The curtain lifts Friday (March 1) on a tradition in Leaside with the 10th charitable Laugh Out Loud (LOL) event. LOL gathers talented comedians at Leaside Memorial Gardens for an evening to benefit New Circles Community Services, for a second time. The grassroots organization provides clothing, employment training, and settlement support to vulnerable families in neighbouring communities. “This event really is an annual staple within our close-knit community now in its 10th year, and I’m just so honoured to be part it,” says Charlene Kalia, Chair, LOL 10. “It continues to galvanize us around a common goal which is to give back, using a little entertainment to make an impact.
New Circles was founded on the idea that positive change happens when people’s basic needs are met,” says Rosie Smythe, Executive Director, New Circles. “The rising costs of living in Toronto means economically vulnerable families are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. We rely on community donations to provide support, making an event like LOL 10 vital in continuing our important work,” says Ms. Kalia. All proceeds from LOL 10 will support New Circles’ programs, among them Toronto’s largest clothing bank which supports 15,000 people each year. Since its inaugural fundraiser for the expansion of Leaside Memorial Gardens in 2008, LOL (Laugh Out Loud) has raised over half a million dollars for neighbouring not-for-profit organizations in the Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park, Regent Park and Victoria Village areas of Toronto. LOL 10 is sponsored by Lexus on the Park, Chestnut Park Real Estate, Neal Brothers Foods, and Grilltime. To learn more about LOL, visit www.leasidelol10.com, and to learn more about New Circles, visit www.newcircles.ca.
