#LocalLicious Take-Out: from now until March 7, support your local restaurants by ordering in. LocalLicious is an initiative with SaveHospitality.ca – a coalition of independent Canadian restaurateurs and suppliers. Participating restaurants across the city are offering three-course meals for take-out. With each menu sold $1 will go to a local charity. Some of the Toronto restaurants on the list include Canoe, Auberge du Pommier, Ascari Enoteca, Drake Commissary, Noce, The Dirty Bird, Maison Selby, Marben, Storm Crow Manor, TOCA, Il Covo, and more. Full list of participating restaurants available on the site.

International Women’s Day Virtual Panel Discussion: hosted by Lucid Communications on March 4, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm EST. Ahead of IWD, join in the first of many panel discussions with Canadian women running their own successful businesses. Moderated by Donna Bishop (fashion columnist on CBC’s Here and Now) this panel will include Andrea Morris (founder and CEO of Mindful Collective Co./B Yoga and Halfmoon Yoga), Anna Heyd (co-founder of Flax Sleep), Julie Clark (founder of Province Apothecary), Laura Stromboni(designer and creator of Toronto-based intimates brand Lorette Lingerie), and Oyéta Kokoroko (cosmetics formulator and creator of eco-lux skincare line Okoko Cosmétiques). Free event but registration required.

Dress For Success Toronto “Your Hour, Her Power”: IWD March 8.  Local not-for-profit organization for women transitioning from unemployment to economic independence that provides them with a network of support celebrates IWD with a fundraising campaign with a one-hour forum with a goal to raise $75,000 through the month of March. The forum on March 8 (5:30 to 6:30 pm EST) will be hosted by Crystal Goomansingh, Europe Bureau Chief, Global News Canada and will feature four female leaders as they reflect on the personal and professional successes and challenges that have shaped their careers. Panelists include Marie Henein, one of Canada’s most high-profile criminal lawyers, Natasha Koifman, President and founder of NKPR, Summer Hinton, Chief Operating Officer at BMO Capital Markets, and Kathy Cunningham, Chief Financial Officer at The Globe and Mail. Tickets are $50.

Pandora’s Box: Lifting the Lid on Menstruation: IWD March 8, From Canadian Screen Award-winning director Rebecca Snow, and the makers of DivaCup, comes this daring documentary that places period poverty and menstrual justice centre-stage. The film exposes a critical human rights issue that spans the globe and brings attention to the barriers faced by people who menstruate and the role it plays on gender inequality. The filmmaker interviews a diverse range of voices and perspectives. Available on all  major streaming platforms starting March at (including iTunes and Google Play)

Bloor-Yorkville Icefest: (revised date) March 12 to 14. The annual outdoor ice sculpture festival is scheduled to go ahead. This year’s theme “A Trip Around the World” will probably be as close as we get for an escape. Take yourself on a self-guided and social distanced tour of some of the most iconic destinations in ice form created by some of the top sculpture artists in the realm. There will be 50 sculptures on display. You can also explore the festival online without worrying about masks and parkas. The event is in support of The Second Harvest. Donations accepted online.

Toronto Botanical Garden’s Edible Gardening Workshop Series Online: ($76 public) March 2 and other dates. Have an interest in starting your own vegetable, herb or fruit garden but don’t think you have the space? Steven Biggs (foodgardenlife.com) will show you how to add to existing gardens and explore gardening in unused spaces – driveways, rooftops.

TSO On Demand: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: available March 12 to April 1. ($20) Concertmaster Jonathan Crow performs as soloist and leads his TSO colleagues in Vivaldi’s timeless The Four Seasons. He also leads two dynamic works by living composers —“Coqueteos” from Gabriela Lena Frank’s melodic Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout and Sri Lankan-born Canadian composer Dinuk Wijeratne’s poetic, JUNO Award-winning “A letter from the After-life” from Two Pop Songs on Antique Poems. Purchase tickets in advance.

