‘We are family’: Events this weekend focus on the community

This weekend is all about community spirit and giving back. Several of this weekend’s events focus on bringing the community together and reaching out to people who need our help.

As you make your weekend plans, keep in mind that a portion of Line 1 (Yonge-University-Spadina) is closed for signal upgrades.

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Events

Masjid Toronto Open House
Masjid Toronto is welcoming everyone to its place of worship on Saturday, to learn more about Islam and those who follow the faith.

The open house is being held just over a week after an anti-Muslim protest was held in front of the mosque near Dundas and Bay streets. That protest prompted a counter-protest and an outpouring of support from others in the city.

The event is taking place on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

Coldest Night of the Year
Whether you are walking to get to work or school, or waiting for transit, you know how the cold can get into your bones and chatter your teeth. Now imagine if you are living on the streets, with no warm space in sight.

This Saturday, bundle up and put on your walking shoes as you take part in an annual fundraiser to raise money for homelessness.

 

The fundraiser, which features 2K, 5K and 10K walks, takes place in more than 100 communities in Canada. Each event is run by a local community-based charity, with money raised going to that charity. Since 2011, the fundraiser has raised more than $12 million across the country.

In Toronto, the walk is hosted by the Yonge Street Mission and starts at Ryerson University. The 10K starts at 5:15 p.m., while the 2K and 5K begins at 5:30 p.m.

Warming Toronto Knitting Day
Help keep the city’s homeless warm by joining other knitters and crocheters to make hats and scarves this Sunday. The afternoon crafting circle will be held at the Imperial Pub on Dundas Street East, near Yonge Street, from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

There will be several learning sessions for those who are new to knitting, while advanced and intermediate knitters are asked to bring a completed item, or one that can be can finished during the day.

All participants will be asked to add a few rows to a communal scarf, showing the power of creating together.

Move Your Paws for the Polar Bear Cause
Support the Toronto Zoo’s polar bear family at the fourth annual Move Your Paws for the Polar Bear Cause Walk/Run.

 

This Saturday’s event features a 5K route that takes off at 9 a.m. and a 1K route that gets underway at 9:30 a.m. It’s open to all age groups and abilities. All proceeds from the walk/run will support Polar Bear conservation, education and research activities.

Honest Farewell
If you grew up in Toronto or live here now, Honest Ed’s has been a beacon in the city, welcoming people from all walks to life into the store. While the store is now closed, the Centre for Social Innovation is hoping to revive that community spirit with a four-day festival “paying homage to Honest Ed’s.” It is the last event being held at the store before it gets handed over for redevelopment.

 

The  farewell kicks off on Thursday evening with a cocktail gala with proceeds from the night going to the Toronto for Everyone Fund. The official farewell party is on Saturday night (the event is now sold out). Some of the city’s best DJs and bands will converge in the historic venue, spread out across various rooms, for a night of dancing and mingling.

From Friday to Sunday, there will be several activity hubs, including a three-day art maze featuring more than 40 artists who explore the past, present and future of city and Honest Ed’s role in it. You can also experience “one last bargain” as you browse several food, flea and farmers markets.

Ticket prices vary for each event, and others are free. Click here for more information.

Icefest
Although we’ve been experiencing unusually warm temperatures for February recently, that’s not stopping Bloor-Yorkville from bringing the chill this weekend at its 12th annual Icefest.

The Village of Yorkville will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with 20,000 pounds of ice sculptures, live ice carving demonstrations, and maple syrup taffy. There will also be coffee and tea.

This year’s theme celebrates Canada’s 150th birthday with Confederation-inspired sculptures. One will show the Parliament buildings with the centennial flame, another will depict the Canadian Mounties, and of course the iconic maple leaf will be featured.

Icefest runs from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Toronto Golf Show
With spring around the corner, golf enthusiasts are itching to tee off soon.

If you need your golf fix now, head to the International Centre in Mississauga to check out the latest in the sport, and even get lessons onsite. The event runs from Friday to Sunday.

TTC closure

Partial subway closure
Getting around the city will be a little tricky this weekend if you’re a TTC rider. Subway service will be suspended between Downsview and St. George stations on Line 1 (Yonge-University-Spadina).

Shuttle buses will be running during the closure, but because of on-street construction activities, they will only operate between Downsview and Lawrence West stations.

Riders can also use the existing east-west bus/streetcar routes to the Yonge portion of Line1, or north-south bus routes to Line 2. To ease traffic congestion, parking restrictions will be in effect on Lawrence Avenue between Allen Road and Yonge Street, and on Bathurst Street between Bloor Street and Barton Avenue.