Shoreline Cleanup - Fall 2025

A big thank you to the 15 volunteers who joined our Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup! In just one hour, the team collected 35.8 kgs of trash, including some surprising finds—a suitcase, a bucket, a rusty shovel, three shopping carts, and even a set of keys.

Their efforts help keep our waterfront clean, protect local wildlife, and show how every small action contributes to a healthier planet. Everyone left with a new appreciation for protecting the lake—and a commemorative hat to remember the day!

The Redwood

This is a non-profit based in Parkdale area with a 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, legal, employment and housing support for women and their children fleeing gender-based violence.

The Boulevard Club will be supporting the families through their ‘Redwood Bike Club’ program. The purpose of this program is to foster confidence, give a sense of independence and promote lifelong fitness.

UPDATE: THE REDWOOD - BIKE CLUB 2026

Last year we supported The Redwood with their Bike program.  There were 15 children and youth living at the emergency shelter who learned to cycle or improved their skills. There were also four women who participated as well (our donated bikes). Some children had never ridden a bike before. 

From they have shared with The Boulevard Club, is gratitude.  Their children had a chance to learn to ride a bike, fit a helmet and follow the rules of the road. Each child was given a new bike in the correct size, with helmet, a lock and a bell. This is theirs to keep. 

This program encourages the children to leave their troubles behind for a few hours and just have fun. 

Our Good Neighbours Program supported the Bike Club with a donation of $15,000 in 2025 and will be supporting again with $15,000 for summer 2026.

We’re thrilled to announce a transformative partnership between Philpott Children’s Tennis and The Boulevard Club 'Good Neighbour's Programme' aimed at providing access to tennis for inner-city youth. This collaboration will make a significant impact by providing free tennis lessons to children who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to engage in the sport. Beyond just learning tennis, these kids will gain invaluable life skills and forge lasting friendships. Happening Summer 2025, 2026 and 2027. The Boulevard Club has committed to 3 years of active support. 

The Boulevard Club’s sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to fostering youth development and community engagement through the sport of tennis.  With this support, Philpott can ensure that more children have access to high quality programming in a safe and welcoming environment where they can learn and grow through sport.

“Our partnership with the Boulevard Club is significant for our program,” said Richard Crowell, Executive Director of Philpott Children’s Tennis.  “With their generous support, we can provide accessible and reliable programs for families in the Parkdale community; and give more children the chance to experience the joy of tennis and build connections that will benefit them for years to come.”

The tennis program at Parkdale will run for 7 weeks throughout the summer months.  The program is free to participants and covers all costs including equipment and instruction.  

“The Boulevard Club is excited to continue a meaningful partnership with Philpott Children’s Tennis.  As we dedicate funds to sponsor the Summer Parkdale Tennis Program, we are honoured to have the opportunity to assist in empowering our youth and to be good neighbours in the process.”  Paul Cairns, Tennis Director

Registration for the Parkdale program can be done online through City of Toronto at toronto.ca/sports-programs.  For more information about the summer tennis program or to learn how you can support Philpott Children’s Tennis, please visit www.philpottchildrenstennis.com or email Richard Crowell at [email protected]. 

 

About Philpott Children’s Tennis

Philpott Children’s Tennis is a registered charity that provides free tennis and skill development programs for children and youth ages 5-24 in a safe, welcoming environment where there is A Place for Everyone to Play.  

With a 30-year history of partnering with Toronto’s communities, Philpott offers programs in 16 neighbourhood improvement areas where over 4,000 children and youth participate in their programs annually. Over the years, Philpott has become a reliable partner that communities, kids, and families can count on year-after-after.  

 

About The Boulevard Club

The Boulevard Club is a premier athletic and social club located in west Toronto.

For over a century, The Boulevard Club has built a reputation around time honoured traditions, exemplary service, and unrivalled athletics programs for all ages and abilities, including tennis, badminton, water sports, yachting, fitness, swimming, basketball, pickleball, and more.
 
A Lake Ontario landmark with a storied history and time-honoured community involvement, The Boulevard Club is a waterfront oasis in the city.

UPDATE: Summer 2026

From July 2 to August 29, 2026, the Summer Program at Sorauren Park will offer free tennis instruction to over 300 kids ages 6 to 16 years within the Parkdale catchment area. The program uses youth coaches trained and certified from the Philpott Leadership Program to run the program.

Number of People (Unique Individuals) to benefit: 300
Offered: 8 weeks | 4 age groups |160 hours of programming
Average Number Program Hours per participant: 10
 

The Boulevard Club and their 'Good Neighbour's Programme' will be supporting Romero House in the Parkdale Community Summer 2025, 2026 and 2027.  

This will be to ensure they are able to provide a camp experience for their members. A special place where they can go to with their families and enjoy the water and sports. 
Romero House has been providing camp for 30 years, but it has doubled in the number of people and they have more families wanting to participate. 

