TORONTO, April 29, 2004 – Discover one of Toronto’s historic treasures – Glendon Hall, located on York University’s picturesque Glendon College campus. The doors to this signature fundraiser of the Junior League of Toronto (JLT), featuring more than 50 of Toronto’s finest designers, will open for public viewing from May 8th to June 6th.
Glendon Hall, the site of the Junior League’s 7th Showhouse, is being transformed by Toronto’s most talented and visionary interior and garden designers. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view and experience the sophisticated atmosphere, dignified surroundings and charming elegance of this historic renovated manor (shown left).
There is inspiration around every corner of the Showhouse, as each designer infuses his or her creative and inspirational design into the home, transporting viewers of the Showhouse back to a glorious past.
“This is a very exciting moment for the whole league, York University, our sponsors and designers," said JLT President Lorie Sikura. “From now until early May, many of Canada’s top designers are working vigorously to transform Glendon Hall into a work of art. The Junior League Showhouse is a great opportunity to learn about a piece of Toronto’s history while gaining inspiration from the beautifully decorated rooms.”
York University President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna Marsden added, “We are delighted to be a partner with the Junior League and grateful to the accomplished Toronto designers and suppliers who are donating their time, resources and talent to restore this magnificent manor. The renovation is a fitting tribute to the proud tradition and history of York’s Glendon campus, which produces many of Canada’s future public leaders. I am delighted that the Showhouse will raise funds for several important educational projects that will help improve the lives of youth in need within our community.”
Proceeds generated by this JLT fundraiser have been designated to Pathways to Education ProgramTM as the principal beneficiary. This unique initiative of the Regent Park Community Health Centre provides a blend of academic, social, financial and advocacy support to at-risk, economically disadvantaged young people from Regent Park so that they can get to school, stay in school and move on to post secondary education. Now in its third year, Pathways is making a measurable difference to over 420 young people. York University is partnered with the Pathways program through its Regent Park teacher education site which gives teacher candidates a better sense of the rewards and challenges of teaching in inner-city communities.
In 1920, Edward Roger Wood, founder of Dominion Securities, acquired the property of Glendon to build a country estate for his family. The manor home was completed in 1924 by the architectural firm of Molesworth, West & Secord. In 1950, Glendon Hall was bequeathed to the University of Toronto by Mrs. Wood, and was then donated to York University in 1961. Today, Glendon College supports the university's bilingual undergraduate college programs while remaining a small liberal arts college, supporting post-secondary education in both international and Canadian studies.
For more than 75 years, The Junior League has been one of Toronto’ most active and vital women’s volunteer service organizations. Since its inception in 1926, the JLT has made a positive impact on the quality of life, has raised in excess of $4 million and has devoted more than 40 million volunteer hours to initiate and support community programs. The Toronto league is part of an international organization, comprised of 294 leagues in four counties with a membership of more than 170,000 women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Advance admission tickets before May 1st are $20.00 and admission at the door is $25.00. Seniors, students and group tickets are $20.00. For tickets and information (including hours), call 416-485-4218 ext. 320, or visit the JLT website at www.jlt.org or call Ticketmaster at 416-872-1111.
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For more information, the media should contact:
Michelle Magee Joan Crocker Ken Turriff
Junior League of Toronto Junior League of Toronto Media Relations
905-326-7010 416-696-8643 York University
416-805-4512 (mobile) 416-736-2100, ext. 22086
YU/066/04
