Show Up Toronto - June 10, 2025
Hi pals,
Happy Tuesday! Hope you're able to stay out of the wildfire smoke as much as possible.
Quick reminder that given that the newsletter only goes out once a week, there are bound to be events planned on short notice that don't make it into a newsletter. Checking the site directly is always going to be the best way to see the most up-to-date events. You can also add the calendar feed to your calendar app and they'll get added to your calendar automatically.
As always, if you find this tool useful, tell your friends.
Thank you for showing up,
Jenny
Take heart: By now you've probably heard about Israel's brazen attack on the humanitarian aid ship Madleen in international waters, which had been headed for Gaza with food, medical supplies, and water filters. Greta Thunberg and a dozen of her comrades were captured in flagrant violation of international law. This is bleak! However, a last-minute rally in Toronto last night in support of the Freedom Flotilla saw enormous turnout, and another land convoy of at least seven thousand activists and volunteers is now headed towards Gaza in an effort to break the siege. Courage is contagious.
Take action: Indigenous activists from around Ontario have been camped out at Queen's Park to protest the passage of Bill 5, an absolutely atrocious piece of legislation that tramples all over environmental protection, indigenous sovereignty, labour laws, and more. The Ripple Community Collective is collecting donations and funds to support the encampment. Take a look at what supplies they need or e-transfer ripplecommunitycollective@gmail.com directly - include "for QP camp" in the message. They're also looking for drivers, if you have access to a car!
⭐️ = events added since the last newsletter
Events this week
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
⭐️ 12-4PM — Donation Drive for Deer Lake FN Evacuees (115 Church St)
Hosted by Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction - Urgent donations requested to support Deer Lake First Nations members who have been evacuated from Manitoba and are currently sheltering in the GTA. Drop off directly at the Native Arts Society.
4-7PM — Ancestors Workshop (The 519, 519 Church)
Hosted by From Your Ancestor - Come learn and gather with From Your Ancestor during Indigenous Peoples Month × Pride Month about how to do narrative work to reclaim ancestral teachings. Topics include intergenerational knowledge, ancestral healing practices, Healing Justice models, communalism, radical futurism and how to keep the fire going in community. Venue is wheelchair accessible, open to all.
5-8PM — Public Consultation on Waste (Council Chambers, 100 Queen St. W)
Hosted by City of Toronto - With a growing population, Toronto’s waste is anticipated to grow and landfill capacity in Ontario is estimated to run out in the next ten years. Attend the public consultation to learn more and share your ideas about what the City should consider to achieve its long-term waste management goals and about energy-from-waste compared to landfilling as a garbage disposal option.
⭐️ 6-8PM — Outreach at Dufferin and Dupont (Dufferin and Dupont Northeast Corner)
Hosted by TTC Riders - Let's keep the momentum going at Dufferin! TTC Riders be out door knocking to connect with residents about the future of transit and the need for RapidTO lanes on Dufferin. Every conversation counts - and they need your help to make sure as many voices as possible are heard. Join for an evening of meaningful conversations!
⭐️ 6-8PM — Outreach at Dufferin and Davenport (Dufferin and Davenport Northeast Corner)
Hosted by TTC Riders - TTC Riders will be out door knocking to connect with residents about why RapidTO lanes on Dufferin matter. Every conversation builds momentum - and they need your help to make sure community voices are heard. Join in for an evening of building transit power at Dufferin and Davenport!
⭐️ 6:30-8PM — Palestine as Pathway to Decolonial Futures (80 Gould St. Eaton Lecture Hall)
Hosted by Studio for Media Activism & Critical Thought - A conversation and book launch with Dr. Muhannad Ayyash, moderated by Dr. Christopher Powell and Dr. Layal Shuman. Virtual option available.
⭐️ 7-9PM — Civic Hacknight: Democracy's Library Canada (Hybrid)
Hosted by Civic Tech TO - Andrea Mills, Executive Director of Internet Archive Canada, and Brewster Kahle, founder of Internet Archive, will share the vision behind Democracy’s Library—a global initiative to provide free, permanent access to government and civic information. Breakout group to work on civic tech projects to follow.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
12-6PM — Gathering of Women+ From the Four Directions (941 Progress Ave, Scarborough)
Hosted by Moon Time Connections - Gather in the sacred space of the Cedar Basket, held with intention and care at Centennial College, to honor the strength, wisdom, and spirit of women+ from the Four Directions. Bring food from your Nation, poetry, dance, art, or healing thoughts and join in a space of respect, reflection, and renewal.