National Ballet of Canada Expansive Dances: on demand anytime. Free. Missing dance performances?  The National Ballet of Canada has launched a beautiful digital series each featuring a solo dancer performing in a piece that was created or adapted for each of them. Performances were rehearsed and filmed during the COVID19 lockdown. Each dance was filmed in large or outdoors in open spaces. Directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Ben Shirinian. Lulu features Principal Dancer Heather Ogden in a stunning and moving piece set on a deserted country road as the sun sets. The story captures a woman’s courage and strength as she moves away from her difficult past and comes to terms with saying goodbye. The piece was choreographed by Guillaume Côté and set to music by composer Max Richter.

Hot Docs Premieres in March: Notturno documents the tragedies of civil war in the Middle East; Acasa, My Home, is about a family living in harmony with nature who was forced to move to the city after their home is developed into a public park; Coup 53, filmmakers discover archival footage that allows them to tell the story of the 1953 Iranian coup d’état; Stray, is a beautiful look at the stray dogs roaming the streets of Turkey; and Gustav Stickley:American Craftsman, is a captivating profile of the father of the American Arts and Crafts movement. (Premiere virtual screenings are $9.99 for members and non-members).

The Magic of Musicals: Broadways Biggest Hits: ($49 for non-members) part of the Hot Docs Curious Minds Speaker Online Series (6 lectures) led by Michael Rubinoff, the Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated producer of Come From Away, will dissect the creative process behind the making of a musical.

This Being Human Podcast from the Aga Khan Museum: looking for a new podcast series to follow? The Aga Khan Museum recently launched this bi-weekly arts and culture podcast series hosted by award-winning journalist and educator, Abdul-Rehman Malik. The series features stories and interviews from fascinating artists, writers, athletes and visionaries.

TIFF Women in Film: International Women’s Day will be celebrated all month long with a dynamic programme of films and digital events. A few highlights include the new release of Shiva Baby by up-and-coming filmmaker Emma Seligman, a collection of films by Share Her Journey Ambassadors on digital TIFF Bell Lightbox, and In Conversation With… Euzhan Palcy.

Our Song D’Hiver Tapestry Opera: March 6. Join opera star Mireille Asselin in a kitchen concert inspired performance presented in partnership with Alliance Francaise. The YouTube event is a blend of Canadian music and storytelling with special guests from across Canada, including pianist Frederic Lacroix, Acadian guitarist Maxim Cormier, Métis composer Ian Cusson, and Marie-Claire Saidon.

World Cinema Wednesdays: Starting March 3. Hollywood Suites and Mongrel Media will bring over 20 premium foreign and independent film titles to the streaming service designed to highlight films from around the world. The series will kick off with the Iranian animated feature Persepolis. The award-winning film tells the story of a young girl growing up amidst the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

Le Dolci Virtual Chocolate Lover’s Bootcamp: March 2, 9, 16 and 23. Baking at home continues to be a strong interest and we’re quite happy about that! Toronto-based bakery Le Dolci offers up many fun classes (we see you cinnamon buns!) led by expert bakers. The Virtual Chocolate Lover’s Bootcamp ($150)  explores a different recipe each week with instructors offering their tried and true tips on recreating the sweet offerings. Register online. Their classes are popular!

Pi Day Drag Brunch hosted by The Math Guru: March 14. Math is for everyone! In celebration of Pi Day (3.14) join a fun math themed workshop with Kyne from Canada’s Drag Race (and TikTok celeb). This event is for anyone who wants to learn fun facts about Pi. BYOPi(e) lunch and join in over Zoom. As a university math student, Kyne will use her love for math and drag to break stereotypes in a fun, accessible way. The 1 hour workshop will explain why pi is so important and how it was discovered  – also some fun ways we use it. Event is created for ages 12 and up. All proceeds will go to Rainbow Railroad charity.

