Paul Gross is pictured on the battlefield set of his film 'Passchendaele' in 2007. The actor/director is handing all his award money to a Toronto youth arts group. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)

Canadian actor and director Paul Gross says he's donating the $25,000 he got with his 2009 Governor General's Performing Arts Award to a youth arts group in Toronto.

Gross announced Monday that he'll be giving the funds to the Remix Project, a group that fosters young artists.

"I was interested in this project because it brings kids off the streets and into an 'incubator' for young artists and arts entrepreneurs," said Gross in a news release.

"It gives them a creative outlet and the chance to pursue their dreams in a real way with mentoring and professional support … It's a win-win for everyone."

The project helps young people get a start in the arts sector by developing a personal six-month career plan.

The donation is a timely gift for the three-year-old non-profit organization, which is completing work on its new home after it was booted from its previous location because of condo development plans.

"His generosity will allow us to complete the construction of the new Remix Project, which will become a home to hundreds of creative, underserved, extremely talented but vulnerable young people in the city of Toronto," said Gavin Shepard, executive director of the project.

Gross's gesture comes just as his American series Eastwick was cancelled recently.

The 50-year-old performer was recognized with Canada's most prestigious arts accolade this year through his film Passchendaele, a First World War epic that won six Genie Awards, including Best Picture in 2009.

Gross produced, co-directed, wrote and starred in the film.