⭐️ 12-7PM — Donation Drive for Deer Lake FN Evacuees (115 Church St)
Hosted by Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction - Urgent donations requested to support Deer Lake First Nations members who have been evacuated from Manitoba and are currently sheltering in the GTA. Drop off directly at the Native Arts Society.
5:30-9:30PM — Body Liberation (U of T Student Commons, 230 College)
Hosted by OPIRG Toronto - Join OPIRG Toronto, the Toronto Seed Library & FoodShare TO, for a delicious evening of cooking, eating, learning & sharing. Prepare and share a vegan meal and learn about how weight stigma and fatphobia shape our relationships with food.
6-7PM — Tell MP Karim Bardeesy: Arms Embargo Now (1596 Bloor St W)
Hosted by Parkdale-High Park for Palestine - After over a month in office, Karim Bardeesy is still silent on Israel’s escalating genocide in Gaza and the West Bank. Join Parkdale-High Park for Palestine in showing him that his constituents expect him to stand up for international law and Palestinian rights.
⭐️ 6-8PM — Impeach Sara (Bathurst Wilson Parkette, 3749 Bathurst)
Hosted by Anakbayan North York - Join the Filipino community of North York in calling for the impeachment of Sara Duterte and demand transparency, justice, and accountability.
⭐️ 6-8PM — Outreach at Dufferin and Eglington (Dufferin and Eglington Northeast Croner)
Hosted by TTC Riders - Let's keep pushing for better transit together! TTC Riders will be door knocking to chat with residents about why RapidTO changes to Dufferin matters. Every conversation counts, and they need your help to reach as many residents as possible. Come be part of an evening of connection and collective action!
⭐️ 7-9PM — Ontario Provincial Digital Teach-In (Virtual)
Hosted by Policing-Free Schools - Join Policing-Free Schools to learn about Bill 33, ‘Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025’ which will mandate the presence of police in schools across the province. Learn about ways to get involved, call-to-actions and upcoming initiatives that work to reduce harm and provide care!
Thursday, June 12, 2025
1-2PM — Indie Journalism x C4H : A Collective Strategy Session (Virtual)
Hosted by Social Good Collective - You’re invited to a strategy session and collaborative pitch call hosted by Creators4Humanity—a new initiative building a sustainable cultural power ecosystem in Canada. At a time when right-wing media is well-resourced and dominating digital spaces, independent voices—whether journalist or digital creator—face mounting pressure and limited infrastructure.
⭐️ 2-4PM — Outreach at Dufferin and St Clair (Dufferin and St Clair Southwest Corner)
Hosted by TTC Riders - Catch TTC Riders at Dufferin and St. Clair! The group will be out postering near and around the area, and talking with transit riders to support RapidTO lanes on Dufferin. These conversations matter - and we all need to work togetherto build momentum. Help spread the word for better, faster transit!
⭐️ 5:30-8PM — Bill 5 Explained: What It Means for Ontario's Nature and What We Can Do (CSI Annex, 720 Bathurst)
Hosted by Ontario Nature - Join Ontario Nature for an important and inspiring evening as we explore the impacts of Bill 5. This sweeping legislation threatens environmental protections, Indigenous rights and democratic accountability in Ontario.
⭐️ 6:30-7:30PM — Workshop: How to speak up to City Council for better transit (Virtual)
Hosted by TTC Riders - Attend this interactive workshop to learn how to take action and speak up to the Mayor and City Councillors in support of better and more reliable transit, and make a positive impact on your community! Improve your writing and public speaking skills. No experience is required.
8:30PM-2AM — Summer Love Fundraiser for Indigenous Harm Reduction (Houndstooth, 818 College)
Hosted by Cupid Local Toronto - A night of community music and dancing to raise funds for Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction, featuring Ruby Doom, Ashlee Schatze, Sticky Nicky, and DJ Astaroth. Pay What You Can.
Friday, June 13, 2025
⭐️ 6-8PM — Outreach at Dufferin and Rogers Rd (Dufferin and Rogers Rd Southeast Corner)
Hosted by TTC Riders - Let's show up for Dufferin and Rogers! TTC Riders will be door knocking to talk with residents about the proposed RapidTO transit lanes. This is a crucial moment to build support and they need your help to make sure voices from the community are heard loud and clear. Join for an evening of meaningful conversations!
⭐️ 6-8PM — Outreach at Dufferin and St Clair (Dufferin and St Clair Southeast Corner)
Hosted by TTC Riders - Let's build support for the RapidTO transit lanes in the Dufferin and St. Clair neighborhood! Join TTC Riders as they go door to door to talk with residents about the need for transit lanes on Dufferin. This is a key moment to build community support - and they need your help to hear as many voices as possible. Come out for an evening of meaningful conversations!
⭐️ 6:30-9PM — No Arms in the Arts Festival 2025 (Various locations)
Hosted by Toronto Writers Against the War on Gaza - No Arms In The Arts will return for a weekend of film, readings, music and panel discussions. A year after NAITA Fest 2024, organizers will convene to reflect on our many months of organizing thus far, and talk through the road ahead towards Palestinian liberation. Art workers don’t have to be alone in these fights.
7-10PM — Resistance and Revolution conference (Steelworkers Hall)
Hosted by International Socialists - A weekend conference of talks and panels on fighting back in an age of Trump. Join in Toronto and online for discussion on the global crisis, its causes, and strategies for resistance and revolution.
⭐️ 7:30-9:30PM — Grief Circle (Virtual)
Hosted by Toronto Families 4 Palestine - A Grief Circle exclusively for people from Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and surrounding regions. The horrific violence being enacted in Palestine and beyond is unfathomable, and this is a space to grieve in communion. Conversation will be a mix of both Arabic and English so that everyone can express themselves freely and without any barriers.
⭐️ 8-11PM — Celebrating Progress Party (Cecil Community Centre, 58 Cecil)
Hosted by Progress Toronto - Join Progress Toronto for the summer party and fundraiser. Spend the evening with hundreds of progressive volunteers, organizers, supporters, community leaders, and more—all dedicated to building a progressive Toronto that works for everyone.
Saturday, June 14, 2025
9AM-9PM — Scotiabank Funds Genocide National Day of Action (Various)
Hosted by Scotiabank Funds Genocide - Scotiabank Funds Genocide is calling for a national day of action at Scotiabank locations around the country to call on Scotiabank to divest its $268 million of funding in Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer that produces up to 85% of their land-based military equipment. Adopt a branch near you and organize an event! Toolkit and guidance available.
11:30AM-1:30PM — Envisioning a Sustainable Markham (120 Kirkham Dr)
Hosted by UnearthD - Join unearthD for a fun day of creativity, community & sustainability at their Community Picnic + Zine Workshop to cocreate a sustainable Markham.
12-6PM — Regent Park Summer Safety Jam (The Big Park, 600 Dundas St E)
Hosted by Toronto Community Housing - Join your neighbours at a free, family-friendly community celebration. Visit the local bazaar, take in a live performance, enjoy a free halal BBQ, learn about community safety, and enjoy the start of summer with the whole family!
⭐️ 12-6PM — 2025 Toronto Park Summit (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas)
Hosted by Park People - Join Park People and hundreds of park changemakers—NGOs, community groups, municipal staff, and advocates from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond—for a day of knowledge sharing, connection, and inspiration. Variable ticket scales available.
1-3PM — People’s March for Housing Justice (214-230 Sherbourne St)
Hosted by People’s Assembly for Housing Justice - Let's ally together for housing justice! The People's Assembly for Housing Justice will meet for lunch at Dundas & Sherbourne, the site of a long fought battle for social housing. After lunch, there will march to the Financial District, home of some of the country’s largest developers to tell them public land and public money is for the people, not for profit,
2-4PM — Building Alternative Systems (943 Queen St E Suite 200)
Hosted by Architecture Lobby Toronto - How can the architecture industry organize the discipline in alternative ways to private practice? Hear from members of worker co-operatives in Ontario and collectively brainstorm how we can actively build more just practices that are better for workers and produce work that serves communities. Childcare provided.
8-11PM — Echoes Benefit Concert (Church of St Stephen-in-the-Fields, 113 Bellevue)
Hosted by Sumudna Protest Choir - A benefit concert to raise funds for the Toronto Community Justice Fund, which supports people in Toronto facing legal and financial repercussions for supporting Palestinian human rights, and Davenport Aid Brigade, which provides life-saving aid to Palestinians.
