Building a community at 100 High Park Avenue

On the third Monday of every month, you might see some of the tenants of 100 High Park lining up with their furry friends in tow. They’re ready for the building’s animal food program, run by tenant Samaya Faiola.

Samaya has lived at 100 High Park for almost 30 years and has been an animal lover her entire life. “I was born with a love for animals,” she said.

Samaya has extensive training and certifications in animal care. Having worked at doggie daycares, animal shelters, and being a dog and cat owner herself, Samaya understands the cost associated with having an animal companion. She has also witnessed neighbours struggling. She knows that if they’re having a hard time, their pets might be as well.

“I know from my background working with shelters that pet stores get returns or food that’s past it’s shelve-by date, and they don't want to just throw the food out,” shared Samaya. "They're happy to give it to good causes like registered rescues, shelters, and food banks.”

The food program started in January 2025 and there are about 50 animals registered. They receive items like food, treats, beds, and toys.

The program relies on donations and a small fee to keep running. Donations come from Pet Valu, Global Pets, and from within the community. 

“We have a tenant who knits sweaters for the animals. They’re beautiful,” commented Samaya.

Other tenants donate their time, like Snooky Tynes. Snooky volunteers at the animal food program and has been a tenant at 100 High Park for 15 years. Samaya and Snooky travel to collect donations and then sort them for the program.

“After a week or two, the animals start to know me. They run up to me, and they’re so happy,” said Snooky. “I’m like, you know me? How do you remember me?”

Along with helping with the food program, Snooky also runs free karate and drumming classes for his community.

Snooky grew up in Scadding Court and knows how important it is to have activities in the area that are available for children.

“I grew up playing music in community centres,” said Snooky.

After working as a musician and dancer for over 30 years, Snooky wanted to use his talents for good in his community. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Snooky runs drumming classes followed by karate classes—both open to community members of all ages. “We have a student who comes in who’s six, and another who is a seventh degree blackbelt and he’s 86,” he said.

The animal food program, karate, and drumming classes are all tenant-run programs that heavily rely on the help of volunteers. Samaya hopes to eventually open the pet food program to community members outside of the building, but says more volunteers and funding are needed first. “Wouldn’t it be beautiful to be able to provide for others in the community?” she reflected.

Samaya and Snooky started each of these programs with their own resources. They received some funding from Local Initiative Funding for Tenants (LIFT), a TCHC tenant funding program. If you are interested in running a program in your community, attend your next Tenant Circle or speak to your Engagement Community Services Coordinator.