The City of Toronto was established in 1834. Two years later, in 1836, the St. Andrew's Society of Toronto was born. Scots who had already found their feet in this new city set out to assist immigrant Scots just arriving here. Over the years the St. Andrew's Society has maintained a keen interest in its people and its mandate. These days we have expanded our charitable endeavours through the legacy of our St. Andrew's Charitable Foundation. Each year we provide grants to help organizations across Toronto. Our Grants Committee takes a hands-on interest in our recipients and their work.
The St. Andrew's Society holds quarterly meetings for our membership to address aspects of our Scottish heritage here and overseas, as well as topics of other interest to the members. We meet in the historic Officers' Mess of the 48th Highlanders of Canada. Our long association with this valiant Canadian Regiment is a source of pride.
We also reach out to touch other cultural organizations within the Scottish-Canadian community. The St. Andrew's Ball, co-hosted with the 48th Highlanders of Canada, is perhaps our best-known public expression. For over one hundred years, many, many citizens of Toronto, and from elsewhere, have danced the night away to the skirl of the pipes in gowned and kilted splendour.