It’s been a big week for re-opening in Toronto and setting the City up for the year ahead.
With the Province moving Ontario into the next phase of re-opening this past week, many small businesses and restaurants are now open with full capacity. It’s been a challenging time for Main Streets, and as they begin getting back on their feet, it’s more important than ever to make sure they can bounce back. Whether you’re dining in or looking for curbside take-out, make it a local stop this Family Day long weekend!
On the Council side, this week we approved the 2022 Budget for Toronto. After the City and Council spent weeks going through the finances line by line, asking for more information, and hearing from the public, Council voted the final Budget into approval on Thursday evening.
Two years ago none of us imagined the pandemic would continue this long, or have such a sustained impact. This years budget is a COVID budget. We did the deep dive to find $1.6 billion in savings and as we did that, we also made the thoughtful investments to drive dollars into priorities that will move us forward on building a more connected, and more equitable City. Read on for the details about the investments we’re making for a strong Toronto for years to come.
As you check out the overview below, you’ll quickly find this e-newsletter has a vibrant local events section once again! With almost all local events paused for the beginning of 2022, I’m thrilled to be getting back out with you all again. Click here to jump straight to the exciting line up we have for the rest of the long weekend and in the weeks ahead. If you’re still filling out your calendar, why not check out the following?
- Tomorrow, Sunday Feb 20 – join me at Kew Gardens for my Annual Family Day Skate! We’ll be at the rink from 1:00-3:00pm, bring out the family for a spin around the rink and re-connect with your neighbours!
- Monday Feb 21 – morning – it’s the start of Ekushey February, or International Mother Language Day. Check out the local events section to learn more about the importance of this historic day, both globally and right here in Beaches-East York.
- Monday Feb 21 – afternoon – stop by The Beach at 12:30pm for the official launch of this year’s Winters Stations installations. I’m thrilled we’re bringing these pieces back home to the Beach once again. More details on the theme and preview of the works below.
Looking forward to seeing you out in the community soon! I hope you find some time to rest and re-connect with loved ones this weekend.
Sincerely,
– Brad
In This Issue
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
- Approved – Toronto Budget 2022 ?
- Road Safety Improvements around Secord Elementary School ?
- Garden Suites – City Council Approved
- Supporting affordable recreation and trail connections at Dentonia Park Golf Course
- New mobile app for 311!
- Beware of Senior Fraud
- Frozen Pipes Prevention
- Upcoming vaccine clinics ?
- Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
- Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Work; Project 119 Yardley Avenue
- Toronto Hydro – Danforth Ave. Cable Chamber Repair
- Toronto Hydro – Kingston Road Overhead & Underground Electrical Update
- Munroe Park Avenue Stairs Closed for Construction
- Williamson Ravine Upgrades
- Metrolinx work behind Little York Road and Norwood Terrace
- Portland Flood Protection Upgrades
- Road Restoration on Main and Lumsden
- Toronto Hydro – Woodbine Heights Upgrade
- Toronto Hydro – Danforth 4kv Conversion Work
- Toronto Hydro – Bartley and O’Connor Upgrade
- Construction Notice – Parkview Hills
- Construction Notice – Hale Court, Leander Court and Stag Hill Drive
- East York Baseball Registration
- TD Park People Grants program now open
- Park People – hiring!
- Dawes Road Library and Community Hub
- Topham Park Softball registration
- Input Requested – East End Arts 2022 Survey ?
- TIGP – Looking for help
- Seniors Active Living & Lifestyles Fair
- Gerrard Corridor Physician Matching Initiative
- The Personal Care Bank
- Community Centre 55 summer programming
- New Neighbourhood Link & Neighbourhood Group partnership
- Virtual programming – Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships in Community
- Mental Health Support
- Online Wellness Senior Support Group
- New multifaceted nursing recruitment program at Michael Garron Hospital
- Seniors Snow Removal Program
- Community Centre 55 Community Fridge
- Kick-start Virtual Tutoring Program
- Kick-start After-school Program
- Volunteers needed: In-home Hospice program
- Call for Blood Donors
- East Toronto Food Program
- Toronto District School Board – Essential Skills Upgrading
- Seniors Coffee N’ Mingle – Access Alliance
- EarlyOn Family Programs
- Seniors Cleaning Service
- *SUNDAY* – Bradford Family Day Weekend Skate ?
- *MONDAY* – International Mother Language Day – Ekushey February ?
