Leaside Memorial Community Gardens was the scene of ceremonies to mark its 65 anniversary as well as the tenth anniversary of the neighborhood food drive started by Sarah and Claire Jordan. The event was opened with a ceremonial cake cutting, and speeches by political and civilian figures, and Ray White, Chairman of the arena. Sarah and Claire co-founders of the annual food drive also spoke.

There were refreshments – breakfast pastries, and cake served by LMC, and delicious peameal bacon sandwiches supplied by Andy Elder of Grilltime. Additionally there were displays by the facilities user groups, a collection of memorabilia from LMCG, and commemorative crested pucks for sale.

The focal point was a clever “canstruction” in the Lea Room consisting of a wall of canned chickpeas donated by Tufts Valu-Mart on Bayview Ave. The structure spelled the word HUNGER. The cans could be purchased for a contribution to the drive, thus “eliminating hunger”.

It was a wonderful event celebrating the expansiveness of the community spirit the exists in Leaside.