Community Organizations

**This is a paid event. You must register and have a ticket to attend.** [https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026](https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026) **Best Of TechTO is our annual night to celebrate what Toronto’s tech community is building - and to meet the people behind it.** Real stories, real milestones - no panels, no pitch competitions. This year we're back at Toronto City Hall. \*\*\* **Agenda** 6:00 pm — Doors open, networking, food & drinks 7:00 pm — Community open mic, TechTO announcements, and stage presentations 8:30 pm — After party \*\*\* ***Speakers*** * **[Liza Akhvledziani Carew](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizaveta-akhvledziani-cfa/)**, Co-Founder & CEO, **[Chexy](https://chexy.co/)** \- $1B\+ annual run\-rate payments\, $14M Series A led by Khosla Ventures * **[Anthony Mouchantaf](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-mouchantaf-508442113/)**, Co-Founder & CEO, **[Biossil](https://www.biossil.co/)** \- AI biopharma backed by OpenAI and Founders Fund * **[Eden Ding](https://www.linkedin.com/in/edending/)**, Co-Founder & CTO, **[NationGraph](https://www.nationgraph.com/)** \- $22\.5M raised\, 2x pipeline per sales rep * **[Rebecca Kacaba](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccakacaba/)**, CEO & Co-Founder, **[DealMaker](https://www.dealmaker.tech/)** \- raised $2\.3B\+ in capital for founders\, with $20M recently raised for DealMaker itself * **[Saam Mashhad](https://www.linkedin.com/in/saam-mashhad-47598639/)**, Co-Founder & CPO, **[EvenUp](https://www.evenuplaw.com/)** \- former litigator\, $385M raised\, $3B valuation in under five years * \*\*\* **This is a paid event. You must register and have a ticket to attend.** 👉 [https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026](https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026) *By attending you consent to photography and video recording and agree to receive the TechTO newsletter. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.*

***Welcome to Community Mindfulness Meditation (GCNC Meditates)!*** **Where and when:** We meet at the **George Chuvalo Neighbourhood Centre** in the Junction Triangle in Toronto every **Monday from 7 pm to 8 pm**. Chairs, limited cushions, and yoga mats are provided (bring your own if you have a favourite) **What and who:** weekly meditation sessions for and by neighbours and community members. No experience and no registration are needed and **attendance is free or by donation ($5 suggested, cash only in person)**. Learn more about your facilitators, JulieMae (she/her) and Christina (she/her), at https://gcncmeditates.wixsite.com/community-meditation **How (structure):** We begin by settling in and grounding ourselves in the space, with an optional check-in to share how we are feeling, followed by a 25-minute guided meditation practice. After the period of formal practice, there is a period of optional sharing once again, where practitioners can share insights, reflections, challenges, questions, ponderings, and joys. We conclude our gathering with a dedication of the good generated from our practice to specific individuals or groups of individuals. We may also set an intention for the week ahead and share that—again, always optionally. We offer these practices in a space that is inclusive of all, while recognizing that mindfulness meditation is not a one-size-fits-all approach; we therefore encourage folks to follow their inner guidance whenever needed and to ask questions and for support or guidance whenever necessary. Both facilitators are trained in trauma-informed mindfulness instruction and keep that at heart in their guidance, recognizing that we all show up with different life experiences. We facilitate these sessions with the support and guidance of our own teachers, practising and learning with them to benefit our community. **Questions:** You can contact us here on meetup, via our site, or via e-mail at gcncmeditates@gmail.com. We so look forward to meeting and practising with you, for the benefit of all.

