It's not just individual community members who are remembering the late Jack Layton as an all around outstanding Canadian but also local organizations that have countless stories to share about how he stepped up to defend their interests and support their efforts to better the community.

In a statement released just hours after learning Layton had died, Margarita Mendez, the executive director of Riverdale's Nellie's Shelter and Programs for Women and Children, shared how less than a year ago they met with the local MP and federal NDP leader to discuss their plans to build a new shelter in the community.

"He graciously provided us sage counsel as well as his support," she wrote.

"In his passing, Nellie's grieves the loss of our beloved representative in Federal Parliament and one of our most ardent supporters and friend. Jack will be missed."

Mendez went on to say that from the start of his career, Layton "championed the rights of those most marginalized in our communities, including women and their children fleeing violence, poverty and homelessness."

She also pointed to his leadership in the development of the White Ribbon Campaign, which was created to mobilize men to end violence against women following the massacre of 14 women at Montreal's Ecole Polytechnique on Dec. 6, 1989 and commended Layton for standing up in parliament in 2008 and speaking so eloquently on the issues of women and poverty.

Brian Smith, president and CEO of WoodGreen Community Services, called Layton a "tremendous friend to WoodGreen for more than two decades."

"As a city councillor, Jack fought for many social justice issues including affordable housing," Smith said in a statement emailed to The Mirror.

"His efforts paved the way for organizations like WoodGreen to move ahead with building and operating affordable housing in this city while bringing attention to homelessness in Toronto."

Smith added that as an MP and the federal NDP leader, Layton continued to fight for the social rights of all Canadians on the national stage.

"WoodGreen's vision is a Toronto where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through his tireless efforts in public life, Jack showed us he believed that too. WoodGreen will miss his leadership and friendship."

Layton also made his mark on the Broadview Community Youth Group (BCYG), a registered charity that provides affordable, entertaining and educational programs for youth aged 4-12 in east Toronto.

"We are all saddened by the loss of Jack Layton. He was a great friend and supporter to us from the beginning, and that support was a big help in getting the BCYG going," said the organization's executive director, Craig Logue, sharing how in 2008 the federal government attempted to cut funding for the Canada Summer Jobs program, which the BCYG had received funding in the past.

"I contacted Jack's office right away, and he helped us get our funding. Each year we owe our funding through this program to Jack and his staff," he said.

"(Layton) always made a point of attending our events when he could, and stopping by to chat with us whenever we were at a community event. We were even invited to participate in his community picnic last August, which was great outreach for us. We will miss him."

Shawn Conway, executive director of the Ralph Thornton Centre (RTC) in Riverside, will remember Layton as a "stalwart supporter of the centre and its work in the community."

"He was interested in supporting individuals and families and addressing systemic barriers and problems that keep community members down," Conway said Tuesday afternoon.

"He was just a super community guy. He was also well known as the auctioneer for the South Riverdale Child Parent Centre."

Conway said Layton, a former RTC board member, was invaluable in the community's efforts to maintain the local community centre in the neighbourhood by ensuring the lease for the building was renewed between Canada Post and the City in 2001-2002.

"He was a pillar of the community, an accessible and always available supporter of RTC and its work. He'll be very much missed."