TORONTO ISLAND FROM THE INSIDE. Enjoy a delightful summer day on the Island in support of a great cause. On June 10, 2012 the Toronto Island Grannies in Spirit will host the second tour of distinctive private homes and common buildings, each with its own story to tell. You'll have the opportunity to meet Island residents, view historic photographs and memorabilia at the Ward's Island Clubhouse and catch Random Acts of History. Come early and enjoy lunch at the Island Cafe or The Rectory. Tickets: torontoislandhousetour2012.eventbrite.com or call (416) 203.0902

Grannies in Spirit is one of over 220 grandmother groups across Canada in the Grandmothers Campaign. All proceeds will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation to fund grass roots projects in Africa that support grandmothers who are raising their orphaned grandchildren.

The Toronto Island community started as a “tent city” in the early 1900s. It is now a unique, year round (and car free) neighbourhood, with more than 650 residents living in 262 homes. There are no stores, banks, or ATMs. Some of the houses were purchased out of the Simpson’s catalogue in the 1930s. Others were floated from Hanlan’s Point when the Island Airport was built. And still others have been renovated or designed by architects to make optimal use of small spaces. The community is part of the urban landscape, yet magically removed from the city by a fifteen minute ferry ride.

Date: Sunday, June 10, 2012

Registration & Historical Displays: 12:00 to 5:00 pm

Houses open: 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Tickets: Adults $45, children 13 and under $15; on sale at torontoislandhousetour2012.eventbrite.com or call (416) 203.0902

Location: Toronto Island community at the east end of Toronto Island. Take the island ferry service (at the foot of Bay Street) to Wards Island (every half hour in June; adults $6.50 return)

Website:

http://torontoislandhousetour2012.eventbrite.com