Blood Drives Toronto

Kick-off Riverdale Park 5K Run / Walk / Jog

I think we're ready to start this group's running season! 5K every week till the snows come down! Or try to! This seems like a good Sunday to start as the temperature and sunlight should all be moderate. Also, plenty of time to prepare with stretch and strength if you haven't run since last year! BTW, I've learned there is a lot of benefit to starting with slow jogging - rather than walking. Please look that up, if you are slow - like me - and want to improve your endurance, consistency, aerobic and anaerobic capacity. We'll meet by the track. I'll be there early to warm up. We will start the 5K exactly at 9:30am. As mentioned in the About Us, * Using the park track we can all go at our own pace and never really be left behind unless we all finish way ahead of you. :D I think an hour is enough time to dedicate to the run. I'm pretty slow, so you will likely have me around for most of the hour. * Members are free to leave the run whenever they want. * Bring your kids, your pets, your partners, etc. * All encouraged to stick around afterwards and enjoy the park or neighbourhood on your own. * Let's get stronger, healthier and foster a great community at the same time. * As part of our kick-off, I am open to heading off to get some brunch on the Danforth afterwards, if anybody is interested! Lots of great options there! We also welcome runners who are not in our neighbourhood and want to join us spiritually and run from their own neighbourhoods. :-) Imagine how much healthier and communal the world would be if we all stopped for an hour once in a while to run together; re-centring and re-charging together?

5km Walk/roll for UHN: Swag, food, concert! $20 with code

The Police tribute at Rockpile

join us the Rockpile for Police Tribute Band. Cost ix 23$ at the door or at the following link . https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/message-in-a-bottle-rockpile-rock-bar-tickets/14773133

Make Friends at a Cafe - Good Chats BETA

**GoodChats.** **Newest Way to Make Friends in Toronto!** Ever walked into a coffee shop and wished you knew the people around you? That’s exactly what GoodChats is for. Our Coffee Chat events are designed to make meeting new people feel natural — no awkward intros, no swiping, no pressure. Just real conversations with people who already share your interests. **How it works:** **1) Sign up on iOS or Android** Download the GoodChats app to get started. Use the code **COFFEE** to sign-up for the invite-only app today! [https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp](https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp) **2) Start a chat about what you like** Talk about anything you’re into — hobbies, ideas, random thoughts. The app builds your profile based on what you actually care about. **3) Join a Coffee Chat** We match you with a small group of people who share similar interests and invite you to a local coffee shop meetup. That’s it — just show up, grab a drink, and talk. **What to expect:** * Small groups (so it’s actually easy to connect) * Weekly events at local coffee shops * A relaxed, low-pressure environment * People you’re genuinely likely to vibe with **Good to know:** * Events are **completely free** * All event details and invites are inside the GoodChats app * We’re currently in **beta**, with new Coffee Chats happening every week Use the code **COFFEE** to sign-up for the invite-only app today! [https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp](https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp) If you’ve ever wanted meeting new people to feel easier (and more real)… this is for you.

Doors Open Toronto

Make Friends at a Cafe - Good Chats App BETA

**GoodChats.** . **Newest Way to Make Friends in Toronto!** . Ever walked into a coffee shop and wished you knew the people around you? That’s exactly what GoodChats is for. . Our Coffee Chat events are designed to make meeting new people feel natural — no awkward intros, no swiping, no pressure. Just real conversations with people who already share your interests. **How it works:** . **1) Sign up on iOS or Android** Download the GoodChats app to get started. . Use the code **COFFEE** to sign-up for the invite-only app today! [https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp](https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp) . **2) Start a chat about what you like** Talk about anything you’re into — hobbies, ideas, random thoughts. The app builds your profile based on what you actually care about. . **3) Join a Coffee Chat** We match you with a small group of people who share similar interests and invite you to a local coffee shop meetup. That’s it — just show up, grab a drink, and talk. . **What to expect:** * Small groups (so it’s actually easy to connect) * Weekly events at local coffee shops * A relaxed, low-pressure environment * People you’re genuinely likely to vibe with . **Good to know:** * Events are **completely free** * All event details and invites are inside the GoodChats app * We’re currently in **beta**, with new Coffee Chats happening every week Use the code **COFFEE** to sign-up for the invite-only app today! [https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp](https://linktr.ee/goodchatsapp) . If you’ve ever wanted meeting new people to feel easier (and more real)… this is for you.

