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During Mental Health Awareness month, we focalize on the importance of mental health and personal well-being. These past few years more than ever, it is vital that special care is paid to ourselves and our needs.
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This year, Mother's Day falls on Sunday, May 14th, 2023, and it's the perfect opportunity to appreciate and honor the hard work and dedication of mothers everywhere. Motherhood is both an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience for women. It involves creating a loving and nurturing environment for their children while also managing their careers and personal lives.
Mothers demonstrate understanding, compassion, patience, and selflessness in everything they do for their families. They cook, clean, help with homework, run errands, and still find time to spend with their children. Even though they may face criticism or feel like they are not doing things the "right" way, what matters most is that they love their children unconditionally and provide them with the support they need.
Despite the challenges, motherhood is also a source of pride and joy. Watching their children grow and develop into their own unique individuals is a reward like no other. Mothers get to see the world through their children's eyes and share in their successes and triumphs.
It's important to show appreciation and gratitude towards your mom all year round, not just on Mother's Day. A simple act of kindness, like helping around the house or running errands, can make a big difference and show your appreciation.
In the community, Jane Finch Mall is hosting a "Mom" celebration on May 13th, from 12-3 PM, to honor mothers everywhere. Additionally, Jane Finch Tennis is hosting a "Mommy and Me" tennis event on the same day, from 3:30-5:30 PM at the San Romano Way Tennis Courts. These events are a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your mom and show her just how much she means to you.
In conclusion, Mother's Day is a time to celebrate and appreciate all the hard work and dedication that mothers put in every day. It's a chance to recognize their selflessness and unwavering love for their families. Remember to show your appreciation and gratitude not just on Mother's Day, but every day of the year.
Image credit: Downsview Park (downsviewpark.ca)
Downsview Park's Playzone is set to host an exciting event on April 23rd from 11 AM - 4 PM to celebrate Earth Day and promote environmental awareness. The public is invited to attend this free event, where they can enjoy hands-on activities, interact with educational staff and vendors, and participate in other engaging activities. This event is perfect for families and friends who want to join forces and learn more about protecting our planet. So mark your calendars and get ready to have fun while celebrating Earth Day at Downsview Park's Playzone.
Downsview Park encourages you to sign up on Eventbrite to let them know you’re coming! Registration will be required to attend certain activities: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/earth-day-jour-de-la-terre-tickets-568679384347
Some activities include:
Tree Planting:
There will be two sessions:
Session 1: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Session 2: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
*Registration will be required to attend. You only need 1 ticket per family. Please arrive 10 minutes before the session. Information about planting locations will be provided closer to the day. All equipment will be provided. No experience necessary. Please double-check what time you have signed up for.
Trishaw rides offered by Cycling Without Age:
Go on a trishaw ride around the Circuit Path! Our Greenway Conservancy is back with its program “Cycling Without Age.” The objective of the program is to provide seniors and less able-bodied people with free rides on a specialized bike called a trishaw. Experience it yourself on Earth Day 2023!
*Registration will be required to attend. Only 18 sessions are available. You only need 1 ticket per couple.
Guided Nature Walks by Toronto Field Naturalists
Toronto Field Naturalists will be guiding two nature walk sessions to talk about invasive species, ethical birding and more.
Toronto Field Naturalists is a volunteer-run non-profit and a member of the province-wide Ontario Nature Network of naturalist organizations. They connect people with nature in the Toronto area. To help people understand, enjoy, and protect Toronto’s green spaces and the species that inhabit them.
*Registration will be required to attend. Two sessions are available.
As we continue to face the pressing issue of climate change, it's important to take action and reduce our environmental footprint. Fortunately, an opportunity is available for those who share the same love for the earth. Celebrating Earth Day at Downsview Park is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals, improve the environment, and honor our planet for all that it has done for us.
Earth Day has been observed for over fifty years and originated in 1969 when US Senator Gaylord Nelson witnessed the devastating effects of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. He called for action in 1970, and thousands of colleges and universities across the United States set up protests to promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and protection of the planet. These rallies led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the establishment of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts into law.
However, despite the progress made since then, we still face environmental concerns. The way our planet has been treated is worse than it was in 1969, but thanks to the upcoming Earth Day event at Downsview Park, individuals can become more educated on how to take care of the Earth and ensure its preservation for future generations. It's important to remember that even small actions can make a difference in preserving our planet, and this event is an excellent opportunity to take the first step in making a positive impact.
A troupe of Kathakas rehearse their choreography and figure out placement nestled among the trees, in the heart of the Black Creek.
When Ayesha Khan visited a Lost Rivers walk along the Mimico Creek watershed in Etobicoke, she immediately thought of her home in the Black Creek.