Young People’s Theatre “The Sensory Box”: a co-development with Ghost River Theatre: March 27, 31 and April 3. Part of the theatre company’s new “Shifting Stages” programming, be one of the first to experience this brand new fun, fascinating (and FREE!) tactile experiment! Explore the connection between imagination and your senses. The adventure begins with a wrapped box delivered to your door (no peeking until the event!). On the day of your performance, you’ll tune into a livestream, pop on a blindfold (included), and begin your tactile trek along with an online audience of young people from across the GTA. In the comfort of your own home, and alongside the gentle guiding voices of the hosts, you’ll discover the mysterious contents of your box – and the pure fun of play! Note: Delivery charge for the box or free curbside pick up. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Dreamcatcher Family Workshop hosted by The Assembly Hall: March 7. $40 includes a mail out/material kit.The dream world is very important to Indigenous people. There are many legends about how dream catchers originated. In this virtual workshop you will learn a modern method of creating a dreamcatcher and learn about legends from various first nations.

Taste Adventure: No luggage required. Canadian families can explore six world destinations with mouthwatering recipes along with fun-filled activities and games that explore the culture and history of each destination in Northern Africa, Middle East and Asia. Explore a new country each day with fun experiences – Bollywood dance lesson, learn how to use chopsticks, learn a few phrases and listen to specially curated playlist on Spotify and check out live cam feeds from around the world . Activities are geared to a variety of ages. Daily menu board gives families the opportunity to try out easy to prepare recipes from the regions using high quality sauces, marinades, and kits using Patak’s, Blue Dragon, and Al’Fez. Recipes and event list available on their site. Contest to win prizes on the site.

Trafalgar’s 2021 Ultimate Travel Event Series: Calling all wanderlusters! Nourish your travel soul and join travel experts for sensory discoveries all from the comforts of your own home. Running through to the end of September 2021, travel enthusiasts are invited to join 30-minute virtual journeys to some of the top bucket list destinations. The series will showcase Europe and Britain hosted by their team of storytellers, travel directors and local hosts. Take  an inspiring journey through Italy, France, Scotland, Ireland and more. Tune in to watch an Irish Celebrity chef share one of her favourite recipes, explore a Tuscan winery and more. Dates and registration on their site.

Virtual City Shred — BADA$$ Women’s Edition: March 20. Free Event. Gear up for an inspiring and uplifting one-hour sweat session led by celebrity trainer Hannah Eden, Founder of HEF Training App, along side five of Canada’s top female coaches and trainers. Fitness Motivational Coach Aisha Klass, Booty Builder at Sweat & Tonic Frances Ahn, All Day Fit’s Cassie Day, Barry’s Canada’s Hayley Beth, and Sarah The Stretch Therapist. Register for your spot in advance (not just for women!).

The post What to see & do in Toronto this March appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Describe your charity/non-profit in a few sentences.

Dress for Success Toronto’s mission is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since 2009, we have helped over 10,000 women in the GTA transition from unemployment to economic independence.

What problem does it aim to solve?

Dress for Success Toronto’s purpose is to offer long-lasting solutions that enable women to break the cycle of poverty. We are part of a global movement for change, empowering women to obtain safer and better futures.

We provide each client with professional attire to secure employment, but we are about much more than simply a new outfit. Besides physically equipping our clients with apparel and accessories, our programs furnish her with a confidence that she carries forever and the knowledge that she can actively define her life, the direction she takes and what success means to her.

Through the three pillars of our program, Dress for Success Toronto clients receive:

Suiting Program: one-on-one appointment with a stylist to provide interview and employment attire
Career Services: Learning programs that build professional skills and accelerate job search.
Professional Women’s Group: Monthly forum of support to foster personal and professional development once clients are employed.

When did you start/join it?

I joined the team in the summer of 2016.

What made you want to get involved?

I was looking to make a pivot in my career. I had reached the goal I had set out for myself in a different industry and realized, it wasn’t quite what I had hoped it would be. I was missing the impact. You go through your career sometimes and you work really hard, really smart and really strategically only to realize all your blood, sweat and tears were to help increase profits for someone else. I wanted to work really hard for a bigger purpose. I wanted to see the impact of my contributions go to the greater good.

As a longtime supporter of Dress for Success Toronto, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the community empowering the women, and haven’t looked back since!

