Set to become a hub for skills training, employment support, and community development, the transformation of the space has been months in the making, ensuring the building is accessible and suits the needs of both LEF and the community.
With drywall completed and the finishing touches beginning to take shape, the project recently received a significant boost from a dedicated team of volunteers from The Home Depot's Stockyards location.
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On November 4, twelve volunteers arrived bright and early at 8:30 a.m., ready to roll up their sleeves and help bring the space to life. Armed with paintbrushes, rollers, and plenty of enthusiasm, the team spent the day transforming the newly finished walls with fresh coats of white, bright yellow, and LEF's signature purple.
Music echoed throughout the building as volunteers worked side by side, bringing energy and excitement to every room. By the end of the day, smiles were everywhere, and many volunteers left with a few colourful reminders of their efforts, some covered in more paint than others.
For the volunteers, the day was about more than painting walls.
"It's a great way to give back to the community for our store," said Justin Nguyen, Assistant Store Manager at The Home Depot Stockyards and one of the district's Community Investment Captains. The volunteer initiative reflects the company's "core values of giving back to the community," he added.
LEF's Executive Director, Jason Dockeray, also stopped by to thank the volunteers and see the progress firsthand.
"We are so overwhelmed with gratitude for the amazing work that happened here today," said Dockeray. He noted that the support from community partners helps accelerate LEF's mission of creating opportunities for local residents.
We're excited about the great work that's going to happen here, from our ECA programs, our BAMM (Bicycle Assembly and Mechanics for Micromobility) programs and bike shop, and all the wrap-around employment programs, right on the corner of Eglinton and Weston Rd.
Once complete, the new workforce development centre will provide a welcoming space where community members can access training, employment supports, and hands-on skill development close to home. Located across from the Mount Dennis Transit Hub, the location represents an important investment in the community and reflects LEF's ongoing commitment to creating pathways to employment and economic opportunity.
While an official opening date has not yet been announced, LEF is looking forward to welcoming participants, partners, and community members through its doors in the new year.
As the finishing touches continue, LEF extends its sincere thanks to the volunteer team from The Home Depot Stockyards and everyone who has contributed to bringing this vision to life. Their hard work has helped turn an empty renovation project into a space that will soon support learning, employment, and community connection for years to come.
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