Oasis Dufferin Community Centre

Oasis Dufferin Community Centre Community Centre Counselling: Individual and group counselling is available for low-income individuals.

Oasis Dufferin Community Centre strives to transform its community through programs addressing poverty, creating community, and equipping young leaders. The main programs and services include:

Oasis Urban Training Ground: Young leaders are educated about social justice issues and compassionate action; equipped through practical volunteer work; and inspired to affect change in their own communit

ies. Oasis Emergency Food Bank: Serving an average of 500 families per month, Oasis partners with the Daily Bread Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank to provide weekly assistance to low-income families in west-Toronto. Volunteer Placement Program: Oasis is a host site for Ontario Works clients to do their volunteer placements, providing them with transferable job-skills and support; often in the form of basic necessities for new immigrants or refugees and support adjusting to Canadian culture. Advocacy: Oasis carries out advocacy on an individual basis, often partnering with agencies such as West End Community Legal Services to provide immigration, social services, and housing referrals; in addition to interpretation services. Children’s Soccer Programs: During the school year Oasis runs a weekly soccer drop-in for children grades 5-8. Oasis also offers a free week-long soccer camp every year. Seniors Club: A monthly event with food and a topical presentation provides Spanish speaking seniors from the community an opportunity to be informed and build friendships.

Celebrating seniors this Seniors Month!!Seniors are an often overlooked population facing invisibility and agism. This m...
06/09/2026

Celebrating seniors this Seniors Month!!

Seniors are an often overlooked population facing invisibility and agism. This month, to combat that, Oasis is taking part in the Seniors Month initiative.

June is officially proclaimed as Seniors Month in Ontario, recognizing older adults and celebrating their ongoing contributions to communities across the province.

At Oasis we value seniors!

Stories of Life Change
05/19/2026

Stories of Life Change

Did you know we have a feedback form?
05/17/2026

Did you know we have a feedback form?

Announcement 📣 Our food bank has new hours!See full post for behind the scenes photosMore information available on websi...
05/12/2026

Announcement 📣 Our food bank has new hours!

See full post for behind the scenes photos

More information available on website

Are you familiar with our food bank hours?Check out full post for behind the scenes photos!You’re welcome to join us as ...
05/11/2026

Are you familiar with our food bank hours?

Check out full post for behind the scenes photos!

You’re welcome to join us as a community member, or volunteer 💚⚡️

More info on website - Link in bio

Did you know you can host your very own fundraiser in support of Oasis? Get started now! Link in Instagram Bio
05/11/2026

Did you know you can host your very own fundraiser in support of Oasis? Get started now! Link in Instagram Bio

05/06/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. This month, we recognize the importance of community, support, kindness, and open conversations. No one should feel alone in what they are going through.

During Mental Health Week (May 6–12), let’s continue creating safe spaces where people feel heard, supported, and valued. Small acts of care can make a big difference. 🌿

✨ Prioritize rest
✨ Check in with your loved ones
✨ Ask for support when needed
✨ Be kind to yourself and others

Together, we can help end the stigma and build stronger, healthier communities. 💚

Wellbeing MentalHealthMatters SupportEachOther SelfCare WellnessJourney CommunitySupport PositiveMindset HealingTogether TorontoCommunity

05/04/2026

🎉💃 A beautiful celebration of culture, music, and community! ✨

Join us for Fiesta Friday as we honor and celebrate our amazing Latinx seniors with an unforgettable day full of joy, connection, and cultural pride ❤️

📍 Oasis Dufferin Community Centre
🗓 May 8, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📌 1219 Dufferin St. Toronto, ON

🎶 Music & dance
🎭 Cultural performances
🎤 Senior talent showcase
🎉 Games & activities

A special thank you to all the incredible partners making this meaningful event possible for our community 🙌

🎬 Audiovisual production by .ca

Spread the love and consider donating to Oasis Dufferin Community CentreEvery dollar counts towards keeping our doors op...
05/03/2026

Spread the love and consider donating to Oasis Dufferin Community Centre

Every dollar counts towards keeping our doors open

💚 LINK IN BIO 💚

Thank you to our donors, partners, staff, volunteers and community members for making everything we do possible - We appreciate you!

Register yourself and your loved ones for our upcoming event! It’s all ages led by our senior community members - we wou...
04/30/2026

Register yourself and your loved ones for our upcoming event!

