Compassion in Action: How Fontbonne Ministries Supports Community

Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, Fontbonne Ministries provides programs that address some of the most pressing challenges that many members in our society face today, including food insecurity, housing instability and social isolation. 

Through operations at their Mustard Seed location at 791 Queen St E in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, Fontbonne Ministries offers essential resources such as fresh meals, warm clothing and emotional support in a welcoming and accessible space.

Here’s a closer look at some of the extraordinary work done by Fontbonne Ministries (Photo credits: Fontbonne Ministries):

Fontbonne Place

Fontbonne Place at 791 Queen St E offers 18 affordable apartments for older women who might otherwise face homelessness or unstable housing due to Toronto’s ongoing housing crisis. Aside from access to housing, residents also get the chance to participate in activities organized by Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed team.

Clothing Boutique

Thanks to generous donations from the community, seniors, newcomers and individuals living in precarious conditions get year-round access to clothing via the Clothing Boutique. The program helps ensure that everyone has the essentials to stay comfortable and warm, especially during Toronto’s frigid winter.

Breakfast Program

With grocery prices continuing to rise, food insecurity remains a pressing issue for many people. Fontbonne Ministries helps address this need by providing nutritious breakfast options five days a week to community members in need. Each year, thousands of meals are served through this vital program. Since 2024, the Riverside BIA and local businesses have been supporting this program through the Riverside Antler Breakfast!

Good Food Market

In collaboration with FoodShare Toronto, the Good Food Market helps make fresh, local produce accessible and affordable for residents in the Riverside and Leslieville neighbourhoods. The market takes place every Wednesday (2pm-4pm) in front of the Fontbonne Ministries building from spring to fall, and moves indoors during the winter months.

Friendly Visiting

Friendly Visiting connects volunteers with individuals who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Through conversations, social outings and phone calls, volunteers help build meaningful relationships and provide companionship. Participants and volunteers are carefully matched, and volunteers undergo screening and training before joining the program.

Volunteer and Donate

Fontbonne Ministries relies on the support of the community to sustain its numerous programs. Whether through volunteering or donations, every contribution helps.

• To volunteer, email volunteers@fontbonneministries.ca or call 416-465-2889 ext. 2631.
• Donations can be made online, by cheque, or in kind.
• Follow @fontbonneministries on Instagram or visit their website to learn more about their programs and ways to get involved.

In other news, Fontbonne Ministries is also participating in Game On East End and joining in on the fun this summer!

Game On East End: Community BBQ & Sports Trivia

Join Fontbonne Ministries on Monday, July 6th (11am-1pm) at the Courtyard of their Mustard Seed location (791 Queen St E) for Community BBQ & Sports Trivia! Enjoy a free BBQ lunch, community gathering, and fun trivia with gift cards from local businesses. Check out more Game on East End programming page on our webpage!

This blog post is the first of the community programming feature series we’re doing on the Riverside Blog, leading up to our annual neighbourhood cleanup, Clean Queen East Together on Friday, April 24th. Tomorrow, we’ve got the Ralph Thornton Community Centre!

Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram so you’re always updated on what’s happening in the neighbourhood! 

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