Let's Move, Willowdale is May 4th!

Presented by NeighbourLink North York in partnership with the North York Seniors Centre

WHEN: Saturday May 4th,

TIME: Sign In at 10:15am, Stretch at 10:30am Move-a-thon at 11am, BBQ from 12-2pm

WHERE: Hendon Park, 50 Hendon Avenue.

REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE

Back By Popular Demand, NeighbourLink North York is hosting Let’s Move, Willowdale in partnership with the North York Seniors Centre (NYSC) on Saturday May 4th. The Move-a-thon & BBQ is a family friendly event to celebrate spring, meet neighbours and make a meaningful impact in the lives of the most vulnerable in our communities. 

The Move-a-thon will begin at Hendon Park, 50 Hendon Avenue, at 11am where neighbours can walk, run or ride bikes along the Finch Hydro Corridor. Local run group We Run North York will marshal the walk and run, while Cycle Toronto marshals the bike ride. 

After the Move-a-thon, the festivities continue with a BBQ in the park from 12-2pm. There will be delicious burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers along with free milk tea! The BBQ will also feature caricature artists, face painting, cotton candy, kids crafts and activities, prizes, live music and dance performances from local artists. May 4th is Star Wars Day and attendees are encouraged to dress up!

According to the Toronto Vital Signs Report 37% of Torontonians (925,000 people) feel lonely at least 3 days a week and over 50% of adults feel depressed at least one day a week. This event combats these troubling statistics in two ways. 

First, the report also found that people who frequently use public spaces and attend community events have higher life satisfaction and tend to have a broader network of friends, know more of their neighbours, trust people and institutions. 

Secondly, all funds raised through the Move-a-thon registration and BBQ sales will go towards NeighbourLink and the North York Seniors Centre’s programs targeted at alleviating social isolation for the most vulnerable in our community. At NeighbourLink that includes their Mobile Food Deliveries, Community Care Team and Single Moms Mother’s Day event and at NYSC that includes their Friendly Visits, Wellness Monitoring, Social Clubs and virtual programs. 

Last year’s event welcomed over 1000 attendees of all ages from every corner of the neighbourhood. Taste of North York, another collaboration between the two charities, welcomed over 40K people to Mel Lastman Square in September. NeighbourLink and NYSC look forward to building on that success this year. This event also falls a day before the Toronto Marathon, serving as a community building warm up! Mayor Chow will also be participating in this year’s Move-a-thon.  

Folks can learn more and register for the move-a-thon (meal and tax receipt included) or just purchase a meal ticket HERE. Walk-ins are also welcome!

Thank you to our Sponsors: RBC, DUCA Credit Union, Mullholland Ross Real Estate Group, Mosaic Home Care, Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home and Delmanor Northtown