Your Braeside Beacon (Apr 2025)

Did you know that nearly one in five of our neighbours are seniors? Many face quiet days and fewer connections after retirement, making community support more important than ever. This fundraiser isn't just about winning cash, it's about creating vibrant welcoming spaces where older adults can share their stories, build friendships and stay active beyond the hustle of daily life.  

Our 50/50 raffle has already smashed past $1000 but there's still time to grow the pot and make an even bigger impact for Braeside's seniors.

The more we raise, the more we can offer; social events, wellness programs and lifelong learning opportunities. So let’s keep the momentum going. Winner takes half but our seniors benefit 100 percent! Get your tickets here!

Don't forget that the winner will be announced at 8pm at our Trivia Night!

(No need to be in attendance to win)

A HUGE Thank You to Our Amazing Volunteers!

Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to show love for your community and nothing speaks louder than transforming a space with care. Goodbye beige, hello bright and beautiful! Thanks to the efforts of our amazing community, our children now have a refreshed, modern space that complements the new flooring perfectly.

This project is proof that small acts, when done together, can lead to big, beautiful changes. Thank you to Youth Central and everyone who rolled up their sleeves to help; your energy, hard work and big hearts made all the difference.

Thanks to Boston Pizza and Tim Hortons for their generous donation of food and drinks to fuel our teams. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Recognize a Local Hero: Volunteer Nominations Are Open

Nominees don’t need to volunteer with the Braeside Community Association (BCA), but they must meet the following criteria:

✅ Eligibility

• Must be a current resident of Braeside

• Actively volunteering their time to help others (in any capacity)

• Their efforts should have a positive impact on individuals, groups, or the wider community

Volunteer work can be formal (e.g., with an organization) or informal (e.g., helping neighbours, organizing local efforts)

❤️ What We’re Looking For

• Kindness in action – regularly helping others without expecting recognition

• Community spirit – building connections, supporting local initiatives, or improving the neighbourhood

• Creativity or leadership – finding unique ways to make a difference or inspire others

• Dedication – consistently giving time and energy to support a cause or help those in need

  
  

📬 How to Nominate Someone

Send us an email at feedback@braesideyyc.ca that includes:

• The nominee’s name

• A brief description of what they do

• Why you think they deserve to be recognized

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Nominations are open until April 20, and we’ll celebrate all selected nominees, among others, at our "Braeside at 60: Honouring Our Volunteers" event!

Global Pressures, Local Power: Why We're Supporting Local

The wait is over! Our local Co-op has officially launched its stunning new space, now bigger, brighter and ready to welcome the community once again. With a fresh new look and the same friendly faces we know and love, it's a powerful reminder of why shopping local matters more than ever.

In a time when international tariffs loom and online giants dominate the market, choosing local isn’t just a nice idea; it’s an everyday act of resistance. It’s a vote for Canadian-made, for community and for a future that values connection over convenience.

And let’s be honest, how often have you ordered something online, only to be disappointed? Shopping in person means you can see, touch and try before you buy, and often discover something you didn’t even know you needed.

Now, more than ever, supporting local isn’t just convenient — it’s community.

From Rozzini’s Restaurant, which co-host our trivia nights to Primal Canine who remembers your pup’s name, these places bring charm, character & connectedness to our community.

And here’s a stat for the numbers folks: 84% of Canadians say they’d like to shop more locally – but only 1 in 3 actually do. (Source: CFIB, Small Business, Big Impact, 2023). Let’s flip that script!!

We Want to Hear from You!

This edition of the Braeside Barometer shines a spotlight on our community’s treasures. Which local shop, product, or hidden gem in or around Braeside do you love most? Is it the bakery with the unbeatable sourdough? The hairdresser who nails your look every time? The local craftsperson who makes something totally one-of-a-kind?

When you share what you love, you help that business thrive and you might just help a neighbour discover their new favourite place.

Let’s make local the first choice, not the last resort.

April's Braeside Barometer

Braeside's Monthly Pop-up Café!

Our monthly Communi-Tea & Coffee café at the BCA is back. Drop in for some tasty delights and engaging connection. Each month we will feature, and support, local businesses and provide a warm & connective place to spend a Saturday morning. The next one is on April 12th and Baker & Spice will be back with us.

Take a peek at what’s coming up in Braeside — we’d love to see you there.

It might be spring… or second winter… or both. But no matter the weather, Braesiders keep showing up. Whether you're starting seeds on the windowsill, dodging puddles or weighing in on the Braeside Barometer, you're part of what makes this neighbourhood feel like home.

WIth Love,

Your BCA Board

Matt, Jenny, Jim, Catherine, Jennifer, Emily