Share with Your Neighbours

Sharing is caring! Make connections with your community by sharing what you can with your friends and neighbours– whether its time, resources or just a smile. Local organizations like the Parkdale Community Food Bank, Sistering and CAMH Gifts of Light are always appreciative of donations. Even small gestures can go a long way! Shovel your neighbour’s sidewalk while you’re doing your own, offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbour, carry around extra change to give to someone who may need it more than you, or drop off flowers for a friend to enjoy. If you’re a plant lover and have easy to propagate plants like pothos, spider plants or pilea, share cuttings with friends and neighbours. Toronto has communities of plant lovers that you can connect with online to share cuttings, expertise and photos on Facebook groups like Toronto Gardeners and Toronto Container Gardening.

Shop Local

This holiday season it’s more important than ever to support the local businesses in your community! While many shops are currently closed, most are still operating online stores, where you can shop from the comfort of your own home and get things delivered right to your door. Curbside pickup is also a popular option, and we’re always happy to see your friendly faces coming by to pick up a gift or a treat for yourself! Follow your local BIA on Instagram or check out organizations like the One a Kind Show, Toronto Designers Market, Arts Market, Craft Ontario to find local businesses, artisans and vendors and browse their Instagram profiles and online shops. Have some last minute Christmas shopping to get done? Find the perfect gift at V de V, Cocktail Emporium, Hanji Gifts, or Helen + Hildegard. Get your holiday treats at Mabels, Castle and Coal, Chocolat de Kat, and order takeout or buy your wine or beer from The Good Son, or Terroni. 

Get Outside

Though it may be extra tempting this winter to hibernate in your home until warmer weather arrives, don’t let the cold stop you from getting out into nature! Bundle up nice and warm and take advantage of all of the parks and green spaces your community has to offer. Go for a stroll through Trinity Bellwoods and try to spot a white squirrel, tie on your skates and get some exercise at the Dufferin Grove ice rink or watch the dogs running around in High Park. Connect with nature, get some fresh air and say hi to your neighbours while you’re out and about!