Generosity Scarborough

Unlike programs designed to address unfulfilled community needs, the abundance focus of Generosity Experiments first requires that community assets be identified, and then amplified through programs that share and practice these assets widely. 

In Scarborough we sought to engage the unique lived experiences of residents and service providers to better understand what is unique, valuable and already thriving here, as well as what community assets could be further developed and shared? We then ideated together to co-design a program that practically builds on these assets.

We learned that for the newcomers and immigrant majority that makes up Scarborough’s population, there exists a unique culture of community care. This culture is a unifying force for Scarberians of various backgrounds due to the shared experience of immigration and its associated challenges. Because of this Scarborough residents are supported to navigate and respond to challenges and feel safe and connected in their community.

Based on our learnings we co-designed a program that sought to amplify cross-community support by creating a space for inter-generational skills sharing between newcomer youth and seniors from diverse backgrounds. Skills shared could contribute to new forms of artistic expression, opportunities to develop just transition enterprises, career and post-secondary school navigation and repair and maker skills development amongst others.