Spring Fling to raise a little roof at True Davidson Acres

Betty Tustin has been volunteering at True Davidson Acres for more than half the 40 years the long-term care home has been open – long enough to make many friends, she says.

Now, as she and some fellow volunteers get set to throw a Spring Fling barbecue and art sale on Saturday, Tustin hopes it and other events can fund a small gazebo to cap off the building’s 40th and give everyone a cool new place to enjoy the building’s west-side view down the treed slopes of Taylor Creek Park.

“To get a little bit of nature right in the city – it’s just lovely,” said volunteer coordinator Carly Wolf, noting that a gazebo would make a nice spot to host special events or live music.

Opened on June 21, 1973, True Davidson Acres is one of 10 long-term care homes run by the City of Toronto. Named for a feisty East York mayor who retired from politics at age 70, the building won an award for the way architect Jerome Markson tucked it onto a steep hill, protecting the 100-year-old oak trees around it.

Tustin says True Davidson also has a great history when it comes to the people who live and volunteer there.

“I just love the residents, I love the home,” she said. “It’s always been known that we have great volunteers, and many of them.”

“I don’t think most people realize how much the community comes together to give,” said Wolf. “We have over 125 volunteers here, and they’re so dedicated. They read and escort, offer friendship and feed people.”

At the Spring Fling, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, volunteers will be out grilling hamburgers, veggie burgers or hot dogs as well as helping to run an art sale and crafts table. The True Davidson tea room will also be open and selling desserts.

Anyone who would like to volunteer at True Davidson can call Carly Wolf at 416-397-0364 or email cwolf@toronto.ca. Volunteers who would like to work at the tea room or bistro are especially welcome.

---