"This is such a lovely concept; the hidden stories of bodies of water." she mused. "I just thought; why can't we do this in Jane and Finch?"
She pitched her idea to Brian McLean of Lost Rivers TO and together, they began forming the Black Creek Walks, Talks and Dances project; a set of educational teachings and art walks along the Black Creek in Downsview.
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Photo of Toronto’s city line. Photo credit: @thruherlens_
Eager to get out into the world, Downsview is full of people in search of ways to reconnect with their personal source(s) of happiness, joy and catharsis. Prior to the whirlwind of the COVID-19 virus, having fun and going out was an aspect of life taken for granted. Each day the summer sun gets closer and closer, the anxiety of how to balance life and fun respective to safety guidelines rises with the temperature. Having a long weekend around the corner certainly does not help.
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Forget the Wiarton Willie. Gardeners like to see and hear the birds chirping because they want to start exercising their love of flowers and digging into pots.For most of the summer – when the days are favourable and the rain stays away ushering the warmth of spring and the sweltering days of summer – you can find Ms. Goodfield in her garden.Before gardening season starts she carefully goes through fliers and also calls around to garden centres to see which have the best products and offerings. She’s somewhat of a bargain hunter too and likes to see which garden centres provide excellent prices.The ones at convenience stores sometimes have good flowers and special balcony garden mix soil. But, in the last few years she’s found the garden centre at Super Store on Dufferin St. to have the most optimal offerings. Plus the staff are nice, congenial, knowledgeable, and friendly.She usually takes the Dufferin bus up to The Super Store and cabs it back to her condo. She spends a good 30 minutes at the garden centre perusing the inventory before meticulously selecting what she will choose for her garden. She has an affinity for colour and certain types of flowers to accent her balcony.Ms. Goodfield has been gardening for years and last summer populated her garden with many varieties. “Last year I was a bit more eclectic I mainly planted impatiens, begonias, hastas, roses, variegated grape ivy, petunias, morning glories and sweet peas.” Quite a collection. “Being surrounded with flowers makes me feel connected to nature and free but still right in the city.”Here are some tips she provided for anyone wanting to start a garden on their balcony. “First, you want plant to whichever way you’re facing the sun. The more sun, the better is a myth because it depends on the flowers or plants. Basically, you must give ample water depending on the heat and feed them regularly,” she says. Her choice of plant food is Miracle Grow which she gives her plants every two weeks.Ms. Goodfield further discloses, “Nature’s rain is the best water for your plants to flourish.” She continues, “If you’re the type who does not water plants on a regular basis, gardening might not be for you, because they are going to get dried up and die. And don’t forget to ‘dead head’ which is cleaning off the dried up leaves and dead flowers.”Gardening, for her, is a form of meditation, a great way to absorb Vitamin D from the sun, plus she loves to become immersed in her garden while relaxing in a chair. That is her true oasis. Her cat Ashleigh also loves to meander amongst her plants. She advices, “Be sure to check which plants and flowers are poisonous to dogs and cats if you happen to have one. For example, begonias are extremely toxic.”
Over one thousand trees to be planted at Downsview Park on April 23TORONTO, Ont. – Canadians who have served in the Armed Forces will be honoured with 2,000 new trees to be planted at Downsview Park’s annual Earth Day celebration. Contributions to the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute on behalf of TD Bank Group (TD) and Maple Leaves Forever will also be announced.As part of Earth Day celebrations on April 23, 2017, the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute will enlist the help of volunteers to honour the Canadian men and women who both served and gave their lives for their country. Volunteers will witness a special ceremony, hosted by Ziya Tong of Discovery’s flagship program, Daily Planet, and will also feature a special performance by JUNO Award winning group, The Trews, who will perform the hit song, Highway of Heroes.“With the 150th anniversary of Canada just around the corner, we’re doing something special to recognize Canada’s fallen soldiers in conjunction with Earth Day,” says Mark Cullen, Canada’s gardening Guru and Chairman of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute. “This is a perfect opportunity for people to take part in a great cause while also getting outside to enjoy the spring weather.”“The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute honours Canada’s fallen soldiers by creating a living reminder of the world they gave their lives to protect,” says Karen Clarke-Whistler, TD, Chief Environment Officer. “We’re proud to be supporting such an important event as part of the TD Common Ground Project, which is helping to connect people across Canada in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.”“We are proud to once again provide support for the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute,” says Ken Jewett, founder of Maple Leaves Forever, a founding partner of the Living Tribute. “This additional contribution was made specifically to honour the three gentlemen whose vision made this campaign come to life – Mark Cullen, Michael de Pencier and Tony DiGiovanni.”The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute is creating a living, breathing memorial along the Highway 401 corridor between Trenton and Toronto — known as the Highway of Heroes. The campaign will see 2,000,000 trees planted to honour Canadians who have served in the armed forces, 117,000 of which will be planted directly on the highway – one for each Canadian that has fallen in war since Confederation.The Earth Day event will take place on April 23 from 10:45 a.m. to 4.p.m at Downsview Park with the ceremony starting at 10:45 sharp.The day will also feature;
