The historic beauty of York’s Glendon Hall will provide the backdrop for a signature fundraiser organized by the Junior League of Toronto (JLT).
Right: Glendon Manor in the spring
The Junior League’s 7th Showhouse will feature the work of more than 50 of Toronto’s best interior and garden designers. The results of their work will be on display for public tours from May 8 to June 6.
Glendon Hall, located on York’s gracious Glendon campus, will be transformed room by room by the designers. Visitors will be treated to a once-in-a-hall’s-lifetime experience as they tour through the historic and charming building.
Proceeds generated by this JLT fundraiser have been designated to Pathways to Education Program as the principal beneficiary.
Left: The Glendon rose garden
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.
The program provides support so that the young people 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.
“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.”
In 1920, Edward Roger Wood, founder of Dominion Securities, acquired the Glendon property to build a country estate for his family. The manor home was completed in 1924 by the architectural firm of Molesworth, West & Secord.
Right: The historic Glendon Manor in the summer
In 1950, Glendon Hall was bequeathed to the University of Toronto by Mrs. Wood, and was then donated to York University in 1961. Today, the Glendon campus houses York’s bilingual liberal arts faculty, offering a variety of programs in the humanities and social sciences.
For more than 75 years, the Junior League has been one of Toronto’ most active and vital women’s volunteer service organizations. It is part of an international organization, comprised of 294 leagues in four countries 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.
Admission tickets for the JLT Showhouse are $25. Seniors, students and group tickets are $20. For tickets and information, call 416-485-4218 ext. 320, or visit the Junior League Web site. Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster at 416-872-1111.