COMMUNITY MATTERS
0MARGARET COSHAN and CHRIS HALLETT lived a financially comfortable life in Cabbagetown but they still had a keen sense that something was missing. After deciding to sell their cars and their home, the couple moved into the lower-income, neighbourhood of St. James Town, where 67 cultures are represented by 15,000 residents, many of them new to the country. Recognizing both the needs and the resources in the neighborhood, they started up Community Matters. Rooted in the idea of neighbours helping neighbours, the groups 15 programs connect community members with one another and helps them to build a strong network of relationships and exchange skills and knowledge. Community Matters Toronto not only helps locals deal with issues like finance, employment and parenting, it also fosters personal interactions and celebrates diversity.