ABCD Reads AND Watches "Train Dreams"

[[RESULTS](https://opavote.com/results/4829900303499264) of the poll for this event] ABCD Reads AND Watches "**Train Dreams**", a [novella](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S234C2792355) written by Denis Johnson, and a [film](https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/train-dreams) directed by Clint Bentley. **:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::** "Suffused with the history and landscapes of the American West—its otherworldly flora and fauna, its rugged loggers and bridge builders—this extraordinary novella poignantly captures the disappearance of a distinctly American way of life. Train Dreams tells the story of Robert Grainer, a day laborer in the American West at the start of the twentieth century—an ordinary man in extraordinary times. Buffeted by the loss of his family, Grainer struggles to make sense of this strange new world. As his story unfolds, we witness both his shocking personal defeats and the radical changes that transform America in his lifetime." (from [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12991188-train-dreams)) **:: ABOUT THE MOVIE ::** "Train Dreams is the moving portrait of Robert Grainier (Golden Globe-nominee Joel Edgerton), whose life unfolds during an era of unprecedented change in early 20th century America. Orphaned at a young age, Robert grows into adulthood among the towering forests of the Pacific Northwest, where he helps expand the nation's railroad empire alongside men as unforgettable as the landscapes they inhabit. After a tender courtship, he marries Gladys (Academy Award-nominee Felicity Jones) and they build a home together, though his work often takes him far from her and their young daughter. When his life takes an unexpected turn, Robert finds beauty, brutality and newfound meaning for the forests and trees he has felled." (from [Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/train_dreams)) **:: ABOUT THE EVENT ::** Instead of just reading the book as usual, this time we're asking that you also watch the movie adaptation. During our discussion, we'll explore the strengths of both the book and the movie, evaluate the adaptation's effectiveness, and touch on any other topics that arise. You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the event and stay 30 minutes or longer afterward to connect with other attendees outside the book talk. Please ensure you have read the book and watched the movie before attending (though finishing either is not a barrier to participating, as long as you don't mind spoilers). First-time attendees can join for free. If the event is full, we maintain an unofficial waitlist. Please send [Michael](https://www.meetup.com/members/55295192/) a direct message for more information, in either case. We request a $3 contribution from regular attendees to help cover our monthly meetup costs. **:: ABOUT OUR NEXT READ&WATCH ::** At the end of each event, we will ask for nominees for our next Read & Watch (date TBA). If you have a good pairing in mind, please ensure that the book is between 200-400 pages long, available from the Toronto Public Library, and counts as contemporary literary fiction (though these are not hard and fast rules), and that the movie or TV-series is readily available. When enough nominees are collected, Michael will send the members a direct message with a link where you can vote.

Richmond Hill Evening Trail Walk & Persian Dinner

Meet up with the group for an evening 13 km trail walk in the Oak Ridges / Bond Lake area, followed by dinner at Arjan Restaurant, 10145 Yonge St, Richmond Hill. Trail access and parking are available at the Bond Lake Trail Head, 12611 Yonge Street, with additional community parking options nearby. A perfect evening plan for anyone who enjoys a longer hike, good company, and a nice dinner after.

