Fundraiser Assists Victims of Queen West Fire, Leaf’s Trades a Bust: TorontoIAM

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Trade Deadline Comes with No Big Moves

A recent post from Justin Dahan in Bud’s Banter Maple Leaf blog sums up the results at the trade deadline. Media and fans had been abuzz, looking forward to the Leafs “stockpiling” for their future. “Guys like Sundin, Kaberle, Kubina and McCabe were all supposed to bring the Leafs some picks and prospects this deadline.” The problem was, “all four of them have no trade clauses and wouldn’t waive them.” A day that was supposed to bring us new hope for the future, “turned out to be a giant bust.”

In the end, “Wade Belak went to Florida for a 5th round draft pick… Hal Gill went to Pittsburgh for a 2nd round pick as well as another 5th round pick” and Chad Kilger also goes to Florida for a 3rd round pick. All these are good moves, writes Dahan in his post, “the Leafs got 4 extra draft picks come draft time.” However, with Sundin, Kaberle, Kubina and McCabe staying put, we’re losing the opportunity to really put a “new face” on the franchise. Fletcher did what he could. “When 5 players have a no trade clause, like 5 Leafs players have, it’s hard to make moves.”

Community Steps Up to Help Fire Victims

Matthew Katz, blogging on the Torontoist announces some upcoming events to benefit those effected by last week’s fire on Queen West. In addition to some of the best neighborhood stores being destroyed in the fire, the dozens of people who lived above the shops are out of a home. “Some of these folks didn’t have insurance and lost most of their possessions. Many of the artists who lived in the buildings lost their work, and thus their source of income.”

Many people have stepped in to help, says Katz in his post. Specifically, “a group of Queen West locals led by Jeanette Dowling” are producing an all-ages benefit show on March 10th at Holy Joe’s and the Reverb (651 Queen Street West). Bands playing at the benefit include Thee Diet Pills and Mariposa, “and the ever-amazing Jordan Bimm (of Put The Rifle Down) and Matt Blair will be DJing.” In addition to the show, there’s a bake sale and a place “to sell art, crafts, photos, and posters.” All the funds will go to a trust fund established for the fire victims.



Hockey Legend Helps Fundraise for Mental Health

Blog TO reports that hockey legend Ron Ellis, 63, “has teamed up with the Canadian Association of Mental Health… to support the second annual Queen Street Unmasked, a gala fundraiser tonight (Wednesday, February 27) at The Drake Hotel.” Ellis played for the Leafs in the '60s and '70s “and helped the Leafs win their last Stanley Cup in 1967.” During and following his career, he “suffered from clinical depression for a number of years.” He retired from hockey when he was 30. “I took some time off,” says Ellis, “It was after my retirement that it really hit and I realized I couldn't function in the workplace, so I got help.”

A lot has changed over the years, but there is still “a stigma” surrounding depression, “which affects one in four women and one in 10 men over their lifetime.” Most people never seek help, even though “it's one of the leading causes of disability.” Ellis says there was no “public knowledge” about depression when he was dealing with it and through sharing his story, he “hopes that he can make others aware that they are not alone and that there is help.” Queen Street Unmasked features “three floors of food, refreshments, dancing and entertainment, including a performance by singer-songwriter Serena Ryder and celebrity DJ K-OS.” More details on the event can be found in the post.

Iconic Fashion Designer Closes Toronto Boutique

From Toronto Fashion we learn that “iconic fashion designer and artist Annie Thompson is closing her Queen Street West storefront after almost 20 years on the block.” Even though posting one of her “most successful financial years,” she told the National Post, “I want to get off the treadmill of always making stuff for the store. I've become this production animal… I want to be free and creative and see where the wind blows me.” Thompson is known for her “artsy, sculptural and textured creations: stylish yet practical clothing for women and unique home décor,” writes Toronto Fashion in the post. Her boutique will be closing at the end of March (look for the sales). She will still have a presence the community, however, and plans include “working on several Canadian and international solo and collaborative arts and fashion events including a gig at the Toronto Art Expo and Toronto Alternative Fashion Week installation.”

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