Sun Youth Launches Final $1 Million Fundraising Push for New Building
The Sun Youth Organization, a cornerstone of Montreal's community support network for decades, has embarked on a critical final fundraising campaign. Having recently moved into a new, state-of-the-art building on St-Laurent Boulevard in the Villeray–St-Michel–Parc Extension borough, the organization now requires approximately $1 million to fully equip and furnish the facility.
From Bricks to Equipment: The Final Hurdle
Sun Youth executive director Marina Boulos-Winton explained that while the $36.5 million building project is nearly complete, with all but $400,000 raised through a capital campaign, federal government support, a mortgage, and the Sun Youth Foundation, the funds covered primarily "the bricks and mortar." The urgent need now is for equipment to make the spaces functional.
The $1 million will be allocated to several key areas:
- Cardio, weight-room, and gymnasium equipment
- Refrigeration and freezer units for the organization's food bank, which opened in January
- Furnishings for a rooftop terrace and urban garden
- Specialized flooring and other essential materials
"We spent $263,000 on refrigeration alone, which puts us in a deficit position," Boulos-Winton stated, highlighting the immediate financial pressure.
A Legacy of Community Impact
Founded in 1954 by Sid Stevens and Earl De La Perralle, Sun Youth began with the simple goal of raising money to establish sports teams for neighborhood children. Over its 64-year partnership, the organization expanded dramatically, pioneering Quebec's first food bank and providing material support, financial aid, and emergency relief. Although both founders have passed away, their mission of promoting youth development through sports, recreation, and education remains central to Sun Youth's identity.
The new building stands as a testament to this enduring legacy. Designed by Montreal architecture firm Kanva, the 36,000-square-foot structure is carbon-neutral, utilizing geothermal energy, solar panels, and responsibly sourced black spruce wood from central Quebec. Tudor Radulescu, a senior partner at Kanva who played basketball for Sun Youth as a child, led the design, drawing inspiration from nearby Jarry Park.
"The foundation of the idea came from the park itself," Radulescu said. "It's that of nature, of growth, of light. A tree is a metaphor for the clientele—an optimistic view of having solid roots and growth and reaching for the sky."
Building for the Future
The facility features a 9,000-square-foot gymnasium, exposed ceilings and polished concrete floors for durability, LED motion-activated lighting, and flexible spaces intended for multiple uses. The design prioritizes natural light and dignity for all users, with wooden columns evoking tree trunks and large windows illuminating the interior.
Ernie Rosa, Sun Youth's director of property management, emphasized the building's efficiency. "We want to be efficient with energy and also with spaces," he noted, explaining that areas like the kitchen and cafeteria on the mezzanine can serve as event spaces, community kitchens, and learning environments.
Expanding Programs and Community Reach
With a deadline to be operational by the end of June, Sun Youth is preparing to launch its summer sports activities for youth aged 5 to 17, as well as its day camp for children 5 to 14. Guinness Rider, director of community services and sports, announced an expansion of recreational offerings to include tennis and futsal, a form of indoor soccer, alongside traditional basketball and football leagues.
Looking ahead, Boulos-Winton envisions the building becoming a comprehensive community hub. Plans include tutoring and after-school programs for students, programming for seniors, and maximizing every "nook and cranny" of the facility. "My vision is that it becomes a community hub," she affirmed.
A Call for Support
As Sun Youth rallies to meet its equipment funding goal, the organization calls on the community that has sustained it for generations. Those interested in contributing to subsidize the cost of outfitting the new building are encouraged to contact executive director Marina Boulos-Winton directly. This final push will ensure that the light-filled, sustainable structure can fully serve Montreal's vulnerable populations for years to come, honoring a legacy of growth, support, and athletic inspiration.