- *MONDAY* – Winter Stations 2022 Launch ?
- Kingston Road United Church – Concert Series ?
- Applegrove Income Tax Clinic ?
- Seniors Active Living Fair ?
- The Neighbourhood Group – Career Exploration Speaker Series ?
- Community Information Webinar – Don Valley Layover Railyard ?
- SAFEGUARD – Online Lifesaving Society Training ?
- Local Business Feature! Classic Juice Co. ?
- Fairmount Park Ice Masters’ Family Day Scavenger Hunt 2022 ?
- CrushCOVID Returns! Ride for Mind this March to support mental health
- Orange Paper Flowers for Reconciliation
Thanks for taking the time to read my bi-weekly newsletter! If you have any events, news, or ideas to share for our next one – please reach out to my office! Send me an email at [email protected], and we can get you included in our next issue.
Updates & Announcements from City Hall
Approved – Toronto Budget 2022 ?
Two years ago none of us imagined the pandemic would continue this long, or have such a sustained impact. This is a COVID budget. We’ve done the deep dive to find $1.6 billion in savings and efficiencies to be wallet-conscious, just like many Torontonians are doing right now. But as we do that, we’re putting the dollars into priorities that will move us forward on building a more connected, and more equitable Toronto. It’s a thoughtful budget that will keep us moving now, and coming back even stronger in the years ahead. Despite challenging financial circumstances, we’re maintaining vital city services, continuing our top-tier vaccination campaign, keeping transit fares frozen, supporting Small Businesses with a 15% property tax reduction, and dedicating funds into incredible new programs like the new Community Crisis Response Pilot.
This years Budget ensures:
- Continue to deliver essential and responsive City services during the pandemic
- Invest in public health, including the largest and most successful vaccination campaign in the country
- Providing a 15% property tax reduction for many small businesses
- Add 62 frontline paramedics as part of the Council-approved Toronto Paramedic Services Multi-Year Staffing and Systems Plan
- Invest in shelters including provision for physical distancing
- Accelerate transformational work to deliver affordable and supportive housing
- Invest in transit to keep Toronto moving and equitable – including a TTC fare freeze and a plan to restore TTC service to pre-pandemic levels
- Support Toronto’s economic recovery with an emphasis on small businesses
- Expand digital services for residents and business
- Implement long-term care reform initiatives and expand the Seniors Services Unit to continue providing the highest quality care
- Manage the City’s long-term financial sustainability
Through the discussions and deliberations at the Council meeting – the City will also approved a number of further initiatives, including:
- Expediting the delivery of 300 additional housing opportunities for people experiencing homelessness who are currently in the shelter system
- Supporting hospital-based violence intervention programs
- Hiring more by-law officers to support the expansion of RentSafeTO, multi-tenant housing, and noise by-law enforcement
- Speeding up the elimination date of late fines for adults and teens for the Toronto Public Library immediately
- Providing more funding support for the Strong Neighbourhood Strategy and Community Partnership and Investment Program grants
- Providing additional funding for hygiene products for users of shelters, respite sites, and dropins
- Supporting existing programs for cultural organizations outside the city’s core
Road Safety Improvements around Secord Elementary School ?
At Toronto and East York Community Council this week, I brought forward a letter with a number of motions to improve road safety and traffic flow around the Secord Elementary School area.
A bustling neighbourhood home to young families, a TTC station, school, and community centre – I worked with the local community to bring forward a suite of improvements to address speeding and safety concerns for those getting around the area.
I’m pleased to say Community Council voted in unanimous support of the letter and recommendations. Check out a preview of the letter below, and read the full list of the many motions by clicking here!
Garden Suites – City Council Approved!
This is the term of housing in Toronto. As a City Council, we have been tasked with stepping up to meet one of our defining generational challenges: the housing crisis. Continued progress is essential to the success of our city and communities.
Increasingly, even if you make the median income – housing in Toronto is out of reach. If you’re a frontline worker essential to the functioning and economic growth of this city, or perhaps if you’re a teacher, a recent graduate, or a transit operator – there are ever less housing options available for you. There aren’t enough rental options, and a mortgage or downpayment are increasingly more expensive. Entire sections of our city are effectively off limits by the virtue of the existing housing stock that dominates.
Garden Suites – also known as Granny Flats or In-Law Suites, provide a gentle density to neighbourhoods and a new housing option. Whether you’re looking to care for aging parents or loved ones close to home, set your young adult kids on the steps to independence, or find an option to downsize into – these small homes are the latest addition to our ongoing work to increase housing options. There’s no single fix to the housing crisis, and it will take all the tools in the kit to keep moving the needle.