⚠️日本語の案内は下にあります⚠️ 🎟Fee: $5 🌱Payment: Cash or E-transfer If you choose E-transfer, we recommend sending it before arrival to: ✉️canasianstation@gmail.com 🗣Event Style ・This event is 18 + only • Group-based language exchange • Small groups of 3–4 people • Use both Japanese and English to communicate 🕒Schedule 6:15 – 6:30 Check-in 6:30 – 7:10 Round 1 7:10 – 7:15 Seat change 7:15 – 7:55 Round 2 7:55 Wrap-up 💫Friendly Guidelines • Participants with 2 no-shows may be removed from future events • This is not a dating or matchmaking event. You cannot request specific people to talk to. If you have an NG (someone you prefer not to be matched with), please let us know in advance • Photos may be taken for Instagram and event pages. If you do not wish to appear in photos, please inform the organizer beforehand • Harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, solicitation, or inappropriate behavior is strictly prohibited. If you notice any issues, please inform the organizer 🤝About This Event (Important) This is a group-based Language Exchange event. • One-on-one conversations with Japanese participants • Conversations with participants of a specific nationality ➡️are not guaranteed. ・Anyone who is interested in using Japanese and/or English is welcome to join, regardless of nationality. Thank you for your understanding🦄🌱 🎟️参加費：5ドル 🌱支払い方法：現金 or E-transfer ※E-transferをご利用の方は、到着前に ✉️Canasianstation@gmail.com へ送金していただくことを推奨しています 🗣️イベント形式 3〜4人のグループで、日本語と英語を使った国際交流🌏 本イベントは18歳以上限定です。 🕖タイムスケジュール 6:15 – 6:30 Check-in 6:30 – 7:10 第1ラウンド 7:10 – 7:15 席替え 7:15 – 7:55 第2ラウンド 7:55　解散 💫参加にあたって ・2回以上のNo-show（キャンセル無しの無断欠席）があった場合、以降の参加をお断りします ・本イベントはデート・マッチング目的の場ではありませんので、特定の「話したい人」の指定はできません。 ※NGの方がいる場合は、事前にお知らせください ・Instagram・イベントページ用に写真撮影を行う場合があります。写りたくない方は事前にお知らせください ・セクハラ、差別的発言、嫌がらせ、勧誘行為は固く禁止しています。もし見かけた場合は、主催者までご連絡ください 🫶イベントについて 本イベントは Language Exchange（言語交流）を目的としたグループ形式のイベントです。 ・カナダ人との一対一での会話 ・特定の国籍の参加者との会話 →これらを保証するものではありません。 ・日本語・英語を使って交流したい方であれば、国籍に関わらずご参加いただけます🦄🌱

We are a men's group where you can expect a frank and confidential space to speak personally, engage in interesting conversations or get support for your personal goals. This new team meets weekly on the East side of Toronto. Our group is part of Mentor Discover Inspire (MDI). This group prefers to meet outdoors but occasionally on Zoom. Guests are welcome but it's pretty casual so make sure you are expected in case we move locations. You can rsvp via meetup or call Tim @ 416-278-3058 to confirm this week’s location. The MDI Mission: To cause greatness by mentoring men to live with excellence and, as mature masculine leaders, create successful families, careers and communities. From MDI website[: https://goo.gl/3DQ6](https://goo.gl/3DQ6aY)aY From Toronto Sta[r: https://goo.gl/oDH](https://goo.gl/oDH3uX)3uX

Use parallel working/body doubling to help focus on your project, art, trade critiques or zines, study reference books or just get inspired! Any focus or skill level welcome, we have had people coding, sewing and studying as well as drawing, Meet on the ground floor of the Toronto Reference Library! The organizer will be wearing a bright orange t-shirt.

Join us for ESL Cafe on Mondays nights at St Paul's Bloor Street. We have groups for all levels of English: Basic English, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. At ESL Cafe, you can practice English conversation, drink coffee (or tea) and have lots of fun meeting other interesting people!!

