Riverdale Share

What is Riverdale share? It is an easy question but, with a very long answer. I will try to condense it to make it easy to digest. I tried to soak it all in but there are a lot of moving parts.

Riverdale share is a community-based organization that helps out other organizations in the east end of Toronto. Just from the program I received at the concert I can see 10 other places benefitting from this concert.

This concert started 32 years ago and would like to put on these small-town style shows for the community. These shows benefit young people, so they have an opportunity to join summer camps, of simple have a place to have a warm meal or a bed for a night. There are plenty of different kinds of help to make these communities safer and happier and nothing feels better knowing you have people around you that care.

Here is a paragraph from their website explaining their purpose:

The Riverdale Share Community Association (RSCA) reaches out into the community and engages the support of accomplished performers, volunteers and businesses to support local, grassroots charities. RSCA (a registered charity #893556217) is a volunteer-driven organization with a three-fold mandate:

To work with all sectors of the Riverdale neighborhood in the production of a large, annual, community celebration.

To raise awareness of groups, organizations and individuals who are in need and to provide support as a caring neighbourhood.

To inspire our youth to give back to their communities and to offer opportunities for young aspiring artists.

The Show

This show happens once a year early in December to get you geared up for the generosity of the holiday. This is a quick rundown of this family variety show.

It began with the audience showing up to find their seats. They are welcomed by a 5-piece band that was playing music from the east coast of Canada. Once the show began, we received a grand opening with the classic Bruce Springsteen version of “Santa Claus is coming to town”. This was performed by one of Toronto Favourite party bands- Trainwreck, except this train stayed on the tracks.

The Danforth Music Hall was finally introduced to the MC, Matt Bernard who did an excellent time telling Dad jokes and keeping things running smoothly and entertaining.

Jen Schaffer and the Shiners went up next to perform their own personal Christmas song called-“Homes for the Holiday. It is a soulful Rock song with a message of hope. You can actually download this song for yourself. I included the ad so you can scan the QR code for your free download.

As the show moved on, Matt Bernard seemed to have some problems with a sneaky character named the Grinch. He kept showing up and stealing presents, which got the young members of the audience to yell out about this injustice. It was fun to hear children speak up when they see trouble.

Speaking of young people, Teya Carlson who is still a teenager got up and belted out a Christmas tune right before the audience got its first treat. You see, when you go to these shows to give to the community, this community gives back. They raffled off 12 gifts cards to different businesses in the neighbourhood worth $250 each card. Now that is worth buying a ticket for. You may walk away with a household filled with groceries.

The variety show continued with quite the comedic dance troupe mixed with Chamber music, by Erika Raum and the Liittle Dance Collective. It was about arriving on a hot island in Kingston Jamaica and really arriving in Kingston, Ontario. It was pretty damn funny watching these dancers trying to figure things out.

They had a children’s choir and the return of Michael Brennan who have been very supportive about this concert. It did sound like this may be his last time doing this but let go next year and see if that is true. It would be hard to walk away from such a tight organization that is filled with honest intentions.

Then came the highlight of the show when 5 very young dancers came on stage with their teachers to do their version of the Nutcracker. I am sorry; if you didn’t crack a warm smile while these girls warmed your hearts then you must be dead inside.

We even had a puppeteer come on with his bunny getting the kids and adults engaged in his simple song about keeping his Bunny happy. Christina Hut decided to take us to the country with her music. The other highlight came when Anne Lederman did her version of the 12 days of Christmas with her song called “Come I will sing for you”. It is done in the same style of 12 days, but the way Anne does this version will simply leave you breathless.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Eero and Daniel Raum. These brothers sang back-up on many of other peoples songs. When they had their chance to sing they looked and sounded like the next heart throbs to come out of this city. These boys have strong and sharp vocals that really harken your attention. You should watch out for these two.

As we come in near the end, Julian Taylor graced us with his version of “That Spirit of Christmas”. The feeling of community just got tighter with this song. It got even tighter as Hermina George and everyone came on stage and finished the afternoon with, “Go tell it on the Mountain”.

This was the perfect 2 hour escape away from the troubles of the world. It made you feel even better knowing your ticket went towards helping other people. And maybe you were one of the lucky one who won a $250 gift card for your holiday feast this year!

I have included this QR Code just in case you would like to scan it and make a donation to a worthwhile cause. The east end is a better place because of shows like this one. I hope to see you there next year!

Here is a link to the recipients of this valuable resource-  Riverdale Share Grant Recipients 2020 – Riverdale Share

Highlights from Riverdale Shares: