Who lives in Toronto Island homes? Historic tour June 1

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live on Toronto Island? Who lives in those quaint homes? What do they look like inside? Visitors will find answers to these questions when they attend the Toronto Island House & History Tour on June 1 2014 from 12 noon to 5 pm.

A ticket to this event will enable visitors to see the island on the inside and tour distinctive homes and community buildings each with its own story to tell. Visitors will meet Island residents, find out about Island life and gain insight into one of Canada’s most historic – and unique – communities. They will have the opportunity to see displays of work by local artists and artisans, watch theatrical historic skits, and enjoy island hospitality. All this is in support of a great cause.

This fundraising event is hosted by the Toronto Island Grannies in Spirit. Proceeds go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers Campaign to fund grassroots projects in Sub-Saharan Africa that provide grandmothers, and the AIDS/HIV-orphaned children in their care, with critical supports and holistic programs. For more information go to www.grandmotherscampaign.org

Toronto Island Grannies in Spirit are known for organizing successful, fun and fabulous fundraising events. This, their third Toronto Island House & History Tour, promises to be better than ever. Here is a sample of the feedback from prior participants:
− “Magic!”
− “Best afternoon in a long time”
− “Great concept, beautifully executed”
− “Wonderfully well organized”
− “Loved the variety in the homes…every place different”
− “The home owners were very welcoming and informative”

The Toronto Island community started as a “tent city” in the early 1900s. It is now a unique, year-round, car-free neighbourhood of about 700 residents in 260 homes. There are no stores, banks, or ATMs. Some of the houses were purchased out of the Simpson’s catalogue in the 1930s. Others were floated from Hanlan’s Point when the Island Airport was built. Some have been renovated or designed by architects to make optimal use of small spaces. Set in parkland, the community is part of Toronto’s urban landscape, yet magically removed from the city by a fifteen-minute ferry ride.

Tickets are available at: www.torontoislandhousetour2014.eventbrite.com. Turn it into a pleasant afternoon outing with friends or family – a group discount is available for the purchase of 4 or more tickets.

More information is available at http://torontoislandhousetour.weebly.com or email granniesinspirit@gmail.com.