How lucky I am that I get to call this my job! I get to go to work every day and know that I am helping a women transition out of unemployment and grow to support her family, friends and community.

What was the situation like when you started? How has it changed since?

We were a smaller organization than we are now. We grew from 3 employees to 7 and we have over 300 volunteers who all work together to support our women. We have focused on offering best in class programming for our clients and have built out our full scope of programs. Most recently, we facilitated a successful re-location to our new space at 5150 Yonge Street in Toronto. We are now located on the concourse level of an office tower with store front visibility. Our new professional space is located just steps away from Mel Lastman Square (a beautiful Toronto landmark and city center) and easily accessible from the North York Centre subway station. This new facility enables us to invest in our future growth capacity, focus on increasing client appointments, expand geographic reach, accommodate client and volunteers of all abilities and levels of accessibility and maximize flow of clothing inventory.

What more needs to be done? How can our readers help?

Sponsor a Woman : A donation of only $25 a month, or $300, provides a woman full access to our range of programming for a year, helping her find and maintain meaningful employment. Your monetary gift has the ability to transform a woman and her family’s future.

Donate Clothing: What would you wear to a job interview? That is exactly the type of clothing we are looking for to distribute to our clients. Your fabulous suits and other professional apparel could furnish another woman with the confidence to enter or return to the workplace, make a great first impression and land a job that could change her life.

Donate your time: Volunteering is a meaningful and rewarding experience that has many benefit. We offer a variety of opportunities for both individuals or corporate groups.

Do you have any events coming up?

On November 5th 2019 we are hosting our annual fall fundraiser : Polished : Empower10. We host a sophisticated cocktail reception for our sponsors, donors, and local supporters to celebrate our clients’ successes, and our impact on the community. This year we are celebrating our 10th year anniversary and over 10,000 women served.

Where can we follow you?

Our website: https://toronto.dressforsuccess.org/

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

The post Charitable Choices: Kait Green from Dress for Success Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

IWD Toronto 2019 Rally & March: March 9 from 10 am to 1 pm. Organized by Women Working with Immigrant Women & IWD Toronto. Rally begins at the Auditorium at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at 252 Bloor Street West. March begins at 1 pm.

Lean In Canada Women’s Day Workshop – 50 Ways to Fight Bias: March 8, Starts 5:30 pm. $50 per person. Developed in collaboration with gender experts form the Stanford VMWare Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab and Paradigm, a diversity and inclusion consulting firm, this evening will give you the tools to address gender bias head on.

History VS Women at the Royal Ontario Museum: March 5, 7 pm to 8 pm. Public tickets $25 per person. Feminist media critic Anita Sarkeesian gives her take on the representation of women in historical narratives, and engages in an in-depth conversation with The Globe and Mail’s Erin Anderssen on the role of women in the gaming industry. Reception and book signing to follow.

International Women’s Day Event at The Broadview Hotel: 106 Broadview Avenue. Tickets $10 per person. Includes cocktail and light bites. Proceeds going to Red Door Family Shelter. Panel discussions featuring East end female business and community leaders including Graydon Moffat of Graydon Skincare, artist Anna Church and others.

HACHIOJI KURUMA NINGYO at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre: March 8, 7 pm. General admission $35 per person. Legendary fifth-generation Japanese puppet master KORYU NISHIKAWA V returns to Toronto with HACHIOJI KURUMA NINGYO for the company’s first full-scale production in Canada with live shamisen players and chanters. On this evening, the company will perform three female-focused stories from classic Japanese literature: KUZUNOHA, about a mother’s undying love for her child; TSURI ON’NA, a comical piece about “fishing” for a wife and YUGAO, a new work from Nishikawa based on a story from Murasaki Shibibu’s classic epic The Tale of Genji. Performed in Japanese with English subtitles. 