Summer Family Camp 2026

Romero Family Camp is a chance for the families who live or have lived at Romero House to spend time at summer camp. Campers spend up to a week doing all kinds of activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boating, playing soccer, volleyball, and basketball. It is a time to take a break from the refugee process and get out of the city, to connect with nature and with each other. 

Two sessions of Camp from August 9-14 and August 14-19, 2025.

Number of People (Unique Individuals) to Benefit: 100
Offered: 6 hours/day x 8 days = 48 hours
Average number of Program Hours per Participant: Most participants will spend about five hours/day in programming for four days so 20 hours total.

Summer 2026

Swim To Survive is the programme Aquatics places to give those kids in our community the opportunity to learn how to swim.  This Summer for 8 lessons, 45min each lesson over the course of 8 weeks. 

This year’s programme will have 40 children registered. These children are from the Parkdale community and we had the schools participate to add to the programme. 

The lessons aim to provide children with basic water safety skills, focusing on a single skill sequence to roll into deep water, tread for one minute, and swim 50 meters. The program helps children learn how to survive unexpected falls into deep water. 

2025
May and June 2025
94 community children participated 
8 week programme was offered with lessons not only to swim to survive, but we have increased this to cover swimming lessons

2024 
Swim To Survive Fundraiser happened in July 2024.
The theme for this popular event was Miami Vice. 
The Swim To Survive Committee consisted of Jennifer Blunt, Colleen Lapp, Theresa Lemieux and Sara Honey. Enough was raised to offer 78 swim lessons and the swim to survive to Parkdale kids.
The lessons did take place in November 2024.  MJKO and the school district participated. 

2023
Swim To Survive lessons to our Community. Working with Kids Up Front, Parkdale Food Bank, we had 48 participants in the Swim to Survive program.
Ages 6-12.
Many thanks to those assisting this initiative:

• Parkdale Food Bank
• Native Child and Family Services
• Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre
• Families in Transition Assistance Centre
• Irvin Family Assistance
• uniFOR
• Native Child and Family Services
• Romero House
• 4reasonZ
• Rexdale Community Health Centre
• MJKO - Mentoring Juniors Kids Organization

“Last year's free swimming lessons proved to be invaluable opportunities for the children in our community. Many families face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing such essential activities. The parents were overjoyed to see their children receiving these swimming lessons as they could not afford them otherwise. The impact of these free lessons extended beyond the pool. The children not only gained practical swimming skills but also developed a sense of confidence, accomplishment, and personal growth. They learned to overcome fears, embrace new challenges, and build resilience. Additionally, these lessons promoted social integration, allowing the children to interact with their peers in a positive and supportive environment.”

The overwhelming response from parents and children alike speaks volumes about the importance of continuing this initiative. The children, who benefited greatly from the lessons, are eagerly looking forward to the possibility of more free swimming spots this summer. The parents deeply appreciate the organizers' dedication and generosity in offering their children these valuable opportunities.

The Boulevard Club has been supporting ‘Adopt A School’ since May 2016—donating over $19,000 in services and cheques—with initiatives including:

• Grade 3 “Swim To Survive” lessons: assistance to 90+ students

• Christmas gift drive: presents for students that would not be experiencing a Christmas

• Book donations and reading program: Members volunteering to assist teachers with weekly reading sessions for students needing extra assistance

• Badminton program: donated used racquets and summer clothing
   

BOULEVARD BLAZERS for Food Insecurity

The Boulevard Blazers, a dynamic group of 28 women who participate in Dragon Boat racing, are showcasing what it means to come together as a team—not just on the water but in their shared mission to make a positive impact. Their $5,000 donation to the Daily Bread Food Bank highlights their collective dedication to addressing a pressing issue in the Toronto community: access to food.

The Daily Bread Food Bank plays a crucial role in providing nourishment to those in need, and the money raised will go directly to supporting its efforts to distribute food to families and individuals who are struggling. The fact that this donation comes from a group of women who are already working closely together in their sport emphasizes the importance of community cohesion and the power of collective action. These women aren’t just supporting their own team; they are reaching beyond their circle to help those who might not have the same resources or opportunities.

What makes this donation especially meaningful is the care that goes into it. This isn’t just a monetary gift; it’s an expression of the group’s values—compassion, empathy, and a desire to uplift others. The women of the Boulevard Blazers are modeling what it means to stay connected and engaged with the community, to be proactive in helping others, and to use their collective energy and resources for the greater good.

This donation will have a tangible, positive impact, helping the Daily Bread Food Bank continue its critical work and providing relief to families in need. It’s a beautiful example of how communities can come together to support one another, and it highlights the importance of showing care and responsibility for the wellbeing of those around us.



UPDATE: The Boulevard Blazers have raised an incredible $20,000+! This impressive achievement is the result of their dedication and outreach within their own network of friends and family. The Boulevard Blazers are truly on fire, leading the charge to support those in need. In the spirit of community and compassion, the Boulevard Blazers challenge other sports teams—especially fellow Dragon Boaters—to join them in this mission. Together, they are working to fight hunger and address food insecurity, while advocating for lasting solutions to end poverty. Let’s unite and make a difference!