🏛️🚶 DOORS OPEN TORONTO: HIDDEN BUILDINGS & CITY STORIES WALK 🚶🏛️

🏛️🚶 **DOORS OPEN TORONTO: HIDDEN BUILDINGS & CITY STORIES WALK** 🚶🏛️ Historic Spaces, Community Landmarks & A City Revealed Some buildings you walk past every day without thinking twice… until the doors open. Join us for a second day of Doors Open Toronto, where we’ll explore a mix of historic, cultural, and community spaces across the city — each with its own story, purpose, and evolution. This walk is about contrast. Old and new. Exclusive and inclusive. Grand and everyday. And how all of it shapes the city we live in. This is not a formal tour. It’s a social, story-driven walk — with moments to pause, look, and see familiar places differently. 👉 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:**[ Click here to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFTkxRlHS4B3IL1lMleUd) *** 🚶‍♂️ What We’ll Do We’ll move through a curated route of Doors Open, stopping at a variety of buildings and institutions that reflect Toronto’s layered history and community life. Some of the locations we may visit include: * **Fire Station 315** – Opened in 1889, this historic fire hall is built of brick with stone detailing, reflecting early 20th-century civic architecture. * **The El Mocambo** – Opened in 1948, this iconic music venue is housed in a brick building with a classic mid-century commercial façade. * **Daniels Building (University of Toronto)** – Opened in 1875 (as Knox College), this Gothic Revival building is constructed of sandstone with intricate masonry detailing. * **U of T Bookstore (Koffler Student Centre)** – Opened in 1958, this modernist structure is built primarily of concrete and glass. * **Polish Combatants' Association Branch 20** – Opened in 1950, this community hall is a modest brick structure reflecting post-war institutional design. * **St. George’s Hall (Arts & Letters Club)** – Opened in 1891, this heritage building is constructed of brick and stone in a Victorian style. * **St. George Greek Orthodox Church** – Opened in 1897, this church is built of brick with classical detailing and later Byzantine-inspired elements. * **Street Health** – Established in 1986, the facility operates out of a practical brick building adapted for community healthcare use. * **Street Haven** – Founded in 1965, this women’s shelter is housed in a converted brick residential building typical of the area. * **Jarvis Street Baptist Church** – Opened in 1875, this Gothic Revival church is built of brick with stone accents. * **The 519** –This building actually dates back to 1858 — long before it became The 519 we know today — and started as a Georgian-style home before evolving into a community space. * **Foy-Smith House** – Built in 1891, this historic home is constructed of brick in the Queen Anne Revival style. * **St. Paul’s Bloor Street** – Opened in 1889, this Romanesque Revival church is built of stone with a commanding tower and detailed masonry. Some locations we’ll enter, others we’ll experience from the outside depending on timing and lineups. ⚠️ Please note: wait times are part of Doors Open. We’ll move as a group and make decisions along the way. *** 🏛️ What Is Doors Open Toronto? Doors Open Toronto is a free annual event where the city opens up buildings that are normally closed to the public — from historic homes and cultural institutions to places you’d never usually think to step inside. It’s one of the best ways to explore Toronto beyond the surface. *** 🌆 Vibe & Expectations This is a longer, more exploratory walk with: ✔️ Multiple stops ✔️ Some waiting in lines ✔️ A mix of indoor and outdoor spaces ✔️ Members can leave any time the like It’s not about rushing — it’s about discovering. Also — this is NOT a formal historical tour. I’ll share context and stories as we go, but the focus is on the experience and being social. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: **Fire Station 315** 🫎 I’ll be outside and I will be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: (Insert time) I will only wait 5 minutes. Anyone arriving late can meet us along the route. We won’t be saving spots in line — it’s important we respect the people around us. *** 🎟️ Meetup Fee: $5 cash in person or e-transfer to 📧 **[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com](mailto:mathewmaclean@hotmail.com)** Doors Open is free to attend. This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🎒 What to Bring Water Comfortable walking shoes Patience for lines ⏳ Weather-appropriate clothing Optional: snacks or money for food along the way *** 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings There’s always something happening. *** REMEMBER: You’re welcome to just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. And as always, sometimes plans shift and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the buildings. Stay for the stories. Leave seeing the city not just as it looks — but as it’s evolved. 🏛️✨

