Late on a Monday afternoon, just as retail stores in a north Etobicoke mall wind down for the day, one storefront operation is coming to life.
At the Rexdale Pro Tech Media Centre - a partnership of public and private interests to bring high-end computer access to one of Toronto's hard-hit "priority neighbourhoods" - 10-year-old Anthony DeBattista and friends huddle over a computer.
Cheerfully, noisily immersed in a video game, they later join a workshop to learn how to create a 60-second anti-racism video for a national contest.
Close by, sisters Aundraea Donaldson, 13, and Wyadia Quarrie, 17, with no computer at home, tap away at their homework on the centre's laptops.
Then there's Antigua-born Demar Swack, another regular. Before heading out to a minimum-wage night job, the 22-year-old squeezes in time to hone his skills at building websites.
"This is my jump start, and it is because of this place pretty much," Mr. Swack said. "They have given me an opportunity."
That's music to the ears of the sponsors - the city, Microsoft Canada, YMCA of Greater Toronto, Toronto Community Housing, Humber College and the Humber Students Federation - who joined forces last summer to open the centre in the Finch Avenue and Albion Road mall.
The pilot project proved an instant hit with leaders in gun-plagued Rexdale and nearby Jamestown, both home to a high proportion of low-income, immigrant youth.
"If the centre were not there, crime in the area would be increasing," said Kadra Hussein, executive director of Jamestown Women and Family Services, which used the centre for a popular youth photography club this summer. "When you have a place that welcomes you, and gives you knowledge, it is helping you."
Since July, the centre has signed up 354 children and youth, with another 1,200 drop-in visits, well ahead of first estimates, said executive director Melodie Downey, of the YMCA.
"We've seen a lot of success in a short time," she said. "I am not saying that every kid who comes here is going out to be a famous animator or work for DreamWorks, but they may become more proficient in their office job or help their own kids with homework later on."
Last week, touring the centre with Toronto Mayor David Miller, Microsoft Canada president Phil Sorgen announced a significant boost in his company's support for the project - and pledged funds for new outlets in three more of the city's 13 priority neighbourhoods.
The Rexdale project, he said, "is a great example of the transformative power of technology to make a social and economic impact."
In addition to a new cash donation of $125,000 and $18,000 in software "curriculum" for Rexdale, Microsoft will work with the city, community leaders and others to set up centres in Malvern, Eglinton East/Kennedy Park, and Weston/Mt. Dennis.
"We think these [partnerships] are a great vehicle," he said, throwing out a challenge to corporate leaders. "We hope lots of companies get involved to make this sustainable in all 13 priority neighbourhoods."
For the three new projects, the mayor said he hopes the cash-strapped city will serve as a "catalyst" to bring business, education and charitable groups - and community leaders - to the table.
Mr. Miller said Microsoft's involvement is a winning example of what he calls "public interest" partnerships, with diverse groups giving money, time or expertise.
Humber College, for example, matched the students' federation pledge of $25,000 a year for three years to the Rexdale centre, and provided staff time and other support.
"This is a really good example of what can be done when people work in partnerships," said college president John Davies, who now hopes to work with Humber student leaders on a mentorship program for youth at Rexdale centre.
Commitments like that give Ms. Downey hope for the future. "I don't think we have peaked yet."