Designing Inclusively: How Joanna Griffiths Disrupted a $250 Billion Industry and Created a Brand for Everyone: Women of Influence event: Toronto Board of Trade.  March 7, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Tickets $55 per person. This is a rare opportunity to hear the Founder and CEO of Knixwear, an intimate apparel brand that has re-imagined the design and marketing of underwear for all women. Knix began with a series of leak-proof underwear, and quickly expanded to offer a line of bras. Since launching the company in 2013, Knix’ innovative products and powerful brand messaging about inclusivity and body positivity are loved by many.

Dress For Success Hour of Power: “Your Hour, Her Power”: invites Canadians to donate one hour of their pay to take part in changing a woman’s life. It’s a small contribution that can make major changes. So, what can one hour of pay actually do? For example $25 can support Dress For Success’s first interview suiting. $50 can provide one woman with a full interview and employment wardrobe (5 full outfits with accessories). More details here.

The Girls of Meru Special Screening: Hosted by International Human Rights Program, University of Toronto Faculty of Law and NFB. March 6, 5:30 pm reception and 6:00 pm screening followed by a panel discussion. The 160 Girls National Film Board documentary with award-winning filmmaker Andrea Dorfman in attendance. RSVP here.

“She’s Unstoppable” Music Video Release Party with Susie Fayth: March 9, Gallery 345 (345 Sorouren Blvd) 1 to 4 pm. Free All Ages Event. A fun girl-power event with recording artist Susie Fayth for the launch of her new music video. Live performance, Q&A session with the all-female production team. The even till include giveaways, self-esteem activities, and refreshments. This is more than a music video, but the artist hopes it will be a movement for women and young girls to embrace their power and relentless spirit. Email: rsvp@susiefayth.com

IWD at Colette Grand Cafe, Yorkdale: March 8, 6:30 -8:30 pm . $35 per person. Panel discussion and mix and mingle event with local female executives and entrepreneurs. Panel includes Laura Decarufel, Editor-in-Chief, The Kit, Natasha Koifman, President NKPR, Candice Kaye, Founder and Creative Director, Candice Kaye Design, Berkeley Poole, VP of Creative, Tokyo Smoke, and Laura Gulshani, Fashion Illustrator.  Portion of ticket proceeds will go to Dress for Success Toronto.

IWD at TIFF Bell Lightbox: TIFF challenges film lovers to see films made by women this IWD and everyday. On March 8, TIFF will showcase films by female artists including María Novaro and Christy Garland, and will launch its new Claire Denis retrospective: Objects of Desire. TIFF also hosts TIFF Transforms: International Women’s Day Event  (March 8) with CBC’s Amanda Parris moderating a panel discussion featuring visual artist Jessica Karuhanga, musician Lissa Monét, director and producer Sasha Leigh Henry, and visual artist and author Maria Qamar to celebrate Share Her Journey and International Women’s Day.

The post International Women’s Day Events happening in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

ANNIE THE MUSICAL

A favourite for families returns to Toronto and brings Lesley Nicol (aka Mrs. Patmore from Downton Abbey!) as Miss Hannigan in this production at the Ed Mirvish Theatre (until June 3). Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, young  Annie goes from a life of hardship in the orphanage to a life beyond her dreams. But Miss Hannigan has other plans and tries to spoil Annie’s quest for a good home. Lots of familiar songs including It’s The Hard-Knock Life and Tomorrow. Great for all ages.

Toronto collection by ANU RAINA

When this fashion and accessories designer arrived in Canada in 2004, she was inspired by the first fall season in the city. The colours splashed across the city and she fell in love. This award-winning textile designer has created several designs that celebrate Toronto’s skyline and cityscapes.  Artful silk scarfs will be cherished for years to come. You’ll be able to find Anu Raina’s goods online at her site as well as at the upcoming INLAND Canadian designer pop up weekend (April 27 & 28) with over 70 designers.

JONAH JAY Asher Tee

For the everyday running around town kinda mom who likes to turn heads and have everyone saying “oooh I love your shirt,” we’ve spotted this amazing black vegan leather tee that’s no fuss. Made with 100% Polyurethane makes it a great vegan option that pairs well with her ripped jeans and joggers.  Designer Jilian Naiberg built her career in the fashion industries in Toronto and New York and the Jonah Jay collection of modern and affordable faux leather pieces is a reflection of her style and experience…with a little attitude. We also are crushing hard on the Chase Top with a three quarter bell sleeve. Swoon!