Access to affordable recreation at Dentonia Golf Course
Access to affordable outdoor recreation has never been more important. There are few courses as affordable as Dentonia. Located steps from the subway line, and in one of the most diverse communities in Toronto, it’s vital community asset. Dentonia serves as a gateway into the sport, and is a unique place for Torontonians of all abilities to enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation in an informal, welcoming place.
As we preserve the benefits of Dentonia now, I moved motions at Infrastructure & Environment Committee and at February City Council to add more programs, community opportunities, year-round options (disc golf is a great existing choice!), and improved trail and ravine access for this important greenspace.I’m pleased to say Council voted in support of my motions to preserve and enhance Dentonia. Thank you to everyone who has been in touch to share their stories and experience on the course. It’s a special place and those have been great to read.
New mobile app for 311!
The City of Toronto launched a new mobile app for 311 this week. This will make it easier and more convenient for residents, businesses and visitors to connect with 311 Toronto – anywhere, anytime on any smart device.Find more information, visit here.
Beware of Senior Fraud
The Toronto Police Service – Financial Crimes Unit would like to alert the public to a fraud scheme targeting seniors in Toronto and surrounding areas.
It is reported:
– a grandparent receives a phone call on their land-line from a person claiming to be their grandchild
– in some cases, the caller discloses the grandchild’s name or calls the grandparent by their name, i.e. Nana or Papa to make it believable
– the caller states that they have been arrested and require cash to be released from custody
– the phone is then passed to a person posing as a police officer and the “officer” demands a cash payment for their grandchild’s release from custody
– the fake police officer instructs the grandparent to withdraw funds from their bank and place the money in an envelope
– the grandparent is told that there is a “gag order” on the case and not to discuss this with anyone
– the grandparent is then instructed to hand over the envelope to a man who would later attend their residence to collect the cash
The Toronto Police Service is requesting anyone who receives this type of call or solicitation to contact police. Police never contact family members and request cash bail or send someone to their home to pick up bail money.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.
Frozen Pipes Prevention
It’s that time of year – temperatures go down and pipes have the possibility of freezing. 
Make sure you are taking steps to avoid frozen pipes in your home. Some tips you can follow can be found at toronto.ca/frozenpipes
Upcoming vaccine clinics ?
Local appointments can be booked in advance at www.tehn.ca/covid19/covid-19-vaccinecineAppointment. You can also use the provincial booking system online or at 1-833-943-3900.
Michael Garron Hospital and Toronto East Health Network have been hosting pop-up vaccine clinics in the east end and will continue to do so – check here for an updated list of where you can get vaccinated.
Work in the Ward
Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Upgrade; Project Danforth
Toronto Hydro – Overhead Civil & Electrical Work; Project 119 Yardley Avenue
*Work is expected to begin January 2022.
Toronto Hydro – Danforth Ave. Cable Chamber Rebuild
Toronto Hydro – Kingston Road Overhead & Underground Electrical Update
Toronto Hydro will be undertaking improvements to the electricity system in the following area:
- Kingston Road between Southwood Drive (East) and Glen Stewart Crescent (South).
*Work is expected to begin December 2021.
Munroe Park Avenue Stairs leading to Silver Birch Beach Closed for Construction
Please be advised that the Munro Park Ave stairs leading to Silver Birch Beach will be under construction. The existing wood and brick staircase is being removed, and concrete steps with a metal handrail are being installed. Weather permitting, this is expected to wrap by late fall.
The cancellation of another project allowed Parks Construction to quickly prioritize this important work, hence the last-minute nature of this advisory.
Access to the Beach can be gained from Neville Park Blvd and Nursewood Rd to the east, and Silverbirch Ave and Willow Ave to the west.
Williamson Ravine Upgrades
Urban Forestry is proposing to plant native trees and shrubs this fall in Williamson Ravine. These plantings are intended to increase the urban tree canopy, improve biodiversity, restore the native plant community, and to prevent soil erosion, following invasive vegetation management. This work is being done as part of the City’s Ravine Strategy.
Metrolinx work behind Little York Road and Norwood Terrace
Portlands Flood Protection Upgrades
In addition to the information provided on Waterfront Projects above, here is the detailed construction notice relating to the work happening in the Port Lands which relates to the Gardiner East ramp closure and improvements to Lake Shore Blvd East.
