A Heartfelt Thanks

A Big 'Thank You' on the Anniversary of the Badminton & Racquet Club's 2017 Valentine's Day Fire

TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - The Badminton and Racquet Club (B&R) today hosted A Heartfelt Thanks, a community event to say thank you to the first responders, emergency services and the Yonge and St. Clair community. The heroic efforts of the more than 100 fire fighters on Valentine's Day 2017 kept the Yonge and St. Clair community safe and saved the west side of the historic club.

A sod turning with Councillor Josh Matlow and representatives from the first responders and TTC to celebrate the reopening of the west side and the announce the start of construction took place at the B&R. "The Yonge and St. Clair community was kept safe and our historic building is now reopening thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Toronto Fire Services, the Toronto Police, the Toronto Paramedics, the TTC, Toronto Hydro, Enbridge, the Office of Emergency Management, Transportation Services and Toronto Water," said Karen Wallace, Club President. "We are forever thankful."

Councillor Matlow expressed his gratitude to Toronto's emergency services and acknowledged the brave and selfless actions that day. "The Badminton and Racquet Club is a historic institution in the heart of Midtown Toronto that contributes to the quality of life of its members in our community. When a massive fire at the site forced evacuation of local residents and nearby businesses, our City's emergency services came together to answer the call. That day we witnessed both tragedy and heroism. Our gratitude to everyone who fought the fire, provided shelter and support, is enduring," said Councillor Matlow.

Wallace presented a commemorative plaque to the Toronto Fire Services to thank them for their efforts in battling the six-alarm blaze. Deputy Fire Chief Tony Bavota thanked the B&R for acknowledging the hard work and dedication of Toronto Fire Services in protecting and serving the people of Toronto.

The B&R received an outpouring of support from the local community, the businesses and other organizations in the area. Many organizations opened their doors as a refuge from the blaze, including the TTC, which brought in buses as temporary shelter. Interestingly, the B&R started off as a streetcar turn around station in the 1800s.

The B&R also received incredible support from other sports clubs, which helped to keep the spirit of the B&R membership high. These clubs offered our members access to their facilities, which allowed our community to stay active and engaged. The B&R is very grateful for their generosity.

"Ours is a special community and we have deep roots here," said Wallace. "To show our appreciation of community support, we are making a donation to the Centennial Infant and Child Centre as a gesture of thanks to the people of Yonge and St. Clair." The Centennial Infant and Child Centre is a non-profit located in the Yonge and St. Clair area dedicated to the development and education of young children with developmental challenges.

The Badminton and Racquet Club of Toronto was founded in 1924 by a small group of badminton enthusiasts when the historic TTC streetcar barns on the corner of St. Clair Avenue and Yonge Street were turned into several badminton courts.

SOURCE The Badminton and Racquet Club of Toronto