Weston askedfirst.
Lighthouse has been working in this neighbourhood since 2016. It became a registered Canadian charity in December 2020.
- Operating since
- 2016
- Registered charity since
- Dec 2020
- CRA business number
- 778365528RR0001
- Designation
- Charitable organization
It started withwho was missing.
“the Lighthouse Training Center understood the Weston community lacked resources and support for at-risk youths.”
Lighthouse Training Center, on its own founding
Lighthouse started because Weston had fewer of these resources than most of Toronto. It is still here, in the same neighbourhood.
Today that means employable skills, help with the job search, and the tax and money side once the work starts.
“We create positive change in individuals and the community by providing solutions to transform lives through education, training and employment.”
The organisation’s mission, in its own words
Creating stronger communities through education and employment
Transforming lives by encouraging development of positivity, self-confidence and success skills
Welcoming all people, motivating them to live healthy and productive lives, contributing to the common good
The boardof directors.
The people who oversee Lighthouse. It is the same board that governs the LHTC Food Bank. Day to day, the organisation is run by its executive director, who is a CPA.
Vidal Castillo
Chair
Vidal Castillo has more than 20 years of experience in the financial industry, with a strong specialization in real estate lending. In addition to his extensive background in financial services, he has been actively involved in the nonprofit sector, where he played an instrumental role in organizing and coordinating literacy programs in Chicago.
Currently, Vidal serves as a Mobile Mortgage Specialist with Meridian Credit Union, helping clients achieve their homeownership and financing goals through personalized mortgage solutions.
Outside of his professional career, Vidal is passionate about gardening and community involvement. He serves on the Board of Directors of the East York Garden Club, where he contributes to the promotion of gardening education and environmental stewardship.
Vidal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Loyola University Chicago and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from EGADE Business School in Monterrey, Mexico, with a specialization in the service industry. His diverse educational background, combined with his professional expertise and community commitment, reflects his dedication to helping others and making a positive impact both professionally and personally.
Katty Herrera
Secretary
With more than 20 years of experience in hearing healthcare, Katty Herrera brings a diverse background spanning private practice, sales leadership with leading hearing aid manufacturers, clinic development, and professional association leadership.
Katryna Pulgarin
Treasurer
Katryna Pulgarin is a financial services professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from York University and experience spanning personal banking, private banking, mortgage financing, and wealth management. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong foundation in financial analysis, lending, relationship management, and financial planning, while building a passion for helping individuals and families make informed financial decisions.
Beyond her professional career, Katryna is committed to using her financial knowledge and experience to support community initiatives, promote financial empowerment, and contribute to meaningful opportunities for women, families, newcomers, and underserved communities.
Lu Chau
Fundraiser
A Nikon’s Ambassador for years, Lu Chau has participated in numerous film festivals around the world, including Cannes Film Festival, TIFF, Sundance Film Festival to name a few. You are invited to visit photagonist.ca for an in depth look at what and who Lu has shot. Lu has volunteered in the past and is recognized for his philanthropic efforts for alleviating poverty and inequality in Canada
Day to day
Adler Jean-Baptiste
Executive Director, CPA
Adler is about education and sharing. A graduate from Concordia University, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign where he achieved his CPA designation. Adler’s main interests include Computer Science, Economics and Arts. He is part of the DeepMind AI Research Foundations program by Google. This program covers everything AI, including: Machine Learning, Google Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Agentic AI, Cloud Security to name a few. LHTC is allowed to teach the Google ecosystem free of charge. Adler is always available to help others grow. He may be reached at 416-727-6836
Registered, and checkable.
Lighthouse Training Center is on the Canada Revenue Agency’s List of Charities. You can look it up yourself. The business number below is the one to search.
- Status
- Registered
- Designation
- Charitable organization
- Business number
- 778365528RR0001
- Effective
- 24 December 2020
What the filing says we do.
These are the ongoing programs as they are described in the charity’s own annual return, in the CRA’s wording.
- Training in Information Technologies (IT)
- Tax Returns Preparation T1 (Personal / Corporation / Trust)
- Translation (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese)
- Teaching Microsoft Office