A month to celebrate, a November to join us!
A PROUD MOMENT TO SHARE WITH YOU
Dear neighbours and friends,
On October 5th, it was an honour to receive, alongside Linda Leistner, the Community Impact Award presented by Business / Arts. This major award celebrates a partnership between a business and an arts organization that has a powerful impact on its community. This award is a milestone for Jamii, and we are grateful for our rich partnership with Berkeley Castle. Together, we make magic.
As part of our award speech, Linda and I chose to represent the voices of our community, your voices, by sharing testimonials we received about programs such as Belonging, Laini, the Cycles, outdoor events, and so many more. One of our participants said, “Jamii is a gift.” This award is a gift to you.
To Linda and everyone at Berkeley Castle, thank you for your support in making Jamii the gem it is, and for your love for our community, The Esplanade, expressed through your continued investment in programs that bring people together.
On Jamii’s 15th anniversary, may this award be a symbol of all the magic we will continue to create together over the next 15 years.
With gratitude,
Isorine Marc Founder & Executive and Artistic Director, Jamii
SING SOMETHING NEW. MAKE YOUR FIRST PRINT.
Songs from across the Middle East with Maryem Hassan Tollar. Linocut printmaking and shared storytelling with Jieun Kim. Join us at The Jamii Hub this November, whether you’re trying something new or returning for more.
SINGING WORKSHOPS
Songs That Feel Like Home
Join Maryem Hassan Tollar to sing songs from across the Middle East. Learn new melodies each week and connect through voice, memory and shared musical traditions. No previous singing experience is needed.
WHEN | Mondays, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 7pm to 8:30pm WHERE | The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade TICKETS | $15 per session*
VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOPS
Linecut Printmaking
Explore linocut printmaking with Jieun Kim. Learn to design, carve and print your own images while contributing to a shared zine, a small publication bringing the group’s stories together. All materials are provided, and beginners are welcome.
WHEN | Wednesdays, November 4, 11, 18 7pm to 9pm WHERE | The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade TICKETS | $20 per session*
*You can also choose a Pay It Forward ticket to help a neighbour take part. No-cost Community Tickets are released as contributions and cancelled spots become available. If the fee is a barrier, check the booking page for availability; no explanation is needed.
YOU GAVE OUR OUTDOOR SEASON A JOYFUL SEND-OFF!
The Esplanade was full of dancing, familiar songs and neighbours singing along on October 9! Trash Panda Brass Band and The Stamps brought the energy, and you brought it right back for our last outdoor event of 2026.
We also gathered around our three newly unveiled mosaic tables, celebrating the work of Alex Ganassini and the community members who created them. Watching neighbours take a closer look and appreciate the care in every detail brought our 2026 theme, It Feels Right, into focus. It really did.
Thank you for sending our outdoor season off on such a high note. The music may have finished, but the mosaics are here for decades to come!
OUR FIRST GALA: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
When we first shared the idea of celebrating Jamii’s 15th anniversary with our inaugural gala, we weren’t sure what it would look like or what would define its success. On October 14, we understood that success was not only about reaching our fundraising goal (which we’re thrilled to say we achieved through donations, ticket sales and the silent auction!), but also about hearing the heartfelt testimonials that brought Jamii’s impact on people’s lives and our community into focus. Thank you to everyone who contributed, and to those whose words reminded us what that support makes possible.
The evening brought together delicious food, a silent auction, live performances, moving speeches, and extraordinary generosity. The room was beautifully transformed, with flowers hanging from the ceiling, an atmosphere buzzing with excitement, and everyone dressed in their most elegant outfits. We were humbled by the outpouring of support and are grateful to every single person who supported the gala, whether in person that evening or from afar. A special thank you to our Gala Chair, David Crombie.
Jamii is grateful to Centres D’accueil Héritage, St. Lawrence Market for supporting the evening, and to Jim and Marjorie Dawson, sponsors of the Artistic Excellence Award.
Be ready! The 2027 Gala is set to take place at St. Lawrence Great Hall!
SIX AWARDS, MANY REASONS TO APPLAUD
NESRIN AKDEMIR
Volunteer Dedication Award
Presented by Amanda Maragos (right), Chair of Jamii's Board of Directors
For the time, care and energy she brings to Jamii’s workshops, events and community gatherings.
FILOMENA LACARIA
Community Champion Award
Presented by Ausma Malik (right), Deputy Mayor and City Councillor for Ward 10, Spadina-Fort York
For her longstanding dedication to local children and families, and the connections she strengthens across The Esplanade.
MURIEL MCDAVID
Philanthropic Leadership Award, Individual
Presented by Maysam Abu Khreibeh (left), Writer, Spoken-Word Artist, Teacher, Activist
For her generosity and commitment to helping Jamii grow as a place for creativity and connection.
DARWIN PETERS
Artistic Excellence Award
Presented by Jim & Marjorie Dawson (left), Sponsors
For his painting practice and artistic contributions, connecting his home in Pikangikum First Nation with audiences here and beyond.
METCALF FOUNDATION
Philanthropic Leadership Award, Organization
Presented by Brendan Healy (left), Executive Director of Canadian Stage
For its sustained investment in Jamii’s people, development and future.
DAVID CROMBIE
Visionary Leadership Award
Presented by Kelly Langgard (left), CEO of Toronto Arts Council and Toronto Arts Foundation
For his enduring commitment to neighbourhoods where people of different generations can belong and thrive.
To our guests, donors, speakers, artists, volunteers and supporters: thank you for making this first Gala such a meaningful part of Jamii’s story.
JAMII'S THRIFT MARKET IS RETURNING THIS NOVEMBER!
Time to make room for something new to you! Our Thrift Market returns with four shopping days, November 26 to 29, and item donations beginning November 25.
You’re welcome to drop off items, shop for second-hand treasures, or do both. You don’t need to donate any items to shop.
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 25: 11am to 7pm. Item donations only; no shopping.
Thursday and Friday, November 26–27: 11am to 7pm. Shopping and item donations.
Saturday, November 28: 9am to 7pm. Shopping and item donations.
Sunday, November 29: 9am to 4pm. Shopping only; no item donations.
WHERE | The Jamii Hub, 264 The Esplanade ADMISSION | Free
Second-hand items are available for suggested donations of $1–$50, or more for rare treasures. Proceeds support Jamii’s community arts programs.
DARWIN PETERS WAS IN TORONTO
From October 12 to 18, we had the pleasure of welcoming Darwin Peters to Toronto for an artist residency filled with creative exchange.
During the week, Darwin connected with Alex Ganassini, Janice Garel, Mariana Hernandez, Una Janicijevic and Yasir Hameed, working across different art forms and exploring new ways of making.
It was a joy to see artists share their practices, try things together and learn from one another. Thank you to Darwin and all five artists for the ideas, time and creativity you brought to the week.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We’re working on a return to Pikangikum at the end of 2026, which would mark Jamii’s ninth visit to the community. We look forward to spending time together again and continuing the creative exchanges that have grown over the years. More on this soon! Jamii's collaborations with Pikangikum First Nation and Darwin Peters's Artist Residency in Canada are funded by Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council.
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