It’s all ages led by our senior community members - we would love to see you there :)

At Oasis Dufferin Community Centre, everything we do is rooted in communityFrom food programs to counselling services an...
04/29/2026

At Oasis Dufferin Community Centre, everything we do is rooted in community

From food programs to counselling services and seniors initiatives, our goal is to create a space where everyone feels supported, respected and connected. We’re proud to stand alongside our community, today and everyday

We want to say a special thanks to our amazing volunteers, our community members, staff, partners and donors for being a part of Oasis

Consider becoming a donor today 💚

Arthur has been volunteering at our food bank for the past 4 years. He started coming to Oasis as a community member.He ...
04/25/2026

Arthur has been volunteering at our food bank for the past 4 years. He started coming to Oasis as a community member.

He says that, “volunteering brings out good energy in most people. Because they’re not on the clock, I find people can be their real selves anddo the work that needs to be done, just because it needs to get done.”

Arthur volunteers, because he finds it enjoyable and fun. And he likes being around like-minded people that like to help others.

Thank you Arthur!

That’s a wrap on our Volunteer Appreciation Week highlight!!

Thank you to everyone that participated! And too all of our other amazing volunteers not pictured in this year’s posts!

Consider donating to Oasis - Link in bio 💚

We also now have a LinkedIn! Follow us there for exclusive behind the scenes info

Mara, “loves the community here at Oasis” and has been volunteering here for 18 months now. Mara notes how life is gener...
04/24/2026

Mara, “loves the community here at Oasis” and has been volunteering here for 18 months now.

Mara notes how life is generally hard right now for people and the important food banks play.

As someone who lives in the neighbourhood, Mara says that volunteering here, “allows me to feel like I’m a part of our local ecosystem” and that, “it’s truly the highlight of my week.”

We appreciate you!

Shawn is a dedicated volunteer who has been with us for 3 years.He started as a community member and began volunteering ...
04/23/2026

Shawn is a dedicated volunteer who has been with us for 3 years.

He started as a community member and began volunteering to give back. Shawn was a huge help on Tuesdays with unloading and sorting food, and now his focus is on Wednesdays with distributing. Showing up at least once, if not twice a week, he has been a big support to Oasis.

He says it, “helps me with my patience with people,” as he, “hasn’t always been good with talking with people and volunteering has really changed my ability to engage with others.”

We’re so grateful for all the work you put into Oasis - Thank you Shawn!

Meet Sofia! She has been volunteering with Oasis since February. After joining us for the Coldest Night of the Year, she...
04/22/2026

Meet Sofia! She has been volunteering with Oasis since February. After joining us for the Coldest Night of the Year, she never looked back!

She volunteers weekly at our food bank, distributing food to community members. She has also taken on a growing role supporting Oasis with operations, admin and social media.

Sofia, a recent University of Toronto grad pursuing work in the social impact space, says, “it’s a genuinely welcoming place that offers a sense of community. Being here has taught me many valuable insights into how the nonprofit sector works behind the scenes.”

Thank you for your support!

04/22/2026

This Earth Day, we celebrate the power of community partnerships 🌍

Thanks to Daily Bread Food Bank and Second Harvest, we’re able to rescue good food that might otherwise go to waste and redirect it to support our neighbours facing food insecurity.

Because protecting our planet and caring for one another go hand in hand 💚

♻️

As a long-time volunteer since 2018, Matthew helps to make Oasis’ Food Bank a warm and welcoming place. He enjoys catchi...
04/21/2026

As a long-time volunteer since 2018, Matthew helps to make Oasis’ Food Bank a warm and welcoming place.

He enjoys catching up with community members each week, through lively conversations. As the greeter, Matthew is the glue that brings together Oasis Dufferin by cultivating a feeling of inclusivity and belonging.

Matthew readily takes on the responsibility of tasks and does so with a great attitude that brightens the day, often staying late to clean up even after others have left. The work he does here is invaluable.

He says, “Sharing food is something that should be fun.”

We really appreciate you Matthew and thank you for your continued support.

A new volunteer to Oasis, and a newcomer to Canada, Shadi has been coming to volunteer here weekly for a month now. “It’...
04/20/2026

A new volunteer to Oasis, and a newcomer to Canada, Shadi has been coming to volunteer here weekly for a month now.

“It’s a new experience for me to try to improve my language skills and communication with others in English. It helps me get out of the house and be a part of something while I search for work.”

