Cenotaph on Bayview Avenue, Sunnybrook Veterans Centre Remembrance Day Service 2016

If you’ve seen the construction happening around the Cenotaph in front of Sunnybrook Hospital, a note on the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre website explains what is going on.

Pre-walk-stretch /UHN Foundation

Participants on their Rally Walk & Roll in Leaside /UHN Foundation

Emcee paralypian and former Toronto Rehab patient Kevin Rempel /UHN Foundation

Massage stations /UHN Foundation

Fun for the little ones /UHN Foundation

Emotional ribbon cutting featuring the next generation lower limb exoskeleton /UHN Foundation

UHN Foundation’s recent Rally for Rehab fundraiser, presented by BMO, was a resounding success, raising an impressive $180,000 (and counting) for Toronto Rehab at UHN. With a turnout of 300 participants at the Rumsey Centre in Leaside, the event emphasized the crucial role rehabilitation plays in patients’ lives. Guided by former patient Kevin Rempel as emcee, attendees gained valuable insights into the significance of rehabilitation and the groundbreaking work underway at Toronto Rehab’s KITE Research Institute. Kevin Rempel spent four months of his life recovering from an accident-related spinal cord injury at Toronto Rehab. Kevin went on to become a world champion (2013) and Paralympic bronze medalist (Sochi 2014) in sledge hockey, and is now a sought-after speaker and coach on the power of resilience.

The day’s offerings catered to all ages, offering a range of activities from massages and face painting to crafts and colorful balloons. However, one of the event’s standout moments was the ribbon-cutting ceremony introducing the Human in Motion robotic exoskeleton. This innovative wearable lower-limb mobility device, offering newfound hope to those otherwise unable to walk, made a powerful impression. Chloë Angus, a member of the team behind the exoskeleton, demonstrated its potential by walking despite having no use of her lower limbs due to a spinal cord tumor. Toronto Rehab will soon embark on clinical trials to support patients on their recovery journey with this groundbreaking technology.

The Rally for Rehab fundraiser, supported by BMO, not only showcases the community’s generosity but also underscores the vital role of rehabilitation and the transformative impact of innovation on patients’ lives. For those who wish to contribute or missed the event, donations can still be made at rallyforrehab.ca.

Leaside’s 9U AAA 2023 Baseball Team – Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) Champions

Leaside’s 9U AAA baseball team secured their second consecutive Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) championship, displaying remarkable prowess in a weekend tournament at Goulding Park. With a flawless 6-0 record during the tournament, they capped off their season with a resounding 6-1 victory over Whitby in the final match. Boasting a season record of 44-10, the team hit their stride in mid-August, triumphing in their last 15 games. This historic achievement marks the first-ever back-to-back OBA championship win for a Leaside Baseball team, eliciting pride and excitement within the local baseball community, as the team looks ahead to defending their title next season.

After a month long strike the Bayview & Eglinton Metro grocery store (656 Eglinton Ave E) is set to re-open on September 5th.

Also of note, in the same complex, The WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer (609 Roehampton Ave Unit 2) opened their doors this summer. Cheers!

Robin & Len and their children

Robin, a 46 year old mother of 4 (aged 9-14), is in desperate need of a kidney donor. A bad bout of Covid-19 in 2021 has now developed into stage 5 kidney disease. Her kidneys are failing and her veins are not strong enough to withstand conventional dialysis. Otherwise in excellent health, she has been green-lit for a transplant. Robin loathes the idea of asking people for body parts; she has been very private about her situation and stoic. But if ever there was a time to ask for help, this would be it. Below is a message shared on social media by Robin’s husband Len. If anyone knows of anyone – or any avenue – that might lead to a potential donor, please forward this message.

Robin is in the care of Toronto’s University Health Network. Follow this link to learn more about how you can help: www.uhn.ca/Transplant/Living_Donor_Program

A splash of summer fun /Mi Pham

Toronto is turning up the summer fun dial for the Labour Day long weekend with a host of activities to keep you busy without putting a dent in your wallet. Whether you’re a water lover or prefer to keep your feet dry, the city has something for you. Wade into the city’s supervised swimming beaches, where lifeguards will be stationed until September 4th, or explore the city’s many splash pads. Parks, picnic spots, cultural centers, historic sites, galleries, and Toronto Island Park will be offering a blend of relaxation and exploration. And guess what? Even your four-legged friend can join in the fun with dog-only swims on select dates. Whether you’re into history, art, or simply basking in the sun, Toronto’s got you covered this long weekend. Get all the details from the official news release here.