N O V E M B E R 201 7
Leaside Life leasidelifenews.com
Take time to remember... See pages 3, 9 and 29.
No. 66
Lots of charge left in Helena and Lauren’s “Batteries Saves Lives” campaign By KARLI VEZINA
SUE PRIBAZ
Last February we told you about Helena Giamos of Branksome Hall and Lauren Essaye of Northlea, two girls who rallied Leasiders to donate their used batteries to save lives. When we last spoke, they were more than halfway to their goal of 15,000 batteries and optimistic about hitting their target. We caught up with both young ladies, now in Grade 7, to find out how the rest These avid runners hit the trails in Leaside every week.
Put down those smartphones and turn off that Netflix. Step away from your homework. (Studies show that exercise increases brain function.) It’s time to run, bike, hike, and walk your way into the hidden gems of Leaside’s own outdoor playgrounds. Ten out of 10 doctors agree that exercise is important for your health and wellbeing. But exercising on the streets of Leaside has become a little harrowing. (Unless, of course, one enjoys the thrill of dodging construction trucks or manoeuvring around traffic cones.) But fear not, couch potatoes (or those using Metrolinx construction as an excuse for avoiding exercise), there are plenty of safe, FREE options in Leaside for jogging, biking, hiking, or walking! Get active outside and experience the joys of moving in nature. Leaside is fortunate to have access to Toronto’s extensive park and trail network. From our very own doorstep, Leasiders can enter Sunnybrook, Serena
Susan Scandiffio
KARLI VEZINA
Put down that smartphone and run, bike, hike or walk Leaside
Sunnybrook Park is accessible by foot or bike from Sutherland Ave. north of
of the campaign went. Their WE Day-inspired campaign Helena and Lauren’s Batteries Saves Lives wrapped up at the end of August as planned, with a whopping 34,000 used batteries! With some help from their parents, the girls spread the word at school and in town. Helena is proud of their accomplishments. “I know in my heart that I’m helping someone survive and that makes me really happy,” she said. (Zinc deficiency affects two billion people globally, and nearly 450,000 children die annually due to complications from lack of zinc.)
RUN, BIKE, HIKE, Page 18
BATTERIES, Page 15
Columnist
Gundy, and Wilket Creek parks at the north end of the neigbourhood. All are stunning locations with an impressive array of trees and animal species. The three parks in the Don Valley are excellent spots for physical activity of all levels. Each boasts a variety of trail surfaces and offers options for the beginner to intermediate athlete. But each also has its own distinctive features.
Sunnybrook Park