The Thorncliffe Summer Festival is celebrating the last days of summer weather at R. V. Burgess Park this Saturday, Aug. 23, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office (TNO) is bringing together different community groups and programs for one big celebration with the community.
Booths and tents set up to give community members the opportunity to engage with the different services available in the neighbourhood.
There will also be obstacle games, interactive family activities, and an arts and crafts section for youth and children.
As in previous years, a vendors bazaar will also be at the festival, gathering together sellers from local businesses.
This year, the bazaar was organized by the Thorncliffe Park Women’s Business Association, a new TNO group of about 70 women.
Esel Panlaqui, TNO community engagement coordinator, said the new women’s group is very exciting because it empowers the women of the neighbourhood. The women’s business association was formed specifically for the summer festival to organize the vendors bazaar.
“Before, (the vendors) would just buy and sell and they don’t even know what their profit is,” said Panlaqui.
“The women implemented more tools and systems... It’s very exciting because we think that it’s the first of its kind.”
Panlaqui said the group is in the process of electing group leaders and working on a strategic plan to expand their mission after the summer festival.
The group may provide the opportunity to have a governing body organize and unify the various programs being run at TNO.
The Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office is a community-based organization committed to providing information, services and support to the residents of Thorncliffe Park.
They run a variety of programs and services, including a family violence program, women’s counseling, language classes and employment assistance services.
A full list can be seen at www.thorncliffe.org