On November 1, 2025, Toronto became the stage for something bigger than basketball. The Shooting for Peace tour, founded by NBA Legend Jerome “JYD” Williams, teamed up with the Peel District School Board (PDSB) to bring a life-changing experience to students across the Greater Toronto Area.
The event — hosted at Jarvis Collegiate Institute — brought together youth, educators, professional athletes, and community leaders for a day of mentorship, learning, and inspiration. This wasn’t just another school assembly. It was a powerful investment in the next generation of leaders.
More Than a Game: Building Futures Through Education and Mentorship
From the start, the energy in the building was electric. Students packed the gym, ready to see their favorite players — but they left with something even more valuable: knowledge and inspiration.
Jerome “JYD” Williams, alongside former Toronto Raptor Matt Bonner, didn’t just talk about their time in the NBA. They spoke about life after basketball — about mindset, money management, and the importance of staying focused on education and community.
Representatives from the Peel District School Board, including Superintendent Atheia Grant and Coordinating Principal Raquel Walker, emphasized how partnerships like this reflect PDSB’s ongoing mission to connect education, sport, and mentorship.
“This partnership with Shooting for Peace reflects the strength of community collaboration,” said Superintendent Grant. “When students hear stories they can relate to, it ignites a belief that they too can lead and make an impact.”
Technology, Teamwork, and Real-World Learning
A unique highlight came from Toronto-based tech company Swiirl, which powered the event through its AI-driven community engagement platform. Swiirl’s innovative work-integrated learning model gave students the chance to act as paid content creators, capturing event highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments — gaining real-world experience in digital media production.
Supporting partners like Telos and Vergarde Strategies helped bring the activation to life, ensuring that the event offered not only inspiration but structure — connecting students with actual tools for personal and career growth.
Olivia Chow Joins the Movement
Even the city’s top leadership took notice. Mayor Olivia Chow shared powerful remarks about the importance of collaboration and youth empowerment, reinforcing the city’s commitment to education and opportunity.
Watch Mayor Olivia Chow’s remarks here.
Her message echoed the theme of the day: that when schools, government, and community come together, youth gain the confidence to dream bigger.
Students Take the Lead
Led by Principal Stephen Bain and his dedicated staff, Jarvis Collegiate Institute students went above and beyond — volunteering as audio engineers, DJs, runners, and even stage managers. Their professionalism turned the event into a smooth, dynamic showcase of what young leadership looks like in action.
After the morning sessions, the gym transformed for a celebrity basketball game featuring Jerome Williams, Matt Bonner, and PDSB staff. The crowd roared as the players mixed fun, competition, and mentorship in a game that symbolized connection through community.
Partners Who Believe in the Mission
The event was powered by some of the biggest names in the city — Toronto Raptors, NBA Canada, National Basketball Retired Players Association and Pizza Nova — along with the unwavering commitment of the Peel District School Board leadership and Shooting for Peace team.
For Jerome Williams, this event wasn’t just another stop on the tour. It was a homecoming.
“This tour is about giving kids the tools they need to succeed,” said Williams. “It’s about investing in their future — mentally, financially, and emotionally.”
Continuing the Movement
The Shooting for Peace program continues to expand across North America, providing youth with access to free financial literacy, mental wellness, and STEM readiness programs through the Shooting for Peace App.
To learn more or to get involved, visit ShootingForPeace.com.
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– Bryan Burrell