**Set goals.** **Be accountable for them.** **Move your life forward with purpose.** Our goal is to cause greatness by mentoring men to live with excellence and, as mature masculine leaders, create successful families, careers and communities. If you have the desire to work on being the man that your legacy demands that you be (which means being the best you can be, we can work on what your legacy demands with you later) and the man you always wanted to be then we look forward to you attending. Our group is part of Mentor Discover Inspire (MDI). This group meets Mondays, North of Finch Avenue, usually indoors, outdoors in the summer but occasionally on Zoom. To confirm this week's location, please rsvp to Ricardo, call/text (647) 880-1488, or email ricardophilip@hotmail.com From MDI website[: https://goo.gl/3DQ6](https://goo.gl/3DQ6aY)aY From Toronto Sta[r: https://goo.gl/oDH](https://goo.gl/oDH3uX)3uX Regular attendees do not always RSVP, expect 6-8 men to be present.

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **[torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com/)** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **[torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com/)** This is an updated tour to the original Ward Tour introduced back in 2020. It brings in a new crop of landmarks that tell the tale of Toronto's first suburb Macaulaytown, on the property of James Macaulay. The Ward, Toronto's first suburb, first immigrant community and first large scale urban renewal project is a neighbourhood that dates to the beginnings of local history. Bounded by Yonge Street on the east, College Street on the north, University on the West, and Queen Street on the south, is a history walkers dream. But before the area developed and a civic square was even dreamed of, it was forest on the edge of Little York, with a clear flowing creek, named Taddle at its centre. A few years later James Macaulay established himself in the area northwest of the town of York. By mid-century the winds of change brought in Chinese rail workers and Jewish immigrants, mostly from Eastern Europe. The face of The Ward changed once again, but this time the ugly realties of racial injustice were prominent. With the building of the new Toronto General Hospital in 1909 the area reinvented itself, and the mass migration of jewish residents to the Kensington Market area to the west started. The Ward changed again and the idea that the area could be a pedestrian square with a new town hall at its centre took shape. And the rest as they say is history, Toronto got its new civic square and Toronto a new voice at the dawn of a new era in city building. The ward is a fascinating look at life in Toronto in the late 19th, 20th, and 21 century. For a quick preview of the walk click on the following link and enjoy https://youtu.be/4QEHjfuhmik This walking tour is for all walking levels and fitness skills. Please dress for the season and bring water. And remember to bring your love of history as well. Hope to see you there. This walking tour begins on the steps of Old City Hall at the northeast corner of Queen Street West, and Bay Street. The tour returns to the start location at the Old City Hall. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **[torontohistorywalks@gmail.com](http://torontohistorywalks@gmail.com/)**

トロントで日本語と英語の言語交換会を行います！ 参加費は5ドルです！ 申し込みから2日以内に、 e-Transfer $5 shungo.n0405@gmail.com に送金してください。 e-Transterが使えない場合は、現金での対応も可能ですので、必ずメッセージでお知らせください。 日本語と英語に興味のある人たちを集め、言語交換や新しいコミュニティ作りを行うことを目的としています！英語を学びたい方はぜひご参加ください！ ★こんな方におすすめです！ ・英語を話す練習がしたい方 ・トロントに来たばかりで情報を求めている方 ・友人を作りたい方 イベントの雰囲気は、こちらのInstagramでご確認いただけます https://www.instagram.com/toronto_language?

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** Get out and explore! A brilliant spring tour awaits, and let's celebrate the coming summer. Known as Sunnybrook Farm, situated in Leaside, it was owned by Joseph and Alice Kilgour and turned over to the City of Toronto in 1928 as a public park. Joseph Kilgour was President of the Canada Paper Company. He and his wife purchased the property in the 1890s in the suburban fringe. In 1933, Kilgour Memorial Gates and plaque at Wilket Creek Park were added to honour the Kilgour family. The park is a quiet oasis in the heart of the city. But it's also about treasured Canadian history and our beloved Veterans who now call Sunnybrook Hospital home. The Kilgour family gave the land for a hospital to be erected while the old veterans centre on Christie Street was literally falling apart. That's the way to treat the Veterans who fought for our freedom, put them in a cold, wet hospital to recover, way to go I must say! This walking tour is for all walking levels and fitness skills, however there are a few small hills. Please dress for the season and bring water. And remember to bring your love of history as well. Hope to see you there. This walking tour begins and ends at the main entrance of Edwards Gardens, 755 Lawrence Ave East, adjacent to the Lawrence Avenue TTC bus stop and parking lot! This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person! \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

