Event Review: Munch ‘n’ Mingling Holiday Style

Written with photos also taken by William Smith, IABC/Toronto member and volunteer

Grey skies, a cold damp breeze nor large construction equipment parked in front of Fionn McCools could keep more than 80 IABC/Toronto members from coming out to celebrate the season.

Taking over the cozy pub, members enjoyed the complimentary drink ticket delicious pub food and good cheer as well as leaving a donated toy for Hospital for Sick Children.

“Thank you to IABC/Toronto members for their generous donations of toys and gifts to our SickKids patients,” said Caron Irwin, Entertainment and Donations Coordinator for Hospital for Sick Children’s Child Life Department.

“We depend on donations like yours to bring fun and joy to the patients and families who are in hospital over the holiday season. We use the donated toys to make over 1000 holiday gift bags for the patients and families we serve. We also use the toys throughout the year for birthday presents, special events gifts, end of treatment rewards and to help us outfit the playrooms throughout the hospital.”

Gift cards from Brooks Brothers, the Gap, tickets to the Royal Ontario Museum, a weekend stay at the Delta Chelsea Hotel and wine packages were supplied as door prizes. Congratulations go out the lucky winners.

Members enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and the buffet laid out by Finn McCool’s staff including spring rolls, fish and chips, cheese and crackers and pizza.

"I had a fabulous time this evening reconnecting with colleagues and meeting new people," said IABC/Toronto member Amanda George. "The venue was cozy and the atmosphere was very relaxed, Fionn McCools put on a nice buffet.”

The next Munch ‘n’ Mingle is in February, please stay tuned for updates through the e-Lerts, the IABC/Toronto website, Facebook page and Twitter feed. It’s going to be fun.