Vaughan Return Via William Granger Greenway and Rib Fest

46 km loop starting and ending from Vaughan Metropolitan Center. 1 PM to 4PM. 4 PM to 5 PM Eat at Vaughan Rib Fest Route Map: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2811559783 https://ribfestx.com/event/vaughan-ribfest-2026/ FREE PARKING \| FREE CONCERT WITH ADMISSION \|  PET FRIENDLY  $5 ADMISSION, CHILDREN 10 & UNDER FREE Ontario Festival Group & Ribfest X are **committed to eliminating all single-use plastics** at our events, including **water bottles, cups, containers, and utensils**. We encourage guests to bring their own **reusable water bottles**, which can be refilled at our onsite water stations for **FREE**. **All reusable water bottles must be emptied before entering event grounds.**

💃 Zumba

Move. Sweat. Smile. Repeat. This is a fun, high-energy Zumba class designed for real people — not performers, not fitness models, just humans who want to move, feel good, and leave happier than they arrived. Expect: Easy-to-follow Zumba routines Great music (Latin + global vibes) A welcoming, judgment-free space A workout that feels like a party (but still burns calories 😉) No dance experience needed. No pressure to “get it right.” Just show up and move. Sweat first, snacks after. If you’re free, we may head to a nearby spot to eat together. Class fee: $5 (helps cover space and music). Email money transfer to: monasalahuddin@hotmail.com

2026 ECKANKAR Ontario Soul Adventure Seminar

**Note:** Online attendance for this event is expected from around the world, so register early to reserve your spot before the Zoom attendance capacity is reached. New to Eckankar? Register for a **Complimentary Pass** to the May 23-24 seminar! **WHAT IS AN ECKANKAR SOUL ADVENTURE SEMINAR?** An ECK Soul Adventure Seminar is always a spiritual occasion. A celebration of like-hearted people, each inspiring talk, workshop, and presentation offers secrets to spiritual living that can help you take another step on your individual journey home to God. Above all, the heart of the seminar experience is about discovering more about the divine love that already lies within you. **This is a hybrid (online AND in-person) 2-day seminar:** * Saturday, May 23rd from 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET * Sunday, May 24th from 9:30 am -11:00 am ET * FREE for guests who are not formal students of Eckankar **Link to view the program and to register online or in person:** [https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-soul-adventure-seminar.html](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-soul-adventure-seminar.html) **THEME:** ***HOW TO SURVIVE SPIRITUALLY IN OUR TIMES*** “Yet life is a mystery until we begin to understand that we can be the creators of our own world. In truth, what we are today is a creation of that which we have made from the past. There is a way to change the future. “ *\~ ECK Master Harold Klemp, Sound of Soul pg 37* **FEATURES** * **Interactive Spiritual Discussion, Talks, Panels, Youth and Young Adult Program,** * **​Music, Art, Fellowship!** * **Address: North York Central Library and Concourse Event Space, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M2N 5N9** * **Link to view the program and to register online or in person:** [https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-soul-adventure-seminar.html](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-soul-adventure-seminar.html) **FEATURED SPEAKER - DEBBIE BRYK-SERVA** Debbie Bryk-Serva has been a student of Eckankar for over 45 years and is a retired pediatric cardiologist, wife, mother, and grandmother. She has one adorable fur baby, a golden doodle named Georgia. She is grateful for the spiritual insights and inner guidance that have developed through her active practice of the spiritual exercises of Eckankar. She loves the ECK teachings and spiritual exercises because they work! Life has its challenges, but she looks for the silver lining and blessing that is waiting to be realized in each experience. Soul equals Soul, and you, too, can open your heart to the blessings of love all around. Join us at the Ontario ECK Regional Seminar to discover how to survive and thrive spiritually in our times! **To view the program and to register online or in person, [click here](https://www.eckankarcanada.ca/ontario-spiritual-events.html)** **\*INTERNATIONAL GUESTS:** This event is not intended for anyone who is barred by the laws of their country from attending. Please follow the laws of your home country. Sponsored by Eckankar Canada in Ontario. Illustration Courtesy of [Eckankar, The Path of Spiritual Freedom](http://www.eckankar.org/)