Thank you to Shadi for joining us! We welcome new volunteers. Please visit our website, or email [email protected] to sign up!

Thank you to for having us this weekend and to everyone who came out to support and donate to our food drive
04/20/2026

Thank you to for having us this weekend and to everyone who came out to support and donate to our food drive

It’s volunteer appreciation week! We want to say a special thank you to Nelson. He is our longest running volunteer here...
04/19/2026

It’s volunteer appreciation week!

We want to say a special thank you to Nelson. He is our longest running volunteer here at Oasis - he’s been here for 17 years!

Thank you for your dedicated and continued support for over a decade and a half.

Nelson says, “Oasis is a place where everyone is welcomed and accepted. I can be myself and I learn so much from other volunteers. I have made great, long lasting friendships. I keep coming back, because I continue to meet great and wonderful people willing to help others.”

Thank you Nelson for your continued support!

Next week, is National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize the incredible people who make our work possible At Oasis Duf...
04/16/2026

Next week, is National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize the incredible people who make our work possible

At Oasis Dufferin Community Center, our volunteers are the backbone of everything we do. From supporting our food bank operations to helping ensure individuals and families have access to essential resources, their dedication and compassion make a meaningful difference every day

During this special week, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every volunteer who gives their time, energy, and heart to our community

Interested in giving back? Join us and be part of something impactful

Stay tuned - as we introduce you some of our wonderful volunteers!

The Easter Bunny came early! Thanks to our friend Franka, this week’s food bank brought more than just essentials, it br...
04/02/2026

The Easter Bunny came early!
Thanks to our friend Franka, this week’s food bank brought more than just essentials, it brought moments of joy. Children and families received early Easter treats, including cookies and candy packages, a reminder of how community kindness makes a difference 🌷🍪🍬🐣


🌼 Today is International Day of Happiness!At Oasis, happiness is found in simple moments: sharing a meal, a warm convers...
03/20/2026

🌼 Today is International Day of Happiness!

At Oasis, happiness is found in simple moments: sharing a meal, a warm conversation, and neighbours supporting neighbours.

Thanks to our volunteers, donors, and community members, Oasis continues to be a place where kindness and connection thrive.

This year’s theme explores the relationship between social media and happiness. While the online world connects us, real joy often comes from meaningful relationships and acts of compassion in our communities.

Today we invite you to spread happiness by:
💛 Checking in on a neighbour
💛 Volunteering your time
💛 Practicing gratitude
💛 Supporting someone in need

Together we can build a more compassionate and hopeful community.

Our community’s generosity never goes unnoticed. Thanks for thinking of Oasis Dufferin Community Centre when you want to...
03/09/2026

Our community’s generosity never goes unnoticed. Thanks for thinking of Oasis Dufferin Community Centre when you want to help others. 🫶

A friendly reminder that Oasis accepts non-perishable food donations only.
Our work focuses on food security, and items like canned goods, pasta, rice, beans, and other unopened pantry staples help us directly support individuals and families in our community.

Recently, bags of clothing, toys, and other household items have been left at our doors. While we truly appreciate the thoughtfulness behind these donations, we unfortunately cannot accept or manage these items, and leaving them outside creates challenges for our small team.

Want to help? Here are the best ways:

🥫 Donate unopened non-perishable food items that are not expired or past their best-before date
💚 Make a monetary donation at oasisdufferin.org/donate so we can purchase items that are most needed

Your support helps us focus on what matters most: ensuring neighbours in our community have access to food and care when they need it.

Thank you for helping us support our community.

✨ This International Women’s Day✨we honour our founder, Phyllis Ortiz.After returning from Bolivia as a missionary, Phyl...
03/08/2026

✨ This International Women’s Day✨
we honour our founder, Phyllis Ortiz.

After returning from Bolivia as a missionary, Phyllis saw a need in the community, especially for newcomers to Canada, for a place of support, dignity, and belonging.

In 1994, that vision became Oasis Dufferin Community Centre.

More than 30 years later, Oasis continues to be a place of welcome through programs that strengthen our community
including women’s counselling for Spanish-speaking women, seniors programs, food security resources, and educational opportunities.

Because one woman saw a need… and chose to act. 💜

Happy International Women’s Day to the women who lead, serve, and strengthen our communities every day.

❤️

Address

1219 Dufferin Street
Toronto, ON
M6H4C2

Telephone

+14165364431

Website

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