My website also has a two pager and other links you can access for fuller details.
Road Restoration on Main and Lumsden
Toronto Hydro – Woodbine Heights Upgrade
Toronto Hydro – Danforth 4kv Conversion Work
Toronto Hydro – Bartley and O’Connor Upgrades
Construction Notice – Parkview Hills
Construction Notice – Hale Court, Leander Court, and Stag Hill
Neighbourhood News
East York Baseball Registration
TD Park People Grants program now open!
| The TD Park People Grants program just launched. Get set to apply for a $2,000 grant today! If you’re in Metro Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Greater Toronto Area, National Capital Region (Ottawa-Gatineau), Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax Regional Municipality apply for support for park-based activities that:Promote environmental educationFoster sustainable practicesEncourage stewardship More than half the TD Park People Grants are focused on supporting the work of equity-seeking community park groups – we encourage equity-seeking groups to apply. Applications are due February 28, 2022! |
Park People – they are hiring!
Park People are actively hiring for some wonderful positions – if you know of anyone who might be a great fit for these full-time positions, send this to them:
- Finance and HR Admin Coordinator – Rolling application deadline
- Program Manager (2 positions) – Rolling application deadline
Be sure to visit their website for more information about the positions.
Registration starts for new players for Topham Park Softball
Registration for new players for Topham Park Softball began January 16, 2022 and runs until March 31, 2022. For more information on the season ahead, visit here.
Community Programs
Input Requested – East End Arts 2022 Survey ?
Spread the news! East End Arts has launched their fourth annual Arts Survey and they need your help! Open until March 6th, 2022, fill out the 2022 EEA Arts Survey to tell them what types of programs and services you would like to see, and how they can better serve East Toronto through the arts! P.S. For those who complete the survey, you will have the chance to win one of two $100 gift cards! The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, and thank you for helping to shape the arts in the east end!
Learn more: https://eastendarts.ca/east-end-arts-2022-survey/
TIGP – Looking for help
TIGP – Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships is a phenomenal non-profit agency in our community, matching seniors with workers who can assist them.They are looking for help to assist with snow removal for seniors in our community.If you’re able to lend a hand in the community, see below for how to get involved!
Seniors Active Living & Lifestyles Fair
Community Centre 55 will be hosting their 3rd Seniors Active Living & Lifestyles Fair during the week of February 28. This event is in partnership with The Older Adults Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO) and funded through the Ontario Government. This FREE event will offer virtual workshops, active classes and webinars to promote healthy and independent living. This event has been scheduled around our regular virtual programs that we are currently offering our seniors.
Gerrard Corridor Physician Matching Initiative?
The Gerrard Corridor Physician Matching Initiative is a pilot project with a new way to connect patients to family doctors in partnership with MGH.
Patients registration is currently open, and patients of our community are encouraged to sign up. Register here.
The Personal Care Bank
The Personal Care Bank (TPCB) is a community-run program operating cabinets across the city that are available for use & provide personal care items to those who need it for free. We have one right here in #BEY @ 1614 Gerrard St. E. Learn more here: https://www.tpcb.ca/
Community Centre 55 summer programming
Community Centre 55 is moving ahead with plans for their 2022 summer camp.
Due to challenges related to COVID-19 and reopening the camp after being closed for two years, the number of spaces available will be limited.
For the 2022 season, space will only be offered to children currently enrolled in Community Centre 55’s Children’s Licensed Programs. For more info for the season ahead, visit their website, here:
New Neighbourhood Link and Neighbourhood Group partnership
Neighbourhood Link has recently teamed up with the Neighbourhood Group and this partnership has expanded their services for those unemployed, newcomers, youth and other community services.
Virtual programming – Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships in Community
TIGP is a non-profit, charitable organization and has been the leader in intergenerational programming since 1986. At TIGP, their main objective is to create quality relationships with different generations and to bridge the gaps in communities through meaningful programs.
In direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent restrictions TIGP has prioritized the adaptation of its programming to the online world by developing and producing free, weekly interactive Zoom sessions.
Their newest offering, called Fun & Games, will begin the week of February 1 and will run for 8 weeks. A different game will be played each week. The target audience for the program is children aged toddler – 6 or 7; any child who is interested in playing fun and interactive games! Participants can attend each session or drop in whenever they can.
To register, email Kevin at [email protected]
Mental Health Support
Mental Wellness offers free & confidential peer support for challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, etc.
