About GAIA
Our Story
GAIA's story began in 2020, as a response to the COVID-19 crisis and the impact it had on people's security and wellbeing. GAIA was created to support vulnerable minorities become more food secure, and have better access to resources. The culmination of years of experience serving communities led to GAIA. We service wider communities and provide education on topics such as community, food security, human rights, climate change, sustainability, healthy urbanism, mental health, and much more.
Our Impact
Between 2020 and 2025, GAIA assisted over 45,000 people and raised over $500,000 for our causes in Canada and abroad. We have also created multiple programs to provide skill-based training to vulnerable populations. We have collaborated with international organizations on multiple research programs, and we have hosted numerous events to highlight important issues and create an open safe space for knowledge-sharing. We have provided education to over 6000 individuals, including during in-person events such as workshops, seminars, pop-ups, bazaars, and lectures. We have had collaborations with many organizations, most notably the United Nations and its agencies, notably the International Labor Organization and World Health Organization, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the City of Guelph, University of Guelph, Conestoga College, Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, 10C, and Fairsquare. The organization won the European Union Chaillot Prize for Human Rights for 2022 in recognition of its efforts to advocate and support vulnerable migrant workers.
Our Programs
GAIA has worked with over 40 partners on many different programs, collaborating with a diverse range of partners including:
- Local NGOs: Collaborated with numerous local non-profits to maximize impact and support community initiatives.
- Academic Institutions: Engaged in research collaborations to advance knowledge on sustainable development at colleges and universities in Ontario.
- Local Governments: Worked closely with municipal authorities to implement sustainable policies.
- International Organizations: Partnered with UN organizations to align with international development goals.
Our previous programs:
- Youth Empowerment Training: Successfully conducted youth-centred education programs,
- Women's Empowerment Internships: Provided several employment and learning opportunities to BIPOC women, to foster inclusion and support women empowerment.
- Climate Awareness & Sustainability Workshops: Focused on promoting climate awareness through educational events and content, fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals.
- Community Resilience Initatives: Implemented aid programs that have improved the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.
- Food Security Programs: Provided many programs focused on reducing food insecurity and promoting healthier more nutritious living.
- Research & Data Collection Projects: Contributed to the development of research and data on climate vulnerability, healthcare, community action, sociopolitical dynamics.
- Mental Health Awareness Programs: Hosted several conversations and events on the topic of mental health to promote healthier mental habits and de-stigmatize the topic.
Our Partners
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