Toronto: This summer two very special not-for-profit events in support of Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC) welcome visitors from around the world, as well as Torontonians, to get an early start on summer in the heart of the City. All are invited to feel the rhythms of top international and local entertainment artists. Enjoy tasty traditional treats. Meet new friends from around the world and discover an authentic souvenir from a country they may never visit. There will be give-aways, raffles; Something new everyday.

The festive atmosphere creates an excellent environment for raising awareness of PARC’s purpose as an important community service provider. PARC is a registered charitable not-for-profit organization that works with psychiatric survivors and adults experiencing multiple barriers to adequate basic needs: housing, food, income/and or employment; the organization exists to help these individuals rebuild their lives. The amiable atmosphere created through 2007 Summer Sensation events also assists much-needed fundraising to support the organization’s essential services and special projects. The proceeds are being raised to help fund recreational programs: soccer, hockey, and camp.

There are four opportunities to catch these exceptional free-admission family fundraising events: Metro Square: June 20 – 22, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Yonge/Dundas Square - July 12, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Joining the craft-lovers vendors market are Ten Thousand Villages (TTV) and Faces of Fair Trade (FFT), two organizations that support low-income artisans from developing countries by selling their art and crafts in Canada. TTV works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed. The handicrafts reflect and reinforce rich cultural traditions that are environmentally sensitive and which appeal to North American consumers. TTV represents artisans from around the world, including India, Central Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean. The income obtained helps provide food, education, health care, and housing for artisans and their families.

FFT vendors are personally connected to community-based groups of artisans and possess a strong sense of commitment to helping them improve their social and economic situations. FFT represents artisans from Nepal, Ecuador, Botswana, India, Cambodia, Bolivia, Columbia, Pakistan, and Nicaragua. The TTV Toronto Danforth Store and FFT work closely to educate the public about the range in availability of fairly traded consumer products.

Toronto: This summer is an exceptional summer for Toronto. The City will welcome visitors from around the world coming for World Cup Soccer, the 40th Anniversary of Caribana (Toronto Carnival), and other world-class events.

TMP Special Events is pleased to present 2007 Summer Sensation - Best of Toronto From Around the World. This summer look for two special not-for-profit events hosted by City of Toronto at Metro Square: June 20 – 22, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Yonge/Dundas Square - July 12, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., in support of Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC). PARC is a charitable not-for-profit organization that helps people who have suffered mental illness or who have experienced multiple barriers to adequate basic needs: housing, food, income and/or employment. To learn more about PARC, please refer to the enclosed PARC profile.

Plans are underway to offer two exciting programs featuring the best of Toronto from around the world, representing Africa, Asia, Europe, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. The objective is to pleasantly surprise visitors from around the world, giving them a sensual experience of Toronto’s vast multicultural mix through exotic eats and dynamic international and local artistic performances.

One bus fare, one trip brings them there. Two locations, four dates, something new everyday, including special presentations, raffles, and give-aways. Local visitors and tourists can easily find authentic unusual souvenirs from countries they may never visit. Tourists can leave with a genuine taste of the most multicultural city in the world and a cherished memory of their sensational summer in Toronto. PARC in association with TMP hope our two special events will serve to augment visitors’ vacation experiences this exceptional summer in our City, as well as raise awareness and funds for the essential initiatives provided by PARC. Vendors of authentic craft or food, dynamic cultural performers, and volunteers who would like to get involved for a good cause are welcome to contact the organizer at bestoftoronto2007@yahoo.ca.