Join them online here!
For more information, reach out to [email protected]
Online wellness senior support group
The last two years have been extremely tough. Incredible organizations right here in our city are trying to take the loneliness out of COVID-19 by turning it into something very positive. The Gerstein Centre is working in partnership with Toronto Seniors Helpline to host an online wellness support group for adults over 55.Sessions will be hosted on Zoom every Wednesday starting January 19 to March 23, 2022.To register, please visit the Gerstein Centre.
New multifaceted nursing recruitment program at Michael Garron Hospital
In very exciting news, Michael Garron Hospital recently launched their new multifaceted nursing recruitment program which is aimed at responding to the needs and values of today’s nurses in a post-COVID-19 recovery climate.
They know the past 20 months have had devastating impacts on Ontario nurses and healthcare workers. Now more than ever before, it is absolutely vital that employers are concentrating efforts on caring for both the personal and professional well-being of their people and teams. At MGH, this means offering nurses and healthcare workers a supportive, inclusive and safe environment to learn, grow and cultivate their careers.
To learn more, visit their website.
Seniors Home Maintenance Program
Community Centre 55 Community Fridge
Community Centre 55 operates a community fridge where community members are encouraged to donate food to keep it from going to waste and to help those who may be in need. The fridge is located at Community Centre 55 at 97 Main Street at the south side of the building. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9:15am-3:45pm. You can donate fresh produce, dairy, bread, proteins, and frozen meals in the fridge/freezer section or non perishable goods in the pantry section. For safety reasons, the Centre asks that you don’t leave any opened items or items set to expire in the next 48 hours in the fridge. If the fridge or pantry are full, bring your donation inside and the volunteer team will make sure it’s stored appropriately. If you have any questions you can reach out to them at 416-691-1113 or [email protected].
Kick-start Virtual Tutoring Program
Kick-start After-school Program
Please note:
Due to guidelines and regulations due to COVID, the Kick-Start afterschool program is currently running virtually for the remainder of January 2022. Additionally, when in-person programming is resumed, any new applicants will be placed on a waitlist as our in-person program is currently full.
However, applicants on the waitlist are welcome to join our virtual program until a spot becomes available for in-person (please note that there is no guarantee that a spot will become available before the end of the 2022 school year).
Volunteers needed: In-home Hospice program
Call for Blood Donors
There is an immediate need for new and returning blood donors to fill open appointments. The need for blood continues in our healthcare system.
There are three permanent Canadian Blood Service centers in Toronto: 2 Bloor Street East, 67 College Street, and 163 King Street West. If you’re in good health, please visit blood.ca to book an appointment and for the latest updates.
Toronto District School Board – Essential Skills Upgrading
Seniors Coffee N’ Mingle – Access Alliance
Every Friday at 4pm, seniors have a chance to connect, hear each other’s voices and exchange and share their experiences during this difficult and unprecedented time while we deal with COVID -19. Seniors enjoy their virtual tea/coffee with other participants while chatting on different topics. Email [email protected] to register
Seniors Cleaning Service
Toronto Intergenerational Partnerships in Community Seniors Assistance Home Maintenance (SAHM) program provides assistance to seniors, as well as disabled and convalescing individuals, who need work done in and around their homes and apartments. Work includes garden and yard work, snow removal, light housekeeping and odd light jobs. These services enable individuals to direct their own care while living safely and independently in their own homes longer. For additional information or to register click here.
Local Events
*SUNDAY* – Bradford Family Day Weekend Skate ?
Join me at my annual Beaches-East York Family Day Weekend Skate, this Sunday Feb 20 from 1:00-3:00pm.
Sharpen up your skates, re-connect with neighbours, and enjoy a spin around Kew rink ❄️⛸️. Looking forward to seeing you there tomorrow!
*MONDAY* – International Mother Language Day – Ekushey February ?
This Monday is International Mother Language Day (IMLD), also known as Ekushey February! On February 21, we honour the lives of those who fought for recognition of the Bangla language, and celebrate the importance of promoting linguistic and cultural diversity ?
In November 2021, we celebrated the historic groundbreaking of Toronto’s IMLD monument, right here in Dentonia Park. Looking forward to joining the Bengali community at a number of events over the long weekend to mark this important day together.
*MONDAY* – Winter Stations 2022 Launch ?
