Sun Youth opens first purpose-built home since 1954

Sun Youth's new Saint-Laurent Boulevard centre brings all of the charity’s services under one accessible roof for the first time since 1954.

Sun Youth has a new home — the first building designed specifically for its programs since 1954.

Going forward, all of its services will be under one roof at 7501 Saint-Laurent Blvd. north of Jean-Talon. Near the metro and on a bus line, the new location is easy to access.

The food bank is already open and handing out groceries to 140 families in need every day.

“We try to accommodate as much as possible all our clients. So we do have vegetarian options now because we would realize we have a lot of vegetarians that come to Sun Youth,” said Sun Youth Director of Emergency Services Jorgen Ulloa-Aguilar.

The larger space means the organization can better serve the community. Ulloa-Aguilar adds the space inspires the staff: “This kind of helps us get more product, get more variety, and really meet the needs of our clients.”

All under one roof, the location will also offer sports and recreation — a Sun Youth staple.

“When the building will be ready, we will have a 9,000-square-foot basketball court that can be divided in two. The Hornets are very well known and our sports teams are very well known,” said Executive Director Marina Boulos-Winton.

As 2026 progresses, more services will be offered onsite, including seniors’ programs and even yoga, making this a community hub, says Boulos-Winton.

“When our summer camp starts, it will be a great place to come to because we’re right across the street from Jarry Park,” she added.

The heart of Sun Youth is the people who work there, including volunteers like Babita Sharma, a translator.

“It’s too good for me. I’m so happy to do volunteer here at Sun Youth,” she says with a smile.

This move is a milestone in the non-profit’s more than seven decades of service. The official inauguration is in May, making the new centre a place to nourish both body and soul.