This planting is being undertaken in partnership with Downsview Park and in collaboration with TD, Maple Leaves Forever and Michael Levitt, Member of Parliament – York Centre.Available for interviews:
About Highway of HeroesWhen is a tree more than just a tree? The answer is when the tree is part of a memorial to honour Canada’s fallen heroes. The mission of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute is simple: To honour Canada’s military contributions by planting 2,000,000 trees, 117,000 of which will be for each Canadian that has fallen in war since Confederation. The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute is made possible by contributions provided by Mark’s Choice, Landscape Ontario, TD, Maple Leaves Forever, the Garden Club of Toronto and donations from Canadians from coast to coast.To learn more, visit www.hohtribute.ca
| Daniel G. Lovell | Special AssistantMichael Levitt, MP | York CentreOffice: 660 Wilson Ave, North York ON M3K1E1T: 416.638.3700F: 416.941.2421 |
In Downsview, many women are unaware of the types of services that are available to support and empower them. Women services that are in or near the Downsview area, such as North York Women’s Centre, Working Women Community Centre and SASSL (Sexual Assault Survivors Support Line) are available to all women.The North York Women’s Shelter is one of the most well known women’s services in Downsview and has been servicing this area for over 30 years. This feminist based service is the only women’s shelter in North York that has been working with survivors of violence and abuse (intimate partner violence, family violence, etc.) to empower and support them.Their mission is to provide both women and children a life without violence by having a safe, non-judgmental and inclusive environment in their shelter. The shelter provides many programs, counseling services, and a 24-hour crisis phone line for survivors or victims of violence and abuse. Michelle Johnson, Manager of Development and Communications, explained that, because they are a feminist based service, they believe that “the survivor should a choice in how they want to deal with and get help for their situations.”A new program was implemented in January 2017 called: Express Art. This program allows counselors to work with women individually or in groups, to create art pieces. Jiin Yiong, Director of Programs and Services, explained that this therapeutic program is an effective way to help women and children as a family unit, to not only create beautiful art, but it is also helpful in dealing with trauma. The programs in the shelter help the women and children build new friendships and engage in multiple activities. Jiin explained that “programs such as yoga lessons help the women develop bonding ties between the counselors and the other women in the shelter.”Want to get involve and help the North York Women’s Shelter? You can volunteer with: administration and fundraising, special events and outreach, and shelter services or bring in donations to the office, make monthly donations, host community fundraising events, corporate partnerships, become a member, or even sponsor a family in the shelter.Whether you are a survivor seeking empowerment and support or you want to get involved in your community, women services like North York Women’s Shelter are here to serve you!
The weekend is a great time to spend with the family but it’s also a nice excuse to get out of the house and enjoy what Downsview has to offer!We’ve created a list of awesome things to do in the community that is sure to keep your family happy:
Not-for-profit organizations are often undervalued and as a result underfunded, but they are so important! Why, you ask? Because their work is very significant to the community or group of people they serve. Instead of maximizing profits, which means maximizing revenues while minimizing costs, they are more concerned with ensuring the revenue is greater than costs. The focus is instead on the people and not the profits. People who dedicate their lives to helping others need to be recognized and celebrated.One example of a non-profit in the Dowsview area is: The Jewish Family and Child Services run thrift shop called Just-A-Second Shop. They are opened six days a week and offers new and gently used clothing and small household items at very reasonable prices. All proceeds are used to focus on sending children in the community to Jewish day and overnight camps -among other things. The shop is staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers and employees who are happy to help.If you are planning some spring cleaning and have gently-used clothing and/or small household items in good condition, Just-A-Second Shop would be happy to take them off your hands. By donating you are helping people in need in the community. If you have questions about donating you can call 416.638.7800 x 6999. You can also drop off the items you’d like to donate at any of the bright yellow drop-off boxes located at the store and the following locations: Sherman Campus, 4600 Bathurst Street; Beth Tzedec Synagogue, 1700 Bathurst Street (NE side of the parking lot), Beth Tikvah Synagogue, 3080 Bayview Avenue; and, Associated Hebrew School, 300 Atkinson Avenue, Thornhill.For more information: Call, 416 633 9898 or visit 4117 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M3H 3P4Hours: Monday to Wednesday - 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday - 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Friday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Saturdays and Jewish Holidays.