RAISING THE BAR Necklace by Mel Spivak in support of Dress For Success

“The necklace incorporates a graduation of stones from the bottom edge of one end to the top of the other, mirroring the concept of raising the bar to success. I wanted to be able to pay it forward and show other women that it takes commitment, dedication and hard work and that it does pay off.” Available in both sterling silver and gold plated with cubic zirconia, the design is inspired by women climbing the social and corporate ladder of success, and helping to raise the women up to reach their own goals. 30% of the sale from each necklace sold goes directly to Dress For Success Toronto.  $100 available here. 

HANDLED CONCIERGE

What mom wouldn’t love a stylist to come in and clean up her closet? Toronto-based company Handled Concierge works magic from purging right through to shopping. They sift through the current wardrobe and edits thoughtfully and thoroughly along side their clients to determine what’s worth keeping and what could go out to the second hand store. They’re also known for showing clients how to best use what they have to freshen their looks. They’ll also help shop for new pieces within budgets and styles.

EARTH LUXE

Earth Luxe is a Toronto based health and wellness line with products made for the body and home. They draw inspiration from nature using ingredients that impart healing, tranquility, and transformation. Great for the health conscious mom and family. There are lovely handmade soaps and bath bombs as well as essential diffusing oils. But we’ve got our eyes on the salt crystals.If Mom is getting into the whole energy crystal thing – these high quality therapeutic Himalayan Salt Crystals  offer overall well-being and home air purification. The heat from the lamp attracts water vapours from the air that hold allergens and toxins. The lamp then releases clean water vapours back into the air while imparting calming and wellness benefits. Noted for helping to increased relaxation, fewer headaches, improved concentration, improve sleep and more.

The Mama’s Farmboy from Tonic Blooms

The Mama’s farm-style bouquet featuring pastel ranunculus, roses and tulips. Each bouquet is one-of-a-kind (just like ma!) and wrapped in their signature denim cloth. Bouquets can be ordered online and delivered to Mom on May 13 within the GTA in as little as two hours. There will also be a pick up point downtown if you need to grab some on your way to brunch.

NIU BODY

Founded in spring of 2017, this natural/organic skin care line is made right here in Toronto. They’re also 100% vegan and cruelty-free. They source the finest ingredients from around the globe and believe that skin care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.We think Mom would love a pampering #SelfCareSunday gift box complete with Soothe Pink Clay Mask, Coconut Sugar Lip Polish, and Normal Skin Cleansing Oil or the Bestsellers Set. Lots to choose from.

LoLuMi One of a Kind Origami Star Pillow

This Toronto based artisan creates on of a kind Origami Star shaped pillows. Each one is made from reclaimed and vintage fabrics sourced locally and responsibly right in the city. The designs are fabrics make each one truly unique. Found on ETSY. Also check site for a dedicated local artisan items that offer free shipping across Canada.

12 Month Brika Subscription Gift Box

There’s something about receiving a surprise box each month that makes me smile. BRIKA’s subscription box features some of the most beautiful times from their Maker Community. BRIKA is known for their shop filled with beautiful objects by lesser-known artisans and designers with a strong focus on nurturing hundreds of women-owned businesses. Fill out a questionnaire and they’ll hand select the box each month. Your message will be beautifully hand-written and included in each box that will contain 1 to 3 items each month. $31 per month.

