The Driftwood Boys and Girls Club officially opened April 3 at 30 Driftwood Ct., complete with five computers, two couches, a television, stereo and kitchen area.

The club was made possible through funding by The Raptors Foundation, Toronto Raptors' forward Jason Kapono and Raptors season seat holders Jawad and Sharon Rathore.

The 1,000-square-foot facility, owned by Toronto Community Housing, will be used by hundreds of children for after-school programs focused on homework, education and recreation.

The $20,000 renovation project included painting, all furnishings, storage and computer installation.

"I want to thank everyone who helped out," Kapono said at the official opening, which was attended by Brookview Middle School students. "It looks good. You watch us players play on the court but we all had to go through school and learn how to read and write."

Kapono delighted students by signing autographs following the ribbon cutting.

Chris Foster, executive director of the St. Alban's Boys and Girls Club, told The Mirror the previously empty space has natural light and just needed a little paint and clean-up.

"I think it's really about community access," he said. "There is a really under-serviced population in this neighbourhood. It's a great concept."

Foster said the Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Club operates on Grandravine Drive, south of Finch Avenue, and the Driftwood Boys and Girls Club will service the northern part of the neighbourhood.

The Driftwood club will provide after-school programs focusing on education, social and recreation activities for children and youth aged eight to 13, Monday to Friday, starting April 7.

Other agencies and community groups such as the Vietnamese Volunteer Group, VPI - Jobs for Youth, Jane Finch Youth Group and the Somali Canadian Community Development Organization will also operate out of the Driftwood Boys and Girls Club.

Brookview student Kaprece Stewart said she likes the new facility.

"It's good," she said. "I'm going to play games and maybe do homework."