Sunday, June 15, 2025
6-8PM — In-Person Tenant Organizing (50 High Park Ave)
Hosted by Democratic Socialists of Canada - This two hour program will provide you with practical skills you can immediately use to start organizing your neighbours and other tenants in your city. This training will be filmed by Regent Park TV (RPTV). Attendees may appear on camera.
Monday, June 16, 2025
⭐️ 12:30-1:30PM — Weekly Phone Zap for Palestine (Virtual)
Hosted by Toronto Zaps For Palestine - Join with organizers from coast to coast in calling, emailing, and faxing demands to newly elected officials to stop Canada's complicity in the genocide.
⭐️ 2-5PM — Community Park Meal & Donations (Dundas St W & Casimir)
Hosted by Real Change - Come support a community park meal and donation drive. Real Change will be serving fresh home cooked meals and bringing essential donations to support local residents from the women’s shelter and unhoused encampment tenants. List of requested donations available at the event page.
4-8PM — Community Care Mondays @ Dufferin Grove (Dufferin Grove Park)
Hosted by Ripple Community Collective - Join Ripple Collective every Monday for an evening of nourishment, connection, and shared stewardship. There will be food prep, a free store and community meal, and park clean up. Care for the community together!
7-9PM — Campaign Against Anti-Black Racism at York U (Virtual)
Hosted by Spring Magazine - Prof. Aimé Avolonto and Lydia Dosu bravely spoke out against anti-Black racism at Glendon College and were targeted adn silenced. Now, their human rights cases are before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and York is still trying to silence them. This is a campaign re-launch and panel discusssion to show that Aimé and Lydia are not alone.
⭐️ 7-10PM — Funds for Families (458 Queen St W)
Hosted by Action Against Hunger - A PWYC community fundraiser supporting Action Against Hunger Canada’s Sudanese Chapter. Featuring performances from local musicians, raffle prizes, silent auction, and delicious food, with all proceeds supporting aid to Sudanese families and children.
Down the road
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
1:30-2:30PM — Nonprofits x C4H.org: Building Cultural Power Together (Virtual)
6-8PM — Toronto Justice 4 Workers Organizing Meeting (720 Spadina, 2nd floor)
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
6-8PM — Assembling Change: How cities and citizens are reshaping public discourse (108 College Street 7th Floor, East Winter Garden)
⭐️ 7-9PM — Policing Palestine: The Process is The Punishment (Virtual)
Thursday, June 19, 2025
6:30-9PM — Life is Beautiful: A Letter to Gaza (Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex)
Friday, June 20, 2025
1-3PM — All Out Rally for 2SLGBTQ+ Freedom (Queen’s Park South Lawn, 111 Wellesley)
⭐️ 3:30-7PM — Community Gathering and Fundraiser for recently-arrived Palestinian Families (Christie Pits Park)
6-8PM — Toronto Spring Monthly Meeting (Trinity-St. Paul's United Church, 427 Bloor St W)
Saturday, June 21, 2025
10AM-12PM — TNG Challenge Get Moving In Support of Seniors (349 Ontario St)
⭐️ 10AM-1PM — Community Bikeways 5th Anniversary (Access Alliance Danforth, 2079 Danforth)
1-4PM — Disability Pride March Banner Making Party (Grange Park)
3-5PM — Toronto Volunteer Convention (Palmerston Public Library Theatre)
Sunday, June 22, 2025
1-4PM — Organize for a Free Palestine (Available upon registration (Toronto))
3-5PM — Sandy Hudson Author Talk on Defund (Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St W)
Monday, June 23, 2025
⭐️ 12:30-1:30PM — Weekly Phone Zap for Palestine (Virtual)
⭐️ 4-8PM — Community Care Mondays @ Dufferin Grove (Dufferin Grove Park)
Thursday, June 26, 2025
4-5:30PM — Care Not Criminalization (Virtual)
Friday, June 27, 2025
⭐️ 5-11PM — Trans Rally & March (Church St & Charles St)
7-10PM — Health and Health Care Inequities Book Launch (Friends House, 60 Lowther Ave)
Sunday, June 29, 2025
12-1:30PM — Pan-Africanists for Palestine (Virtual)
1-6:30PM — A People’s Pride: Refusing Genocide, Policing and Fascism (McCaul & Stephanie)