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Photo Credit: Ayesha Khan
Ward 7 City Councillor Anthony Perruzza invites local residents and city staff to discuss ongoing issues around violence and community safety.
Ward 7 City Councillor Anthony Perruzza invites local residents and city staff to discuss ongoing issues around violence and community safety.
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Photo credits: City of Toronto and Black Owned Toronto
The British Empire sought Black and Indigenous peoples for centuries for personal benefit. Through genocide and subjugation, they could not only dominate Indigenous lands but created a rift between various communities and their culture, religion, and way of life. Enduring pain beyond words can describe, the dark and twisted history of slavery across the British Empire and promoting a more Euro-Centric lifestyle continue to affect those that fall under these communities.
Recent studies have shown that across Toronto, Anti-Black racism thrives, affecting the livelihood of approximately 200,000 individuals of African descent/origin. Discrimination in the administration of justice (whether in policing, criminal prosecutions, trials, sentencing, or imprisonment) can cause extraordinary harm to individuals and society.
However, by exposing and scrutinizing the values that underlie our colonized society, we can implement the change we want to see. Starting with the oppression embedded in our social discourse and Canadian identity, we must critically analyze which voices are used to tell our story and which are excluded. We must work to broaden our perspective to see the context within which Canadians are living their lives and how life circumstances are differentially impacted by the oppressive, Eurocentric discourse that dominates.
August is recognized as Emancipation Month. We recognize the many repercussions that stemmed from the infamous legacy of slavery, including intergenerational trauma and systemic racism. But not only do we confront Anti-Black Racism, but we highlight and celebrate black success and resilience. Throughout the month, various events are taking place to honour those who came before us and empower black Torontonians.
A prime example of this is one of the largest events in the city, Caribana! Caribana is an annual festival during the first week of August that embodies Caribbean culture in Toronto and is considered a symbol of grave contributions and sacrifices that Caribbeans and Black communities have made across Canada. It reflects the resilience these communities have shown and celebrates life!
Some upcoming events include Exploring Emancipation from August 2 to August 31, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Todmorden Mills Heritage Site and the East York Historical Society.
Photo credits: Yorkgate Mall
Yorkgate Mall in partnership with the Downsview Advocate, will officially launch its 1st Annual Countdown to Class! School Supplies Drive in support of The Children’s Breakfast Club.
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A festival of art and food is making its debut August 18th and 19th at the orchard pavilion, inviting families, friends, and creatives to be inspired by local artists.
Photo credits: North York Arts
A festival of art and food is making its debut August 18th and 19th at the orchard pavilion, inviting families, friends, and creatives to be inspired by local artists.
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Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash
Mother's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by spending some quality time with the most important woman in your life? Yorkgate Mall has just the event for you!
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Image credit: FreePik
Mother's Day is celebrated this year on Sunday May 14, 2023
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.
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Image credit: FreePik
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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Image credit: FreePik
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.
Photo credit: www.toronto.com / Dan Pearce/Metroland
Toronto, February 16th, 2023, Yorkgate Mall will host its annual March Break activities designed to educate and entertain kids, teens and adults. All events are FREE and will take place near Tim Hortons.
Sesame Street’s, Cookie Monster and Elmo Meet & Greet with Cookie Crafts!
Monday, March 13 from 1pm – 4pm
Meet the educational characters from Sesame Street and learn how to decorate your very own cookie.
1st Annual Yorkgate Mall Comic Con
Tuesday, March 14 from 10am – 6pm
Over 10 vendors sharing their passion for comics, collectibles, toys and special superhero character appearances. Making it the largest Comic Con in North York.
Discover The World of Exotic Animals!
Wednesday, March 15 • 1pm & 2pm
Get up close and learn about exotic animals during this exciting interactive show!
Sing your Heart Out During Our Singing Competition – March Break Idol!
Open Auditions: Thursday, March 16 and Friday, March 17 from 1pm – 3pm
Finals: Saturday, March 18 from 1pm – 4pm
“This event is a great opportunity for families to come out and get involved in some fun FREE activities” remarks Chris Couch, Marketing Associate at Yorkgate Mall. “We hope to help provide an exciting educational and entertaining experience for our customers.”
As well as this full slate of activities, Yorkgate Mall will kick off a March Break Book Drive on Monday, March 13 ‘til March 17. Customers are encouraged to donate a new or slightly used youth or children’s book and help support literacy programs in the community.
Yorkgate Mall, located at Jane and Finch in Toronto, Ontario, offers over 60 stores and services under one roof including No Frills, LCBO, IDA Drug Mart and Toronto Public Library.
For further information, please contact:
Chris Couch, Marketing Associate
Yorkgate Mall
647-466-4933