Brunch is on!
Porridge for Parkinson’s® is an elegant morning that features a brunch prepared and served by top Toronto chefs, a brunch-themed silent auction, and special guest speakers.
The first Toronto brunch was held in 2004, then in 2007 and then every two years. We have raised over $1 million in net proceeds, made possible through a committed group of volunteers, guests, and donors. Undaunted by the pandemic, we changed the in-person gathering to a Toronto delivery event.
The 2021 Committee delivered almost 200 brunches to over 750 guests. All in all, it was a fantastic brunch experience, prepared and presented by Toronto’s top chefs. We delivered brunch to 188 households and raised over $135,000 for Parkinson’s research.
We are delighted to announce funding for one Fellow at the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease at the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic led by Dr. Anthony Lang. We are grateful to our sponsors, donors, brunch partners, and all who purchased a brunch package.
Porridge TO Blog
You asked for it! Granola Recipe
Joanne contributed delicious granola to P4P’s 2021 brunch package. Now she has generously shared her recipe.
John Szpik and Marylou Caden
John and Marylou saw this year’s brunch-at-home format as a great alternative to the live event. Marylou placed an order for delivery on November 21st, which coincidentally was their wedding anniversary.
Chef Spotlight: Parallel
This month marks the fourth anniversary of Parallel, a popular middle-eastern restaurant in the Junction neighbourhood that showcases sesame butter or tahini in its many delicious forms.
In conversation: Hugh Johnston
Hugh Johnston is the Chair of the Patient Advisory Board at UHN. He is also an avid sailor and Parkinson’s patient.
Chef Spotlight: Yoni Kamil
This November, Chef Yoni Kamil, the owner of Lev Bakery, will be deliciously satisfying our cravings with his decadent babka.
P4P2021: Brunch delivered
Proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships and donations support the Parkinson’s Research Excellence Fund at the Edmond J. Safra Program at Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN.
Check out the TASTETORONTO November 2021 article – “Brunch with purpose this month with Porridge for Parkinson’s”
“We can’t sit around waiting for something to happen.”
Porridge for Parkinson’s was founded in Vancouver in 2001. Marg Meikle, a well-known radio broadcaster, developed Parkinson’s Disease at the early age of 43, and she was determined to do something to advance a cure for this progressive disease. As with many people with Parkinson’s, her symptoms were least active in the morning, so she started a low-key breakfast event in her home to raise money for Parkinson’s research.
The great success of Porridge for Parkinson’s inspired Marg’s friends in Toronto to begin a similar event in 2007. Porridge for Parkinson’s TO is now a biennial event that has raised over $1 million for Parkinson’s research.
As Marg said, “We can’t sit around waiting for something to happen. The fact that the science is ahead of the money inspires Porridge for Parkinson’s.”
The generosity of our sponsors and donors makes it all possible.
The proceeds from our events fund groundbreaking research into the cause and cure for Parkinson’s Disease. Since 2019, they have been directed toward the Parkinson’s Research Excellence Fund at the Edmond J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease, at the Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN.
OVER
Dollars Raised
Porridge TO Newsletter
Beautiful flower bouquets by @quinceflowers were included in the brunch packages.
Undaunted by the pandemic, the 2021 Organizing Committee persevered – with four weeks of brunch delivered! The reviews were warm and encouraging.
What a wonderful time we had – supporting such an important cause by enjoying a gourmet brunch! What could be better?!”
Heartfelt thanks to all the chefs and organizations participating – keenly aware of how hard the pandemic has hit the hospitality industry, this year the food costs will be covered.
Thanks to our 2021 sponsor, Bob’s Red Mill, and supporter, The Printing & Promotions Group.
Harry McMurtry ran 500 miles to raise funds for Parkinson’s research. He was also the P4P2015 keynote speaker so we were excited to catch up on his adventures.
“Our arrival in Toronto was special. We were greeted by family and friends. We garnered a lot of media attention. We met the Mayor and thereafter the Premier. Wow!”