A number of events this week support programs and initiatives benefiting girls and women in Toronto and abroad. Here are five worth checking out.
Shine Charity Gala
Support the North York Women’s Shelter at the Shine gala on October 13. The event takes place at the Eglinton Grand (400 Eglinton West) and includes dinner, an open bar, silent auction, live music, dancing and more. The Honorable Carolyn Bennett will deliver a keynote address and help present SHEro awards. Tickets are $150 and proceeds benefit H.E.R., which supports healing, empowerment and refuge for women and children impacted by violence and abuse. See listing for details.
International Day of the Girl 2016
Join We Talk Women in celebrating International Day of the Girl with a screening of Difret at the George Ignatieff Theatre (15 Devonshire Place) on October 13 at 7pm. The film, written and directed, by Zeresenay Berhane Mehari and produced by Angelina Jolie follows the story of a young Ethiopian girl, who is abducted for marriage but accidentally kills her captor after fighting back. When local law demands a death sentence, a passionate women’s rights lawyer steps in to defend her. The screening is followed by a discussion on how child marriage affects millions of girls around the world. The event is pay-what-you-can at the door. See listing for details.
Girls Rock Camp Toronto 5th Birthday Party
Girls Rock Camp is a Toronto non-profit that builds self esteem through music for girls. Local female musicians volunteer to offer music instruction and coaching during band practices. On October 14 at the Tranzac (292 Brunswick Avenue), Girls Rock Camp celebrates its fifth birthday with a night of music, games, prizes and a silent auction. The event is pay what you can and all proceeds benefit the organization. See listing for details.
Boobyball Presents Paradise City
The 15th annual Boobyball, which raises funds for Rethink Breast Cancer takes place at the Rebel Complex (11 Polson Street) on October 14. For this year’s jungle theme, guests are encouraged to wear animal-print cocktail attire. Tickets are $125 and include access to a tiki bar, snacks from Earls restaurant, live entertainment, gift bag and more. See website for details.
Toronto Run & Roll Against Violence
Support the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre and Multicultural Women Against Rape at this fun, all-levels run/walk on October 16 at High Park (1873 Bloor West). Registration is $65 and all proceeds go directly to survivors of violence through TRCC’s counseling, court support, education and workshop programs. All participants receive a T-shirt and gift bag. See listing for details.
michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas
