Let’s Move Willowdale!

Dear readers,

There are some community events you attend once… and then there are some that quietly become part of your life. The kind you don’t just go to, but feel connected to. For me, NeighbourLink North York sits firmly in that second category. There’s a soul-level connection there — and I don’t say that lightly.

I’ve been part of many NeighbourLink events since their earlier days, long before they became as beautifully big and bustling as they are now. I’ve watched them grow, evolve, and still somehow stay deeply human at the core. Let’s Move, Willowdale is one of those events I’ve personally been part of from its early days — and every year, it feels less like an “event” and more like a seasonal marker in my life.

If spring had a heartbeat in Willowdale, this would be it!

This year, NeighbourLink North York is once again partnering with the North York Seniors Centre for the 5th annual Let’s Move, Willowdale Move-a-thon & BBQ, happening on Saturday, May 2nd at Hendon Park (50 Hendon Avenue).

Sign-in begins at 10:00 AM, stretching at 10:30 AM, and the Move-a-thon kicks off at 11:00 AM. Neighbours can walk, run, or bike along the Finch Hydro Corridor, with the walk and run guided by We Run North York and the bike ride marshalled by Cycle Toronto.

From 12:00–2:00 PM, the park transforms into a full-on community celebration with a BBQ and festivities — burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, free milk tea (yes, free), live music, dance workshops, caricature artists, face painting, cotton candy, a family-friendly activities, an aerial hammock and prizes. Basically, the kind of afternoon where you come for one thing and stay longer than planned.

And yes, I’ll probably aim to sit at the same table again. Not superstition — just tactical planning to stay close to where all the performances happen. Priorities.

One of the things I genuinely love about Let’s Move, Willowdale is how thoughtfully inclusive it is. This isn’t an event designed for just one type of person or fitness level. There’s a 4 km walk/run and an 8 km bike ride, which means everyone can take part — families with young kids, teens, seniors, casual walkers, hardcore runners, and cyclists who probably already cycled here before breakfast.

And for those with mobility challenges, there’s the Golden Mile — a gentle loop around the baseball diamonds in the park. No pressure, no performance, just movement at your own pace. That detail alone tells you a lot about NeighbourLink’s heart. The goal isn’t speed. It’s participation, dignity, and togetherness.

At its core, the purpose is simple and powerful: to bring the community together and raise funds for NeighbourLink North York and the North York Seniors Centre — two organizations doing deeply necessary, often unseen work.

NeighbourLink is fundraising to support a Community Navigator — a dedicated guide who helps families, newcomers, and vulnerable individuals find their way through essential supports like food security, employment assistance, housing resources, and more. If you’ve ever tried navigating systems alone, you’ll understand how life-changing it is to have someone walk beside you instead of handing you a pamphlet.

About neighbourlink north york

NeighbourLink North York is a respected local charity proudly celebrating 32 years of dedicated service to alleviating poverty and addressing social isolation throughout North York.

Its mission is to empower neighbours to care for one another in practical, relational, and sustainable ways that enhance mental well-being and cultivate a more connected, compassionate community.

Through its Community Care initiatives, NeighbourLink North York operates two fresh food banks and a mobile food program, hosts newcomer welcome events, and provides meaningful programming for isolated seniors. The organization also supports children and families through after-school programs and summer camps for under-resourced youth, ensuring that dignity, opportunity, and belonging are accessible to all.

        

About north york seniors centre

The North York Seniors Centre, meanwhile, is raising funds to ensure older adults have access to specialized mental health programs, reducing isolation and supporting emotional and psychological well-being — something we don’t talk about enough, but absolutely should. North York Seniors Centre (NYSC) is a community-based charitable organization that has been dedicated to supporting older adults in North York for over five decades.

Committed to enhancing the health, independence, and overall quality of life of seniors, NYSC delivers inclusive and person-centred programs designed to meet diverse needs with dignity and respect. Its comprehensive services include adult day programs, in-home personal support, wellness and social engagement initiatives, caregiver assistance, and IRIDE Transportation — all thoughtfully designed to help older adults remain active, connected, and fully engaged within their community.

If you’re curious, want to participate, or simply want to learn more, you can find details and registration information here:

Let’s Move, Willowdale registration for those who want to explore the broader work NeighbourLink does year-round. Once you click on this link, you’ll see it has a button for registering, and a button for the Peer 2 Peer Page.

                                             http://www.neighbourlink.org/letsmo https://www.neighbourlink.org

One of the things that always stays with me is the energy — and so much of that comes from the volunteers, who are truly the soul of NeighbourLink events. They don’t just help things run; they create warmth. For many people — especially those whose families aren’t nearby, who are new to the country, or who feel isolated — gatherings like this bring real light into their lives. You can feel it in the conversations, the smiles, and the way people linger instead of rushing home.

I also love how NeighbourLink consistently creates space for local artists and performers. There’s something powerful about seeing neighbourhood talent showcased in a setting that feels welcoming rather than performative. It reminds us how much creativity quietly lives among us.

All funds raised through the Move-a-thon and BBQ support programs that alleviate social isolation  — from helping seniors access specialized mental health support to NeighbourLink’s vision of providing a Community Navigator, someone who helps families, newcomers, and vulnerable individuals connect to food security, employment support, housing, and essential resources. Quiet work, but life-changing work.

Every year when Let’s Move, Willowdale comes around, it feels like a gentle announcement: winter is loosening its grip, better days are ahead, and our neighbourhood is ready to step outside together again. It’s not just about movement — it’s about momentum.

I am  sharing photos from previous years as proof — and no, it’s not AI. If it were, trust me, I would’ve made myself look prettier. These are real moments, real people, real joy — the kind you can’t generate, only experience.

Many of NeighbourLink’s events have become traditions in my life. The kind that ground you, inspire you, and remind you why community matters beyond words. Let’s Move, Willowdale is one of those traditions — and I genuinely believe in it.

— Ruby Dalvina