offers lots to clients. All services are delivered efficiently and are of excellent quality. All team members are friendly, courteous, approachable and carry out their respective tasks with efficiency and effectiveness and always with an acute attention to duty of care towards clients. Altogether an enjoyable experience for service users. An invaluable resource for our community. I could not be more proud of all that has been accomplished and the overall improvement in terms of the number, range and quality of services on offer. A special shout-out for the massage and acupuncture departments for their committment to providing outstanding services!

Scott N.

This was my first visit since they moved to their new location on Queen St. The space is huge and shared with several other AIDS Service Organizations. The Reception Desk was the first place I landed.i do have to make a comment. At the time there were no less than 15 people sitting on or standing around the desk. Somewhat intimidating i walked past and then decided no I have to ask for directions. So as I approached, a friendly tall woman greeted me. I asked where the Reception Desk was and she turned and pointed out the desk. I said okay, i am actually looking for a staff member. She was very helpful and showed me to her office.

Brian J.

The PWA is the place to go. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. The food market is wonderful. The manager/supervisor Somdat is awesome. Always willing and helpful. They (volunteers) make the visitors of the market at ease especially first timers. I am a client as well as a volunteer.