Winter Stations 2022 begins THIS WEEKEND! This year’s theme is Resilience – a characteristic our Beaches-East York community truly embodies.Designers were asked to celebrate the ability of people and communities to withstand and push through challenging and unprecedented times. This year brings an incredible lineup of finalists who have brought some pretty amazing art and design concepts forward.The 2022 winning installations are officially launching on Family Day, Monday February 21 at 12:30pm, and will be on display until the end of March. I’ll be there at the launch to celebrate this years’ exciting pieces. Stop by and say hello!
Kingston Road United Church – Concert Series ?
Applegrove Income Tax Clinic ?
Seniors Active Living Fair ?
The Neighbourhood Group – Career Exploration Speaker Series ?
The Neighbourhood Group is providing a Zoom Career Exploration series for March. Experts in Marketing, Information Technology, and Health Care, will talk about trends and opportunities in employment. Register by either emailing [email protected] or call reception at 416-925-2103 ext. 4000.
Community Information Webinar – Don Valley Layover Railyard ?
Don’t Mess with The Don has organized a community webinar on the Layover and Service facility over the Don Valley, based on their analysis of proposed plans for the area. You can learn more about the online event here: https://fb.me/e/67eTcrk7S
SAFEGUARD – Online Lifesaving Society Training ?
Are you a camp counsellor, babysitter, or nanny? Are you responsible for children at a pool or open body of water? This online Lifesaving Society course is for you. Learn how to supervise children around water. No swimming experience required.
Local Spotlight
Local Business Feature! Classic Juice Co. ?
Classic Juice Co is your one-stop stop for a healthy choice! They have a great menu with food and drinks to keep you fueled up and feeling great. Their juices are handcrafted in small batches, bringing you nutrients straight from the extractor to glass bottles in the fridge. Classic Juice Co. has also been nominated for Best Juice Bar, in Now Magazines Readers Choice each year since opening in 2018 and were recently shortlisted in the Black Career Conference and Pitch Competition. Owner Tamara Shelley (pictured below) can be your new guide to juices, smoothies and other wellness products. Give them a visit at 287 Coxwell Ave and https://classicjuice.co/ !
Fairmount Park Ice Masters’ Family Day Scavenger Hunt 2022 ?
The Fairmount Park Ice Masters are currently running their 2nd Annual Family Day Scavenger Hunt, with great prizes from local businesses! The competition runs until February 22nd and is an excellent way to get outside for some family activity or to keep the kids entertained over the long weekend. Check out the full instructions on how to take part here.
CRUSH COVID returns! Join this year’s Ride for Mind to support mental health
Get your bikes and water bottles ready. Join a 24-hour ride to support mental health!
From March 4 to 5, 2022, Michael Garron Hospital Foundation and Toronto Hustle are partnering to Ride for Mind. This 24-hour virtual cycling event will support the exceptional care that Michael Garron Hospital provides for adults, teens and children in East Toronto who are experiencing mental health challenges. The event brings people together – safely and virtually – to have fun, participate in healthy physical activity, and support an important cause… and you support makes it happen!
This event began as CRUSH COVID in March 2020, supporting Michael Garron Hospital’s frontline workers and pandemic response. In 2021, CRUSH COVID: Ride for Mind supported our community through the pandemic’s mental health crisis. Together these events raised more than $675,000.
Now it’s time to get involved with the third cycling event. There are a number of ways you can participate: register to ride (for free!), create or join a team, donate and spread the word! If you (or someone you know) would like to do another activity like walking or running, you’re highly encourage to join that way too. Everyone is welcome to participate in any way they can.
Sign up now at RideForMind.ca, and show our community how far you’ll go to support mental health!
Orange Paper Flowers for Reconciliation
A local resident, Margot Rockett, is making and selling orange paper flowers to raise money for Reconciliation Canada and raise awareness for Truth and Reconciliation Day later this year. Margot will make at least 215 of these flowers to honour the 215 lives lost at the Kamloops residential school.
The large flowers are $10 each, with smaller flowers available for $4 each or $10 for 3. For information on ordering the orange paper flowers, please send a text to Margot at 647-208-5388 or email her at margot[email protected].
Thanks for taking the time to read my bi-weekly newsletter! If you have any events, news, or ideas to share for our next one – please reach out to my office! Send me an email at [email protected] and we can get you included in our next issue.
Have questions, comments or concerns? Just hit reply to this email and get in touch with me.
For real-time updates on the local issues that matter to you most, please follow any of my social media accounts!
About Brad Bradford - - -