# Sunday Brunch – Turtle Jack’s Bringing women together is empowering. Let’s build friendships and connections. Start by stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging in social activities that will help you reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being in a fun and supportive environment. I look forward to connecting with our regular members and new members. **Some fun topics to chat about:** * Travel adventures * Share pictures from exciting activities with the family * Funny or memorable stories * Favorite recipes Come out and join me—it will be nice to see you in person! **Event:** Sunday Brunch – It’s strictly a social event to connect with people and enjoy great conversation and food. It’s not a matchmaking event or no soliciting allowed. **Location:** Turtle Jacks – 5100 Erin Mills Pkwy, Mississauga, ON L5M 4Z5 **Schedule:** Sunday April 19, 2026. **Time:** 12:00 noon – 2:00 **Attendance:** If you need to cancel, kindly update your RSVP or advise asap as seats will be limited. > **Disclaimer:** *I (Patricia Lavigne) will not be responsible for any food, bills or gratuity. All restaurant-related experiences or expenses are solely handled by Turtle Jacks. Please ensure that you finalize all payments with your server. N*ote: gratuity is already included. **Attendance:** If your not able to attend the event ensure to update your RSVP as seats are limited. I’m truly looking forward to connecting with you. **Patricia Lavigne** [www.patricia-lavigne.com](http://www.patricia-lavigne.com)

✨ **Peace Starts With Me Afternoon – Earth Day Edition** 🌍 Join us for a meaningful and refreshing afternoon as we celebrate Earth Day together with light snacks, heartfelt sharing, and creative activities! Earth Day is a reminder that small actions can make a big difference — for ourselves, for others, and for our planet. Every day is a new opportunity to grow and take better care of the world around us. 📅 Date: **Saturday, April 18th, 2026** 🕒 Start Time: **3:00 PM** 📍 Location: 215 Mavety St Here’s what’s in store: 🗣️**Peace Sharing** – reflect on Earth Day and share thoughts on how we can grow and live more mindfully! ☕**Coffee Air Freshener DIY**– create your own eco-friendly air freshener using coffee grounds! **To confirm your spot and help us prepare materials, please fill out this short registration form:**[https://forms.gle/m3S61jzj8KSRD9XK8](https://forms.gle/m3S61jzj8KSRD9XK8)

Dive into the world of swimming with our exciting meetup group! Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop as we cover essential skills and techniques to feel confident swimming. Our experienced instructors will provide tips on breathing, sighting, and navigation to help you conquer any body of water. Whether you're new to swimming or looking to brush up on your skills, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to enhance your abilities in a supportive and encouraging environment. Don't miss out on this chance to explore the excitement of swimming with our welcoming community of swimmers. Admission includes a 1 hour swimming lesson, group or individual, depending on your comfort level and ability. All lessons will begin at the start of each hour (i.e. 6 pm, 7 pm). You are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to get acquainted, as well as change & set up. This is a BYOE workshop (Bring Your Own Equipment), so bathing suits, bathing caps, goggles, and ear/nose plugs are your responsibility. All other equipment, such as floatation devices, are available on site. I will be on site to guide you through the process and answer any questions you might have, as well as collect admission fees. You are welcome to hang back after your lesson to observe (a viewing gallery is available, however please be respectful of participants & instructors that are in session). This is a public pool facility, so please follow all safety protocols (i.e. no running on deck) With that in mind, I look forward to seeing you all out there and ready to have a blast in the pool.

