Changing lives through

mentorship, engagement and education

The East End Boys Club society works with marginalized youth between the ages of 13 - 25. Our goal is to not only provide life-skills training but to also provide socio-emotional support, in school and post secondary guidance and the opportunities to pursue higher education in both academic and trades skills training.

East End Boys Club members further learn from guest speakers, mentors and donors, who share their stories of adversity and resilience, and who help mentor our youth to become people of integrity.

About our Founder

Jimmy Crescenzo

After a 37 year career in education, Jimmy wanted to continue to serve the community he calls home. Every endeavour, every cause, must have a driving force, and in the East End Boys Club, that unstoppable, never-ending force is Jimmy Crescenzo. He is not only the Executive Director but personally takes on many other roles, from driver, to counsellor, to mentor, to leader of our community. His very unique hands-on approach ensures that our boys do not fall through the cracks. His firm commitment to seeing the boys succeed and complete a trades training program or post-secondary education are his genuine ambitions for the boys he serves.

Jimmy's career has been recognized with numerous honours, including:

2017 Community Builder Award, Motion Picture Production Industry Association
2016 Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence
2015 Peace Medallion, YMCA of Greater Vancouver.
2015 Award for Faith and Community, City In Focus
2014 Italian-Canadian Man of the Year
2012 Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal
2001 Vancouver School Board Recognition of Outstanding Contribution

"If I'm walking down the street with my three boys behind me and I pick up a piece of paper on the ground then put it in the garbage, what do you think my boys will do?"

Luigi Aquilini, Father of Francesco Aquilini on leadership