On December 5, they were featured in a CBC interview, where they discussed their fundraising efforts and the importance of community involvement!

Click HERE to hear the interview.

• Annual Christmas Food Baskets: multiple years of family volunteers assisting in delivering baskets to 230 recipients in the Davenport area

• Bottle drives: full Member participation with all proceeds to Dovercourt

• Charity Tennis Tournament: in 2018, the Club held a charity tennis tournament that raised $9,200 to fund Dovercourt’s After School Snack Program, Teaching Garden, and subsidies for camp programs
   

Philpott Ladies Championship January 2025
From: Philpott Children’s Tennis Org…
Theme for the fundraiser: Bridesmaids
Hosted by:  The Boulevard Club

 

Team Bridesmaids, 

You crushed it - truly.  

I know there are still some wrap up items on the agenda, but for the most part, you are DONE:) Congratulations!

Richard and I are so grateful for your tremendous effort to put on a first-class event. We loved it! Our small charity is able to have an impact beyond our budget because so many people, like all of you, go above and beyond to make a difference for the kids and families who rely on our programs.  

Paul, what an amazing job. It is no easy feat to manage over 300 players, at 9 clubs across the city, playing over 250 matches in 2 days - phew! And you deliver with the same care and smile from the kick-off meeting to the very last detail.  You are now the GOAT of the Ladies Invitational:)

Lindsay and Sarah, thank you so much for taking on the Co-Chair roles. I loved working with both of you. You lead this Dream Team to a record breaking result, and put together a team that I was so thankful to be part of. Every detail was amazing and everyone made such significant contributions - who said tennis is an individual sport? This was a team effort from start to finish and everything in between.

Finally, thank you for welcoming us to your club.  You have a warm and generourous membership at the Boulevard Club and we’re so grateful for the support of your entire community.  

As I said at the first meeting, the fundraising is not the most important thing about this event; but you crushed that too! A record-breaking result that will be hard to match, never mind beat. Richard and I promise that your efforts will make a difference, bringing tennis and the sense of community that comes with it, to so many kids and families. If any of you would ever like to come see our program, please reach out to Richard or I - we love when people visit!

Congratulations again. I hope you all rest well, knowing that you have a made a difference; and I hope that you’ll continue to stay in touch with us, we promise to do the same.  

 

Congratulations Bridesmaids! And Paul!

With (lots of) gratitude, 

Sophie

 

Sophie Ronan

Philpott Childen’s Tennis

A Place for Everyone to Play

www.philpottchildrenstennis.org

2025 November 

The Winter Holiday Marketplace was a tremendous success, bringing together more than 65 vendors and welcoming over 300 attendees for a festive day of shopping and community connection. Members and guests had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of unique products, support local businesses, and discover one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation helped make the event a memorable celebration of the season and a wonderful showcase of the vibrant community that makes our club special.

Supporting our Community!

2024 November 27 4pm to 8pm
Join us for the upcoming annual Winter Holiday Marketplace.
Currently calling out for artists and crafters!

If you know of any artist or crafter that would love to join us for this wonderful opportunity, please ask them to contact our Club Ambassador, Bradley Hazelton at [email protected]

2023 November
We had over 50 vendors – local artists and crafters set up. With over 300 attendees, many started their Christmas shopping and supported local!

 

The Boulevard Club members and staff donates to good causes such as assisting
Sick Kids and the Ukraine families in 2022. The Boulevard Club hosted a fundraiser 
for the Ukrainian families that arrived in Toronto in need of medical 2022
The Club raised $17,780.
 

The Boulevard Club has supported Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC) since 2019, donating over $375,000 to the Community Meal Program along with social and recreational activity donations, including:

• Annual Gala fundraisers

• Clothing and shoe drives

• Valentine’s Day card drive

• Service ware for the kitchen, including dinnerware, platters, and equipment
   

Since 2015, The Boulevard Club has donated over $40,000 through annual fundraisers.

The Boulevard Club supports local artisans at the annual, winter Boulevard Marketplace with a Christmas tree lighting event and vendor tables showcasing local artisans.

WEST NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE 2026
SOUTH PARKDALE SUMMER SPORTS & WATERFRONT CAMP

New to us for support – The West Neighbourhood House will run a low-coast summer day camp for children ages 7-12 living in South Parkdale. Camp fees are subsidized so that they become $110 per week, with more families needing further financial assistance.

With The Boulevard Club’s support they will be able to provide full camp fee subsidies for 10 children per week and increase the number of camp staff. This is an 8 week program. Timing is July 6 to August 28, 2026 and with approximately 256 spots available for children. 

Our Good Neighbours Program is supporting with a donation of $14,500 for summer 2026.