Join us for an afternoon of peace, relaxation, & healing. This FREE Spring Open House is a beautiful way to step into sacred community by enjoying nourishing food, heartfelt connection, and complimentary sessions. We will be offering FREE mini services: Wax Scryings, Intuitive Readings, Somatic Healing, Soul Embodiment Light Activations, Reiki & Multidimensional Energy Healing, Channeled Card Messages, Vibrational Sound Healing, Healing Infrared Dome Sauna, Chakra & Meridian Healing & Energy Body Clearing & Activation, Psychic Readings, Meditation, Wellness Coaching, & more! Time slots will be available first come, first serve. Optional RSVP to Caitlynn at: [kalik.wellnesswithin@gmail.com] We will also be offering ongoing group talks and activities in our group room. Dr. Ryan Brown, Metaphysician & Transformational Trainer will be speaking at 3pm! This is a perfect opportunity to meet each practitioner & receive an introduction to the many different healing modalities we offer. Spiritual & Wholistic gifts and Gift Certificates & Packages will be available to purchase. They make a great gift for yourself or as a holiday gift of self-care for your friends and family. Mini Service Offerings: Ammatara: Wax Scryings, Intuitive Readings, Somatic Healing, & Soul Embodiment Light Activations Caitlynn: Energy Healing & Channeled Card Messages Ellen: Vibrational Sound Healing Team Member: Healing Infrared Dome Sauna Group Room Talks/Demos: Session 1 \| Intro to Center & Practitioners with Ammatara Session 2 \| Soulbits Circle with Caitlynn Session 3 \| Alternative Medicine with Dr\. Carlos Session 3 \| Group Sound Healing with Ellen Session 4 \| Somatic Healing\, Releasing & Return to Love with Ammatara Session 5 \| Frequency Shifting with Dr\. Ryan Brown Hosted by The Center for New Life Practitioners 6797 N. High Street Suite 333 Worthington Ohio 43085 \*Entrance up the orange ramp to right of building and to 3rd floor\*

Community Seed and Plant Swap Do you love gardening? Want to expand your collection of plants and seeds without breaking the bank? Join MOFB for their free community-based event. Sunday, April 19th 4-6 pm at Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop 116 N Wheatland Ave Columbus OH, 43223 To RSVP for free in-person attendance: https://forms.gle/t6Ppoc5WnRFPTJMZ

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Free Communal Garden Class Series GROWING MUSHROOMS In this class, we will discuss how to raise mushrooms on logs outdoors as a way to raise food in parts of your yard that are usually too shady to grow vegetables or other crops. We will discuss what mushroom species can be cultivated, what tree species they can grow on, and demonstrate how to prepare and inoculate the logs. By following these steps, you can have your own bountiful mushroom harvest! APRIL 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | WELLS BARN 1851 E BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205 INSTRUCTOR: MARC AMANTE Mare Amante is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Central State University who is also currently serving as CSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Program Leader. He has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms across the Midwest and currently owns and operates an urban farm here in Ohio where he raises microgreens, vegetables, raspberries, and log-grown mushrooms for sale to local markets and restaurants. Registerefor free here https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/cg-growing-mushrooms/

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!

Open to public: Friday, 5/15/26: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 5/16/26: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Hosted by OSU The 2026 Chadwick Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Auction Fundraiser Location: Lawn area south of the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center 2201 Fred Taylor Dr, Columbus, OH 43210 Spring Plant Sale Spring into greenery at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens! Join us for our annual Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser and dive into a lush world of botanical delights. With over 16,000 fresh, exotic, and time-tested edible and ornamental plants, there's something for every green thumb! Experience the thrill of our tree and shrub auctions, where you can bid on unique specimens to enhance your garden sanctuary. Step into our Learning Lab, where engaging educational demonstrations on various garden topics will unfold throughout the three-day sale, enriching your knowledge and inspiring your green endeavors. Take part in an exciting, live auction offered each day, as well as a silent auction on Thursday and Friday. Explore vendor booths brimming with gardening essentials and delightful treasures. And while you shop 'til you drop, indulge in delectable treats from a delicious, local food truck. Proceeds from this event go directly to The Ohio State Chadwick Arboretum, student organizations, and local businesses alike. Come one, come all! Let's cultivate a brighter, greener future together. Credit/debit cards only.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be a good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Communication is everything in life! You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024