CHUDLEIGH’S APPLE CRUMBLE BLOSSOM GIFT BOX

We feel nostalgic with this gift box of Chudleigh’s famous Apple Crumble Blossoms! The much loved apple orchard has been loved by many generations and for Mother’s Day, this family run farm and bakery is offering deliveries to moms across the GTA. The made-from scratch apple blossoms gift box includes 10 fully-baked Crumble Crunch Apple Blossoms with freshly peeled Northern Spy apples baked in a flaky hand-folded pastry. All presented in a wooden Chudleigh’s gift box. $35

TORONTO NEIGHBOURHOOD HONEY

There are a growing number of local small batch honey producers within the city. We’ve sourced this Toronto Neighbourhood Honey Tasting Box by ALVEOLE that includes different flavour subjects reflecting the flora found in various communities. Includes honey from Leslieville, Rosedale, Downton and the Junction. Available through the One of a Kind Online Shop.

MODAKO TECH ACCESSORIES

This stylish line of  tech accessories created by Ryerson School of Fashion graduate, Kelly Lee, uses premium materials for her goods. Her meticulously hand crafted covers and protective cases for tablets and laptops have been featured in top fashion & style publications here and around the world including Globe & Mail, Toronto Life, Monocle, Glamour (France), and Woman (Norway).

Gardiner Museum Family Sundays

Moms and kids can join in on a Sunday workshop for clay making or tile painting to take home. Each week hosts a different theme. No registration is required and kids under the age of 12 are admitted free accompanied with an adult (general admission).  Check site for upcoming details. Bring a box, bag or tray to take your creation home. Mother’s Day gift and art afternoon all in one!

Kusama – Infinity at TIFF Bell Lightbox

Art lovers can bring their moms to a screening of Kusama – Infinity. The documentary explores contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama’s journey from her conservative upbringing in Japan to where she is today. You already have heard about the frenzy getting tickets to any of her exhibitions worldwide. This will explain why she’s one of the most loved living artists of our time. Several screening times happening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox over Mother’s Day Weekend. If you can add brunch to it, check out the AGO Bistro’s Kusama inspired menu.

The post Most thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts found in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Ron tells us that he was inspired to start this initiative 21 years ago when he was walking up Yonge Street one day and noticed a homeless man sitting on the side of the road. “He was leaning up against a building when it had just started to snow,” said White. “His toes were hanging out of his boots and it was very an epiphany for me to think that I had some extra shoes being in the shoe business but maybe some of my friends, family and community had some extra shoes that had some life life in them that we could collect, clean up and donate to those in need.” Over 40,000 pairs of shoes have been collected to date.

Today, White’s initiative is the largest in Canada of it’s kind. There have been local, national and international celebrities who have donated their shoes to help raise awareness for the drive including Rachel McAdams, Celine Dion, Matt Damon, Kevin Spacey, Eric McCormack, Michael Cera and countless others — all were on display at the kick-off event at Ron White Shoes located in the Manulife Centre.

This year, in recognition of Canada’s 150 Birthday, White had received a pair of shoes from Sophie Gregoire Trudeau to add to the celebrity collection. We were told that these were the shoes she wore when she visited the White House in Washington for a gala dinner.

Mayor John Tory also donated a pair of shoes and spoke about the importance of the charities that will receive the donations including CAMH. “On a global scale, it is one of the most comprehensive mental health for people in the world, not just in Canada.”

Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, also donated her shoes and commended the charities, who were also present at the event, for the important work they do behind-the-scenes for many Canadians here in the city and beyond. She also spoke about Canada’s 150 birthday and the kindness of Canadians.”The kindness and generosity of Canadians not just to refugees but also to those who are not in as fortunate circumstances as others and  it’s important to shine a spotlight here as well.”

Fashion royalty Jeanne Becker donated a pair of sky high stilettos at the event, “I have countless pairs of shoes but I went to a few runway shows in Paris, Milan, New York and London in these…I don’t think these are considered all-day heels…but I’m hoping that these will empower some women to look, and feel, their best not only physically, but spiritually and mentally.”

Got some gently worn (or even new) shoes to donate? They are accepting women, men and children shoes. You can drop them off at any Ron White Shoes Retail locations across the city until February 12, 2017. Shoes will be sorted, cleaned and distributed to the GTA organizations.

Find locations on their website.

The post Ron White Kicks-off 21st Annual Shoe Drive for Charities appeared first on Toronto Guardian.