Toronto Launches 2025 “Toronto For All” Campaign to Foster Belonging and Combat Hate
Annual campaign highlights belonging and unity, with $60K in community grants supporting grassroots projects across Toronto.
TORONTO — The City of Toronto has launched the 16th edition of its annual Toronto For All public education campaign, unveiling a new initiative designed to promote belonging and inclusion while addressing the rise of hate in the city.
This year’s campaign video features real Torontonians responding to a range of questions, using imagery such as twine and yarn to symbolize the common threads that connect residents across backgrounds. The campaign will run until the end of October and is supported by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF).
City staff developed the campaign following direction from Toronto City Council, working closely with diverse community members through consultation sessions across the city.
New ‘Toronto For All’ public education campaign launches today
News Release: https://t.co/H2Qtmjxyv7 pic.twitter.com/lENjGIWYOw
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) September 8, 2025
Leadership Voices on Inclusion
Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized Toronto’s global diversity and the shared connections that make communities stronger:
“Every year, Toronto For All reminds us that our city is one of the most diverse in the world and that residents from all backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated here. This year’s campaign demonstrates that we have much more in common with our neighbours than we may realize at a glance and that through open hearts and conversation, we can discover the common threads that link us. These common threads help to create a more connected and caring city where everyone belongs.”
Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina–Fort York) added:
“We cannot take our diversity and acceptance for granted, and the Toronto For All campaign is a reminder that everyone is welcome in our shared home.”
Councillor James Pasternak (York Centre) reinforced the city’s commitment to social cohesion:
“Hate and bullying have no place in Toronto, and residents from all backgrounds and walks of life help make our City vibrant. The Toronto For All campaign is an initiative by the city that promotes social cohesion by discovering and reaching common ground among our diverse communities.”
Mohammed Hashim, CEO of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, highlighted the national significance of Toronto’s approach:
“As Canada’s largest and most diverse city, Toronto stands at the forefront of reversing the troubling recent rise in hate across our country. Opening meaningful dialogue and finding common purpose is a vital first step. Investment in community-led efforts brings it home, and builds lasting change.”
Micro-Community Grants
In addition to the education campaign, the City announced $60,000 in micro-community grants awarded to 12 local non-profit and grassroots organizations. These grants will fund projects and events that promote inclusion and belonging, extending the campaign’s reach directly into neighbourhoods.
A full list of funded projects is available on the City’s Toronto For All webpage: toronto.ca/torontoforall.
About Toronto For All
Since its inception, Toronto For All has partnered with local organizations to challenge discrimination and foster dialogue among residents. Past campaigns have addressed antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, trans youth of colour, and East Asian racism.
Now in its 16th iteration, the campaign continues to position Toronto as a leader in creating an inclusive, welcoming city.
Why This Campaign Matters Now
Toronto officials have stressed that public education campaigns like Toronto For All are more important than ever. The city, like others across Canada, has witnessed a rise in hate incidents and polarized public discourse in recent years. By using everyday imagery and real voices from the community, the 2025 campaign aims to cut through division and remind residents of their shared humanity.
The campaign will be visible across Toronto’s street furniture network, transit shelters, and public spaces, ensuring that residents encounter the message throughout their daily routines. Combined with community-led projects supported by the micro-grants, the City hopes the campaign will spark conversations that extend well beyond October.
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