5 minute read

Retirement is not a part of the Goldhars’ vocabulary

from Leaside Life Issue 132 May 2023

from Leaside Life Issue 132 May 2023, page 34

James Henderson celebrates his...

by STAN FLEMMING

When the original founders of this publication, Ruth and Harry Goldhar, retired for the second time back in 2017, writer Allan Williams mused about what might be next for the pair. The Goldhars certainly have had more time to enjoy their family and friends and explore their lifelong passion for travel. They have also continued to find ways to reach out and help people in need. Most recently, the Goldhars have been part of a private citizen sponsor program which allows Canadians to assist in resettling specific individuals or families who qualify as refugees under Canada’s refugee and humanitarian program.

In 2022, the Goldhars opened their home to a young man from Afghanistan who, at age 17, had to flee his home after his father was killed by the Taliban. Hassan (not his real name as publishing his name would endanger other family currently living in Afghanistan), has now settled nicely in his new country and has found employment and a safe place to live.

For Hassan, whose life situation has improved dramatically since his arrival in Canada, thoughts of those who remain at risk back in Afghanistan are always uppermost on his mind. Among those at risk is Hassan’s cousin, Amir (also not his real name), who is the eldest of four siblings and part of the visible ethnic minority group, Hazara, who have been persecuted and attacked by the Taliban. A 2020 paper by the Hazara Research Collective, states: “The Shia Hazara minority in Afghanistan are regularly subjected to targeted killings, violence, and discrimination based on their ethnic and religious identity.” The report adds that “…Hazaras continue to face what amounts to a genocide under international law.”

Hassan, the Goldhars and others have formed a group to rescue Amir and bring him to Canada. The private sponsor group agrees to support the sponsored refugee during resettlement in Canada. This support includes assistance with everything from housing, clothing, and daily necessities to helping with employment, language training and general orientation with their new country.

In accordance with the private citizen sponsor program, before submitting the application to Canadian immigration, $16,500 must be raised and held in trust to support Amir in his first year in Canada.

To date, the group has raised almost $10,000. They would welcome help from the Leaside community to contribute any amount, large or small, to help change or save the life of a young man.

Interested in contributing or finding out more email leasidelife@ gmail.com or visit https://gofund. me/b3e64407. n

May Events

LEASIDE HIGH CLASS OF ’73 REUNION

At the Leaside Pub, June 24, from 4 p.m. Open mic, trivia contest, music from our era, meet and greet and time to reminisce over food and drink. We are raising money for LHS to help refurbish a student lounge which first was established in our graduating year. We also hope to arrange a tour of LHS for those wishing to participate during the afternoon. More info: contact Earl Manners earlmanners@gmail.com.

Recycle Your Electronics

WOMEN’S COMMUNITY NETWORK EVENT

Eglinton St. George’s United Church

Wed. May 3, 6-10:30 p.m. Join us for an uplifting evening of inspirational speakers, connection, laughter and support local artisans/businesses with the WCN Marketplace! Wine bar and appetizers. For all details and to register: www.torontowomensnetwork.com.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

1847 Bayview Ave.

Listen to great live music by local artists and have a coffee and dessert with friends. The next Groove Room Coffee House is Friday, May 12, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Cost is $5 with all proceeds going to the Flemingdon Food Bank. We are looking for performers. Contact info@saintaugustine.ca.

ST. CUTHBERT’S, LEASIDE

1399 Bayview Ave. 416 485 0329 www.stcuthbertsleaside.com

Tai Chi: Tuesdays 1:30-2:30 p.m. Donation: $4

Spring Book and Bake Sale Sat., May 6 from 11 a.m-2 p.m. Contributions welcome beforehand. Volunteers needed. Spring Cheese Sale from Empire Cheese Co-op. Orders accepted until Tues., May 23, for delivery to the church on Tues., June 6.

Volunteers welcome to assist in our community vegetable garden, providing fresh organic produce to Flemingdon Food Bank. Main “work party” day: Wednesdays 10 to noon.

LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH

822 Millwood Road 416-425-1253 leasideunited.org alison@leasideuc.com

The Awesome Sale May 12 (3-7 pm) and May 13 (10 am1 pm) Drop off donations on weekdays (10 am-noon).

LEASIDE GARDEN SOCIETY

Zoom Speaker Series on May 11th. Our special guest is Paul Gellatly – The Tattooed Gardener. Topic: Falling for Autumn: Preparing for the Fall. 7p.m. The Leaside Garden Society always welcomes guests and new members to join the society for our meetings. Visit www.leasidegardensociety.org or email: leaside@gardenontario.org.

LEASIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

670 Eglinton Ave. East

Monthly luncheons on the second Wednesday of the month at 1p.m. May 10th. Gord McGregor shares three river trips

Celebrating Leaside 110 in May:

• Archival exhibit (Leaside Library)

May 4th, 9 am - 8 pm, May 5th, 9 am to 4 pm May 6th, 9 am to 4 pm

Archival Exhibitors: John Naulls, local resident historian and cartographer

Leaside High School Alumni

Leaside Heritage Preservation Society

Leaside Memorial Community Gardens

• May 5th and 6th, 1 p.m. - Jane’s Walk (Leaside Library)

• May 10th - Leaside 110 Anniversary Celebration (Amsterdam Brewhall) $25.00. For tickets or info email leasidelife@gmail.com

• May 19th - Bridges to Thorncliffe Park/ Community Bazaar

• May 30th - East York Historical Society (S. Walter Stewart Library)

• May 27thBessborough May Fair in the Yukon and NWT. Bring your own bagged lunch. Coffee and tea provided. RSVP to 416-422-0510 or admin@ leasidepc.ca.

LEASIDE BRANCH PUBLIC LIBRARY

165 McRae Drive, 416-396-3835.

TEEN ACRYLIC PAINTING

Wed., May 17, 3:45-5:15 p.m.

Meet other teens who share your passion for painting. Participants will be guided step-by-step to recreate a painting using acrylic painting techniques. All materials provided. In-person program and spots are limited. Please register in person or by phone at 416-396-3835.

GROW A POLLINATOR CONTAINER

Mon., May 29, 10-11 a.m.

The demonstration, led by Toronto Master Gardeners, will show how to choose the right container and soil, show plants and arrangements. The container will be raffled off. This program is part of TPL’s Our Fragile Planet series, supported by TD Friends of the Environment. No registration required.

LEARN TO CAMP WITH PARKS CANADA

Tues., May 30, 3:30-5 p.m.

Find out how to plan for your first camping trip with tips on equipment, safe campfires, and wildlife sightings. Designed for adults, but supervised children are welcome. Registration required. Call 416-396-3835.

Display booth from 12-3:30 p.m. about camping and our local Rouge National Urban Park. n