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TORONTO – A Toronto businessman announced Wednesday afternoon that he will donate $150,000 over three years to help the city’s Danzig community – a neighbourhood shaken after being witness to one of the city’s worst instances of gun violence.

Akanimo Udofia, Managing Director and CEO of engineering firm Desicon Group, announced the donation at a press conference at city hall.

“As a Toronto resident, I was very troubled by the situation at the Danzig Community,” Udofia said. “As a philanthropist, I look forward to supporting the programs and initiatives created by the residents. I am honoured to be able to help them shape their own destiny.”

Through a series of public consultations, residents of the Danzig neighbourhood suggested that the money would be best spent building a safe space for children as well as help children and youth reach academic goals.

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The money will also fund a series of initiatives to help adults develop their careers, according to a press release from the city of Toronto.

“Mr. Udofia’s gift will help the residents of the Danzig community to recover from adversity and to find new social and economic opportunities,” Councillor Michael Thompson said in a press release. “We are grateful for Mr. Udofia’s generosity and leadership, and for raising the community’s spirits during a challenging time.”

The city was awoken to its problems with guns and gang violence in mid-July when two people were killed and 23 others were injured at a community barbeque on Danzig Street in Scarborough.

Two men, Shequan “Bam Bam” Mesquito and Nahomo “Gifted” Tsegazab – both believed to be affiliated with Toronto area gangs – have been charged in connection with the two murders.

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