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Compassion in Action: How Fontbonne Ministries Supports Community

Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, Fontbonne Ministries provides programs that address some of the most pressing challenges that many members in our society face today, including food insecurity, housing instability and social isolation. 

Through operations at their Mustard Seed location at 791 Queen St E in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, Fontbonne Ministries offers essential resources such as fresh meals, warm clothing and emotional support in a welcoming and accessible space.

Here’s a closer look at some of the extraordinary work done by Fontbonne Ministries (Photo credits: Fontbonne Ministries):

Fontbonne Place

Fontbonne Place at 791 Queen St E offers 18 affordable apartments for older women who might otherwise face homelessness or unstable housing due to Toronto’s ongoing housing crisis. Aside from access to housing, residents also get the chance to participate in activities organized by Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed team.

Clothing Boutique

Thanks to generous donations from the community, seniors, newcomers and individuals living in precarious conditions get year-round access to clothing via the Clothing Boutique. The program helps ensure that everyone has the essentials to stay comfortable and warm, especially during Toronto’s frigid winter.

Breakfast Program

With grocery prices continuing to rise, food insecurity remains a pressing issue for many people. Fontbonne Ministries helps address this need by providing nutritious breakfast options five days a week to community members in need. Each year, thousands of meals are served through this vital program. Since 2024, the Riverside BIA and local businesses have been supporting this program through the Riverside Antler Breakfast!

Good Food Market

In collaboration with FoodShare Toronto, the Good Food Market helps make fresh, local produce accessible and affordable for residents in the Riverside and Leslieville neighbourhoods. The market takes place every Wednesday (2pm-4pm) in front of the Fontbonne Ministries building from spring to fall, and moves indoors during the winter months.

Friendly Visiting

Friendly Visiting connects volunteers with individuals who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Through conversations, social outings and phone calls, volunteers help build meaningful relationships and provide companionship. Participants and volunteers are carefully matched, and volunteers undergo screening and training before joining the program.

Volunteer and Donate

Fontbonne Ministries relies on the support of the community to sustain its numerous programs. Whether through volunteering or donations, every contribution helps.

  • To volunteer, email volunteers@fontbonneministries.ca or call 416-465-2889 ext. 2631.
  • Donations can be made online, by cheque, or in kind.
  • Follow @fontbonneministries on Instagram or visit their website to learn more about their programs and ways to get involved.

In other news, Fontbonne Ministries is also participating in Game On East End and joining in on the fun this summer!

Game On East End: Community BBQ & Sports Trivia

Join Fontbonne Ministries on Monday, July 6th (11am-1pm) at the Courtyard of their Mustard Seed location (791 Queen St E) for Community BBQ & Sports Trivia! Enjoy a free BBQ lunch, community gathering, and fun trivia with gift cards from local businesses. Check out more Game on East End programming page on our webpage!

This blog post is the first of the community programming feature series we’re doing on the Riverside Blog, leading up to our annual neighbourhood cleanup, Clean Queen East Together on Friday, April 24th. Tomorrow, we’ve got the Ralph Thornton Community Centre!

Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram so you’re always updated on what’s happening in the neighbourhood! 

A Riverside Cornerstone: Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch

Did you know that the Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter branch first opened in 1979 on the south side of Queen Street East, just west of Saulter Street? A year later in 1980, it moved and settled in at its current location — inside the Ralph Thornton Community Centre, 765 Queen Street East – historically the building was ‘Postal Station G’, a heritage building originally constructed in 1913.

Photo credit: Toronto Public Library (website)

More than an essential community resource, Riverside’s very own public library at 765 Queen St E is a neighbourhood landmark; a piece of history. In celebration of the Toronto Public Library’s 142nd anniversary (which was on March 6, 2026), we’re shining the spotlight on the Queen/Saulter Branch and its programs that inspire creativity, foster learning and support community.

Let’s look at a few of the several events running at the Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter Branch:

Pawsitively Pets

One of Queen/Saulter’s March Break programs, Pawsitively Pets is a hands-on animal educational program happening on Tuesday, March 17th (2pm-3pm). Limited space, no group registration. 10 walk-in participants, tickets will be available 30 minutes before the event starts.

Arts and Crafts

Queen/Saulter hosts several arts and crafts-based workshops for all ages. There’s Crafternoon and Storytime & Craft for the little ones, and Cozy Craft for participants aged 18+. These are great if you want to unwind and show off your creativity! Several dates are available.

Robot World

Curious about coding? Participants can learn the basics of robotics by programming robots to navigate mazes, complete obstacle courses and solve challenges. All materials are provided.

Tech Support

From Introduction to Linux to Computer Skills Classes (Drop-in) to Tech Help in English & Cantonese, Queen/Saulter has workshops perfect for those who want to be more tech-savvy and learn how to maximize their gadgets.

Personal Development for Adults

Queen/Saulter also hosts personal development-focused programming for adults like Combating Misinformation & Disinformation, Maintaining Cognitive Health and Managing Stress with Aging (with Dr. Danielle D’Amico), and Employment Law & Workers’ Rights Workshop.

Aside from their regular lineup of programs, the Queen/Saulter Branch is also participating in this summer’s Game On East End event series!

Game On East End: ​W​orld in a City Programming and Workshops

As part of ‘Game on East End’ programming, eEnjoy free public programming with sports-themed book displays and cultural workshops, including a Chinese Brush Painting Workshop (June 27th, 2pm-3:30pm) and Henna Workshop (July 17th, 10:30am-12:30pm). Stay tuned for registration opening up and learn about more about Game On East End via our webpage!

Check out the Toronto Public Library website and @torontolibrary on Instagram for more information and regular updates on the Queen/Saulter’s programs and schedules!

Stock images from Pexels

In case you didn’t know, we’re doing a blog series on community programming in Riverside in anticipation of Clean Queen East Together on April 24th! 

We’ve got a couple more blog posts coming, so stay tuned and visit the Riverside Blog regularly. In the meantime, read our feature on Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed location in Riverside!

BLOG: Compassion in Action: How Fontbonne Ministries Supports Community

Your Guide to St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in Riverside

From live performers to delicious food & drink specials to cool sales, Toronto’s Riverside is channeling the luck of the Irish for an exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebration. 

Head over to Riverside and have a wee bit of fun this weekend. Check out these events and promos happening in the neighbourhood to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day festivities:

Photo credit: Irish Design House

Irish Design House (@irishdesignhouse)

Address: 756 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Irish Design House’s annual St. Patrick’s Weekend Sale is back and you know what that means: 25% off storewide (online and in-store) or 30% off for in-store *cash* purchases! The sale is only until midnight on March 15th, so make sure to check out their website or drop by the store to get great deals on proudly Irish goods!

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Co.

Eastbound Brewing Co. (@eastboundbeer)

Address: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Get an inside look at how their delicious craft beers are created by joining Eastbound’s Saturday Brewery Tours. Aside from a guided walk through the brewhouse, you also get a free sample + every guest receives $1 off their first beer afterward. While you’re there, be sure to order an appetizer or two from the Cantina! Book your tickets HERE.

Photo credit: The West Cork

The West Cork (@thewestcork)

Address: 701 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G6

You can always count on Riverside’s one and only Irish pub to kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend on a high note. The West Cork has prepared an exciting line-up of live entertainment at the pub starting Friday until St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday. Check out @thewestcork on Instagram for more information on who’s performing and when!

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse Espresso Bar (@darkhorsecafe)

Address: 630 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3

Get your green on at Dark Horse! Matcha Madness kicked off earlier this month, where they test out six unique matcha-based concoctions and see which ones their customers like the most. From Grapefuit Matcha Spritz to Saffron Pistachio Matcha, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill matcha drinks, so try them before they’re gone! Read more about Matcha Madness HERE.

Photo credit: The Comrade

The Comrade (@comradetoronto)

Address: 758 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Come by The Comrade on Friday and Saturday from 5pm-7pm for cocktail hour! Enjoy $12 deals on classic cocktails like negroni, Tom Collins, Manhattan and their weekly highball feature +  $16 for THE Prime Rib Burger. Walk in or make a reservation HERE. (The Comrade’s Cocktail Hour happens Monday-Saturday regularly so you can get these deals even after St. Patrick’s!)

Just a little side note: less than two weeks remain until the Grand Prize Draw of the Riverside Rewards Raffle! So if you find yourself at The West Cork, Eastbound Brewing Co. or Dark Horse Espresso Bar this weekend, be sure to join the raffle and get a chance to win gift cards to local businesses in Riverside! We’ve got our last weekly draws of $100 gift cards on March 17th and the grand prize draw for $1000 worth of gift cards on March 25th. Check out the Riverside Rewards Raffle page on our website for the full mechanics and important dates. Good luck!

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog so you’re always in the know about exciting happenings in the neighbourhood. Happy St. Patrick’s Day in advance, everyone!

Celebrating Decades of Snips and Stories: George Iliadis Retires The Barber’s Chair

After more than 60 years of shear dedication to the craft of hairstyling, George Iliadis — the legendary barber behind Broadview Beauty Parlour at 741 Queen St East — is finally putting down the clippers and retiring this month.

In celebration of his retirement, the Riverside BIA and George’s family are hosting a send-off party on Friday, March 13 (1pm-3pm) at George’s Broadview Beauty Parlour on 741 Queen St East. Drop by, have some cake, and share your favourite memories while congratulating George on his retirement!

Since opening his barbershop in 1964, George has been a constant presence on Queen Street East, providing generations of customers with haircuts, lively conversation, and a welcoming neighbourhood gathering place. Over the years, his shop became more than a barber chair — it was a place where friendships formed, chess games unfolded, and passersby were always welcome to stop in and chat.

Born in Greece, George immigrated to Canada in 1963 at the age of 18 after learning hairdressing as a young apprentice in his hometown. Within a year he opened his shop in Riverside.

George Iliadis and his wife Kalliopi

The photos above were provided by George’s daughter Helen Kontantinidis

Known as “George the Barber,” he became one of Riverside’s most recognizable personalities. Customers remember his generosity — often handing out small gifts like pens or calendars — as well as his engaging conversations about sports, history, and world events. His shop window also witnessed countless friendly chess matches that attracted curious onlookers on the sidewalk.

Beyond the barbershop, George’s larger-than-life personality even reached the screen. Over the years he has appeared in films and commercials, including roles connected to productions such as My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Cinderella Man, earning membership in the performers’ union ACTRA.

BLOG: Everyone Knows Riverside’s George The Barber

George’s story was also captured in a short documentary film – “Broadview Barber” by Selina McCallum –  that shares his life journey, his dedication to his craft, and the values that guided both his business and his family life.

“George represents the history of our main street,” shared Georgia Reynolds, Riverside BIA Co-Chair,“small businesses like George’s Broadview Beauty Parlour help shape the identity of our neighbourhood. His dedication to serving generations of customers is something truly special, and we are proud to celebrate his role in Riverside’s story.”

“For more than six decades our father, a barber, proudly served generations of customers in the Riverside neighbourhood with skill, kindness, and dedication. Our mother stood beside him for many of those years as a hairdresser before retiring earlier. Together they built not just a business, but a life of hard work, partnership and a legacy they leave behind that our family will always be proud of,” his daughter Helen Konstantinidis shared.

Throughout decades of change in Toronto’s east end, George has remained a steady presence on the street. His shop stood through the transformation of Riverside from an industrial working-class neighbourhood to the vibrant district of independent businesses and culture it is today.

As he retires, the Riverside BIA extends heartfelt thanks to George Iliadis for his contributions to the community and for the countless stories, friendships, and haircuts shared over the years.

George’s legacy will continue to be part of Riverside’s story — a reminder of the power of local businesses to shape a neighbourhood.

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog to stay updated on amazing milestones from Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. In the meantime, watch this short documentary by Selina McCallum on George and his incredible life story!

WATCH: “Broadview Barber”, A Documentary by Selina McCallum

Photo credit: Sharon Mendonca / Poster design: Selina McCallum

Riverside Rewards Raffle: Things To Do in the Neighbourhood

Today is the last day of Week 3 of 4 of the Riverside Rewards Raffle!!

FYI, the Riverside Rewards Raffle is a fun and easy campaign by the Riverside BIA to reward YOU for shopping, dining and using services at businesses located within the Queen East construction zone (= Queen St E between East Don Roadway and Broadview Ave, Toronto).

The mechanics are simple: all you need to enter is a photo of your receipt (minimum $10 purchase) or a screenshot of your Google review from a participating business, and submit it through the official raffle form. Yes, it’s that easy!

You can enter once a day until March 25 for a chance to win weekly $100 gift cards (we have two weekly draws left!) and a $1000 grand prize gift card pack from local businesses – the more you enter, the more chances to win.

From trying handcrafted cocktails to burning calories with a fun workout, there’s plenty to do in Riverside. Here are just some of the many activities you can do, courtesy of these participating businesses in the Riverside Rewards Raffle:

Photo credit: The West Cork

The West Cork (@thewestcork)

Address: 701 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G6

This Irish pub is a great place to enjoy live music and watch sports. A visit to The West Cork wouldn’t be complete without indulging yourself with a pint of Guinness and a spice bag. Follow them on Instagram to stay updated on who’s performing and what games they’re screening at the pub!

Photo credit: La Femme Strong

La Femme Strong (@lafemmestrong)

Address: 655 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G4

La Femme Strong is a multi-disciplinary strength training community for women and non-binary folks. Whether it’s kettlebells, kickboxing, barre or pilates, their team of knowledgeable trainers helps you find the right program for you. You can read more about their classes HERE.

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Co.

Eastbound Brewing Co. (@eastboundbeer)

Address: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Eastbound is more than just a place to get amazing craft beers; it’s a great community-oriented space too! From The Well Read Cantina Book Club to Smartypints Trivia, they host a lot of fun events where you can come and make a new friend or two! You can find more information on their programming HERE.

Photo credit: RISE Cycle

RISE Cycle (@risecycle)

Address: 672 Queen St E Main Floor, Toronto, ON M4M 1G8

Skip the home workout every once in a while and join a spin class at RISE Cycle. Their sessions are led by motivating instructors and driven by purposefully curated playlists. Each 50-minute class is a full-body workout designed to reinvigorate both the body and mind. Book a class with RISE Cycle HERE.

Photo credit: Aura

Aura (@auratoronto)

Address: 686 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Looking for the perfect nightcap? Head over to Aura and try their handcrafted, inspired cocktails! If you’re feeling a little peckish, they also have delicious appetizers you can pair with the drinks. They also have happy hour from 5pm-7pm. You can view Aura’s full menu and make a reservation HERE.

Week 3 ends tonight at 11:59pm and winners announced tomorrow, March 11th! But no worries if you miss it, Riverside Rewards Raffle runs until Wednesday, March 25th. Good luck!

You can find the mechanics, full list of participating businesses, key dates, raffle form, and fineprint of the Riverside Rewards Raffle HERE.

Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and check out the Riverside Blog as we’ll be coming out with more content on the Riverside Rewards Raffle this month!

Riverside Rewards Raffle: Enter to win!

This initiative is supported by the Riverside Business Improvement Area to support local businesses during the Queen Street East Construction project along Queen East between East Don Roadway and Broadview Avenue.