Honouring A Wychwood Hero

UPDATE AS OF FRIDAY APRIL 18: Huge, huge, huge thank you to the astoundingly generous people (you!) who have supported the initiative to honour Shaka, with kind words or financial support. The financial target to purchase a bench in Shaka's name was achieved in less than 24 hours, thanks to Shaka's incredible friends and the wonderful Wychwood/Saint Clair West community. Any further donations will go to the Toronto Humane Society, in Shaka's name. His spirit of kindness lives on.

BACKGROUND: Shaka O’Brian was a community legend. He helped thousands of area children learn to love reading and singing, as a library assistant at Wychwood Library. Sadly, Shaka died suddenly in October 2024, after he collapsed on the street, due to a medical issue. He was only 38 years old.

Shaka worked in the library system for 20 years, mostly based at Wychwood Library. He also lived in the neighbourhood. He visited many area daycares doing outreach with children, and hosted song classes at the library.

Shaka had a passion for helping people of all ages and from all walks of life, and animals who needed care.

In order to honour Shaka, community residents would like to install a memorial bench in his name in Wells Hill Park. (Or another nearby park)

Community residents and friends of Shaka are now seeking donations of $2,530, for the park bench purchase from the City of Toronto.

If you would like to attend a community celebration after the bench is installed, or share words about Shaka with his family, please contact the organiser.

A bench in Shaka’s honour would do what Shaka did in life, by supporting people in a loving way.