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Harry Forestell was a truly inspiring guest speaker at Porridge for Parkinson’s 2023. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Harry has had a front-row seat to the news and newsmakers that shape our world. From salt mines to stock exchanges to the front steps of Downing Street, he has reported from across Europe, the UK and North America. Harry began as a freelance reporter in the Parliamentary Press Gallery in Ottawa, covering breaking political news for regional papers...Read More

Chefs Jamie Kennedy and Joanne Yolles have been an important part of Porridge for Parkinson’s success, and we are grateful for their generous involvement. Jamie Kennedy has had a remarkable career helping to shape the culinary landscape in Canada. His innovative approach to gastronomy, commitment to sustainable agriculture, and advocacy of local food have been unwavering. Jamie is a Member of the Order of Canada and has been awarded a Governor General’s Award in recognition of his work. He lives...Read More

How it began In the fall of 2019, Porridge for Parkinson’s held a hugely successful brunch event and directed our proceeds to the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease at Toronto Western Hospital. This world-class program is directed by Dr. Anthony Lang, who is recognized as one of Canada’s leading experts in Parkinson’s Disease. Our donation that year supported the Movement Disorders Fellowship Program and provided two Fellows with a unique opportunity to receive extensive training in all aspects...Read More

Jeanne Beker is an award-winning journalist, media personality, and fashion entrepreneur who has been a longtime supporter and emcee for Porridge for Parkinson’s. Her beloved mother, Bronia Beker, lived with Parkinson’s disease for many years, and we fondly remember her attending our brunch events. More recently, Jeanne has graciously shared her own journey with breast cancer through media interviews and social media, encouraging positivity and raising awareness. Jeanne Beker began her career as the popular co-host of the ground-breaking Citytv...Read More

Donna has been a prominent part of Toronto’s restaurant scene since opening the much-loved Mildred Pierce Restaurant in 1989—and a Porridge for Parkinson’s brunch partner since 2011. Her iconic Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village is a showcase for her passion for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients—simply and sumptuously prepared. The popular restaurant is well known for delicious brunch menus, including Donna’s signature pancakes, biscuits, and scones. During the pandemic, Mildred’s also began offering a pantry product line, which is now a successful...Read More

Porridge for Parkinson’s was delighted to welcome Fifth Element as our musical guest on November 12, 2023. Performing regularly since its formation in 2016, the jazz quintet is packing concert venues, including performances at the Jazz Lounge in Old Mill Toronto, The Jazz Room in Waterloo, Reid’s Distillery, and West End Jazz in Oakville. Fifth Element breathes new life into the Great American Songbook and familiar jazz standards in live performance. Featuring vocalist Nina Richmond backed by Ron Johnston on bass, Jack Gelbloom on piano, Glenn Anderson on...Read More

Chef Adrian Niman launched The Food Dudes from the kitchen of his Toronto condo in 2007 and attracted an instant following. He understood his clients’ desire for fresh and local ingredients, sophisticated original fare, and memorable culinary experiences. In 2011, Adrian partnered with Lindsay Klein, and the pair has since grown The Food Dudes into a hugely successful restaurant and catering company. They were also among the pioneers of Toronto’s food trucks. The Food Dudes is recognized for its dedication to...Read More

The 10th Anniversary Porridge for Parkinson’s brunch featured Robert Fisher as emcee and Evan Siddall as the special guest speaker. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014, Evan Siddall co-founded the Growling Beaver Brevet, a cycling charity event that helps people with Parkinson’s to “live well today.” It debuted in 2015 with great success. Evan W. Siddall is a Canadian businessman who served as Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation from 2021 to 2024. Previously, he served as the CEO of the Canada Mortgage...Read More