New Owners of Toronto’s Beloved ‘Leslieville Dollhouse’ Give Back

In a heartwarming gesture that resonates deeply with the community, the iconic Leslieville Dollhouse is celebrating its new ownership with a unique giveaway of its extensive collection of dolls, stuffed animals, and cherished memorabilia. Hundreds gathered outside the charming east-end abode to claim a piece of Toronto history, as new proprietors Bradley Sutherland and his partner opened the doors to a beloved landmark, enriching the city with an unforgettable event.

Residents and fans gathered in numbers to bid farewell to the iconic collection.

“We wanted to give people an opportunity to come out and have one last look at it, take a piece home, and go from there,” stated Sutherland, highlighting the heart behind the charitable initiative. This engaging event served not just to distribute the home’s notable artifacts but also to foster a sense of community connection and nostalgia linked to the home.

For the past two decades, anyone who strolled by the house located at the intersection of Queen Street and Jones Avenue couldn’t help but be enchanted by its eccentric exterior, adorned with an extensive collection of whimsical decor. The previous owner, Shirley Sumaisar, poured her love into the residence, embellishing it with trinkets that told stories and evoked fond memories for countless passersby.

Tom, Shirley’s son, shared some poignant insights regarding the family’s recent decision to sell after more than five decades in their beloved home. “This is my mom’s life… she’s very upset that she’s going to leave, but it’s for her health and to be safer and closer to family,” he mentioned. The difficult but necessary transition underscores the bittersweet nature of changes in long-standing familial homes in the city.

The property, listed at $999,000, changed hands last month, ultimately selling for $900,000. Sutherland and his partner plan to renovate the three-bedroom semi-detached home while honoring its history, which poses a poignant challenge as they work to integrate the past with a fresh new vision.

The giveaway event not only drew in local residents but also aligned with MLSE’s Change the Game campaign, an initiative that channels community contributions towards the development of youth programs. The new owners invited guests to make a cash or online donation in exchange for a cherished item from the dollhouse, demonstrating an admirable proclivity toward giving back to the community that has embraced their home.

“It’s a great organization that helps youth in the city, and this home has brought so much joy to youth in the city, so we thought it would be a great alignment to give back,” Sutherland remarked, perfectly capturing the spirit of community engagement this event represents.

This heartwarming giveaway not only marks a fresh chapter for both the new owners and devoted followers of the Leslieville Dollhouse but also reiterates the value of community in preserving memories and traditions. As old stories vacate and new ones prepare to enter, the legacy of the Leslieville Dollhouse continues to thrive in the hearts of its past and future admirers, serving as a reminder of the singular joy that these small tokens of nostalgia impart.

In a world rapidly changing around us, it’s moments like these that encourage us to cherish the memories we hold dear, nurture the connections we’ve forged, and embrace the whimsical tapestry that is our community’s history.

Conclusion

In the heart of Leslieville, this delightful exchange has sparked a renewed appreciation for the stories that spaces like the Dollhouse cultivate. With its layers of nostalgia peeled back through community engagement, the path forward glimmers with possibility, inviting everyone to be part of an evolving narrative that celebrates both the old and the new.