SUMMER CHILL EVENT
Come one, come all, to a super fun, family friendly event directly alongside St. James Park, on the lawn of St. James Cathedral
(King St. and Church St. - 106 King St. East)
To remind our city that WINTER IS COMING…
we are making winter come alive, now!
On Sunday, August 27th from 12-2pm, come meet VACATIONING SANTA (he’s chillaxin’ on island time, but would still love a picture with you and your kids!), dance in the ‘snow’ at the FOAM PARTY (kids absolutely love this… and so do adults!), enjoy some LIVE MUSIC (by the incredible musicians of Church of the Redeemer!), eat some delicious FREE ICE CREAM AND TREATS from the ice cream truck!
…decorate christmas cookies, get crafty at the button making station, visit the talented face painter, play some yard games, and while you’re there, learn a bit about the importance of making respite spaces plentiful in our city!
Winter is coming… this fun, family friendly event raises awareness of the importance of offering dignity, safety, and care to people experiencing homelessness, especially in brutal weather. The very basic first step to doing this well, is low barrier, consistent, and reliable respite spaces. An option to sign on to show your support for winter and year-round respites will also be offered at the event.
Come have fun with us!
Hope to see you there!!
RAIN PLAN: In the event of extreme weather, the event will be held in Snell Hall, a large room inside the Cathedral, located immediately next door to the park at 65 Church St.
This event has been organized by a group of compassionate people from a variety of faith groups, including: St. John’s York Mills, Holy Trinity, Forest Grove United Church, Diocese of Toronto, First Evangelical Lutheran, Church In Regent Park, St. Stephens-In-The-Fields, All Saints Sherbourne, Sri Mahaganapathy Temple, St. James Cathedral, Regent Park Community Ministry, Church of the Redeemer, Shining Waters Regional Council (UCC), and more!
Basic Q&A about the event:
Q: How does the foam party work?
A: A company is setting up a foam canon, and kids (and adults!) have a blast! This is eco-friendly foam. If you wish to come extra prepared, bring a change of clothes for your kid, and they will get wet. But not necessary to change clothing after, if you are ok with them air-drying! We will have a small tent set up so kids can change if needed, and there are also washrooms available close by if you prefer to change there.
Q: Free ice cream, you say??
A: Yes! Ice cream truck on site will be providing free ice cream for up to 300 people from 12-2pm. Slushies options available too!
Q: I am coming for the music!
A: That’s not a question, but that’s great! Because the Church of the Redeemer music team is sending some of their very talented musicians over to play us some fun jazzy holiday tunes! And they are donating their time, in support of this important event! You won’t be disappointed!
Q: Is there food?
A: There are TONS of places to grab a bite around St. James Park, so we decided to focus on fun activities and ice cream. But you will find food options plentiful all around!
Q: How does this event aim to help the cause?
A: Often, protests and rallies about issues facing homelessness only attract certain groups of people. We wanted to create a family friendly event in support of this issue, because families care about the issue of respites, too! So come enjoy the day and have some fun, and there will be an informative game option where you can learn a bit more about homelessness in Toronto, as well as an info table which will have a petition available to sign, and some knowledgeable folks around who have helped coordinate this event who can answer questions about respites if you have them!
Q: What if I don’t want to sign a petition?
A: Then come have fun with us! No one will be forced to sign anything. But we do hope to provide this space for people to learn more who wish to!
Q: Vacationing Santa?
A: Umm yeah, he doesn’t get to work on making toys until the fall. But he cares so deeply about respites for folks that are homeless, that he decided to visit Toronto on his summer holiday to hang with us. And Santa cannot resist getting some pictures with your cute kids, or with you! We aren’t entirely sure what will happen if you give him your present requests now, but give it a shot!
Q: I have a question that wasn’t listed here!
A: Great, email me (Angie) through this website, or directly at ahocking@united-church.ca. Looking forward to hearing from you!