THE PARK SEASON HAS ARRIVED!
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Spring is definitely here, and we can feel it in the energy around us. At Jamii, the team is already getting ready for summer programming - and as always, it is going to be so much fun!
But before that, we really need your help. Like, really.
We are working on PASI, the photo exhibition we shared with you in connection with the world soccer tournament happening in Toronto this summer. So far, we have found participants representing 44 of the 48 countries taking part in the tournament - which feels pretty amazing already - but the project will not be complete unless we can find people from all 48 countries and we are missing:
Iraq
Qatar
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Democratic Republic of Congo
Could you please think about your friends and your wider network to see whether someone from one of these countries (born there, or with parents or ancestors born there) might like to participate?
We are closing this beautiful project this week because the exhibition will be unveiled on Friday, May 8th at 6:00 PM so we are counting on you to pass the finish line.
If you know someone from one of these four countries, you can send them to our website.
Now that we're ready, let's get into the exciting updates!
FIRST OUTDOOR EVENT OF THE YEAR: JOY IN THE PARK IS NEXT FRIDAY!
Joy in the Park is back on Friday, May 8 with a free outdoor community celebration for all ages. With a major international soccer tournament coming to Toronto this summer, we’re celebrating the City of Toronto's "The World in a City" theme with live music, dance, family activities, and the unveiling of PASI, Jamii’s newest photo exhibition along The Esplanade.
PASI invited about 100 people to represent their home countries participating in the tournament, creating a public photo exhibition that reflects the many places, stories, and connections that shape Toronto. THE UNVEILING OF PASI: 6 PM at JARVIS AND THE ESPLANADE
We’ll begin at 6 PM at Jarvis and The Esplanade with a walkabout to unveil the exhibition, accompanied by live music from Aline Morales and Rudy Ray.
LIVE PERFORMANCES: 6:30 PM ACROSS FROM MARKET LANE PUBLIC SCHOOL IN DAVID CROMBIE PARKAt 6:30 PM, the celebration continues across from Market Lane Public School in David Crombie Park with music by Joaquín Núñez & Habana Safari, a dance performance of Ashes by Artists in Motion, facepainting by Linda Epp, henna by Krishna Patel, stiltwalking by Caitlin Morris-Cornfield, and a soccer-inspired craft for kids.
Bring your family, bring a friend, or come by on your own. This event is free for everyone, and no registration is needed.
WHEN | Friday, May 8 from 6 PM to 8 PMWHERE | Across from Market Lane Public School in David Crombie Park
Jamii’s Joy in the Park events are sponsored by Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Metcalf Foundation Booster Fund, Rama Gaming House & Charitable Gaming, and supported by Canadian Stage. PASI Photo Exhibition is sponsored by the City of Toronto.
JAMII'S THRIFT MARKET DID IT AGAIN!
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Thrift Market on April 18 & 19.
Together, we raised just over $4,500 - wow! Every dollar will go directly back into Jamii’s free programming.
What makes the Thrift Market so special is that it is not only a fundraiser for Jamii, but also a meaningful community event. People clear space in their homes for a good cause, others find treasures and essential items at very affordable prices, and together we help give objects a longer life within the community.
Thanks to the support of St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association's Waste Reduction Group, ReMarket, we now also have a connection with the Salvation Army so unsold items can continue being redistributed through their services.
And do you know how many volunteers helped make this happen?
32 volunteers contributed a total of 170 volunteer hours!
How amazing is that? The community came through, we're grateful!
REMINDER
REGISTRATIONS FOR JUNE CYCLE WORKSHOPS OPEN ON MAY 10! CHECK OUT THE WORKSHOPS AND SIGN UP FOR REMINDERS.
FUNDERS HIGHLIGHT: RAMA GAMING HOUSE & CHARITABLE GAMING
Jamii has incredible support from public and private funders and sponsors. Many of the arts programs and events we are bringing to The Esplanade are made possible with the support of our partner Rama Gaming House and Charitable Gaming. For the past several years, Rama Gaming House and Charitable Gaming Association have been an important part of Jamii’s story. Since 2020, their support has helped us keep our doors open, strengthen our programming, and remain present for the community when it mattered most. Their generosity has had a real impact on our organization, and we are deeply thankful.
COMMUNITY NOTES
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE ST. LAWRENCE LIBRARY - DEADLINE IS TODAY, APRIL 30TH!
Toronto Public Library is inviting community members to share their thoughts on the future of the St. Lawrence branch.
Take a few minutes to share how you currently use the branch, what you value about it, and what you would like to see in the new library. Your feedback will help TPL plan spaces, services, programs, and collections that reflect the needs and interests of the St. Lawrence community.
The survey and idea exchange are open until April 30.
Over the next few months, TPL will also host focus group discussions on topics such as collections, programs, and services for people of all ages. To take part, email StLawrenceProject@tpl.ca.
TPL will present its plans and share how community feedback helped shape them at a public meeting in late summer 2026.
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