BOULEVARD BLAZERS RAISING AWARENESS FOR THOSE FACING 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.

We’re thrilled to announce a transformative partnership between Philpott Children’s Tennis and The Boulevard Club, aimed at revolutionizing 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.

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.

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 will take place in November 2024.  MJKO and the school district will be participating. 

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.

• 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
   

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 Concierge, Zena Laing –[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 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
   

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.