Last month, after reporting on the critical financial predicament that faced the Guild Festival Theatre (GFT), we received a letter (email) from local resident Frank Mackay (see page 2 – Your Letters, Your Voice). In danger of failing to make their 2018 season a reality, thanks to a wicked combination of Mother Nature and the loss of a major Corporate Sponsor, the non-profit theatre group reached out to the community hoping to raise its $35,000 shortfall.
We sent copies of Mr. Mackay’s letter, along with January’s front page article (“To Be or Not To Be” - GFT Scrambles to Mount New Season). Following up with phone calls, weasked these local politicians to comment on the situation: Ward 43 Councillor Paul Ainslie, Ward 36 Councillor Gary Crawford, Scarborough-Guildwood M.P.P., Mitzie Hunter, and Toronto Mayor John Tory.
While Mayor John Tory’s office was the first to respond, and even though we persisted with weekly email and telephone reminders, we ultimately received no comment from the Mayor. Similarly, while we spoke to Mitzie Hunter’s office, confirming that they had met with the GFT we did not receive further comment. Happily, though, we did hear from and spoke to the offices of, and subsequently the two City Councillors themselves.
The Guild is currently, and has been, located within the bounds of Ward 43. So, it wasn’t surprising to learn that Councillor Paul Ainslie is an “immense supporter of the Guild Festival Theatre.” He speaks highly of the GFT, calling it “an asset to the park’s revitalization, and entire city!” And we’d agree with him, that “it brings theatre goers to Scarborough to experience live theatre in a beautiful park setting.”
Councillor Ainslie is outspokenly proud of Everything Guild, and happily followed up our telephone conversation with a detailed response by email. At present, under his direction, the City’s Cultural division and Theatre are now working together to form a partnership. “They have been actively working with the goal to have the production run this summer, and well into the future,” Ainslie assures us.
Councillor Gary Crawford’s office welcomed our invitation to talk about the GFT. not only does the theatre group benefit his neighbouring constituency, but come the October election, it will be within the limits of his City Ward (as it will then become the new Ward 38). Councillor Crawford reiterated the message we heard from his office, that he is “trying to help out” and is doing his best “to support the Guild Festival Theatre” in anyway he can. He also reminisced about “fond memories of going to the Guild in summertime to watch theatre outdoors” with his kids.
Since issuing their press release The Guild Festival Theatre, has raised over $12,000. We encourage the Bluffs Communities to continue supporting and helping to preserve the meaningful luxury of convenient, quality entertainment. We have the opportunity to take this unfortunate situation and not only resolve it for the GFT, and our Bluffs neighbourhoods, but also to use it as a springboard to spread the word to our larger Toronto community, that it is worth the drive (or five TTC transfers) to Scarborough South West! The perks to our lakefront communities for being known for the diversity of cultural excellence, are immeasurable.
Donations in support of The Guild Festival Theatre can be made online at www.gofundme.com/help-save-guildfestival-theartre Or, cheques can be made out to Guild Festival Theatre and mailed to 118 Catalina Drive, Scarborough, On, M1M 1K8.