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 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 raised over $133,000 for Parkinson’s research.
Porridge TO Blog
Hugh Johnston, UHN Patient Advisory Board Chair
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.
Support Porridge for Parkinson’s Toronto in 2021
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.
2021 Organizing Committee
We are in the process of designing a fall event that will raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research.
Catching up with Harry McMurtry
Harry McMurtry, Porridge for Parkinson’s 2015 guest speaker, completed a fundraising walk from his home in New York City to his hometown of Toronto.
A Tour of the UHN PD Research Facilities
Check out Dr. Fasano’s video explainer on CRANIA’s new gait analysis lab and how it is uses immersive lab technology to help patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Check out the TASTETORONTO 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
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.