Extraordinary times call for Extraordinary measures.
Navigating COVID-19: Community Updates
At Variety we are surrounded daily by many extraordinary circumstances, challenges, obstacles, and extraordinary people who inspire us to continue to pursue the work that helps to make change in the world today.
As quarantine and isolation strategies continue, Variety is unable to provide that direct support to our community through our facility programming. Many of the families and children we serve are directly impacted.
The children, families — and partners and staff around the world who help them reach their goals — continue to be our priority as we navigate this ever-evolving global situation. Join us and help support vulnerable children with disabilities in your community today.
Now, more than ever, we will need the support of our community, donors and sponsors.
COVID-19 Updates
- March 17, 2020 4:00pm
- Update #6: Issued March 24, 2020
- Update #5: Issued March 20, 2020
- Update #4: Issued March 17, 2020
- Update #3: Issued March 16, 2020
- Update #2: Issued March 16, 2020
- Update #1: Issued March 13, 2020
After the Federal, Provincial and Municipal announcements made on Monday, March 16, Variety’s Board and Management have made the decision to close our facility until further notice.
Given the rise of cases of COVID-19 here at home and around the world, we are taking this measure to ensure the safety of Variety’s members, staff and volunteers.
We recognize the impact this closure will have on our families and facility users. We believe the safety of our community takes precedence and we will continue to monitor and adjust our operations based on the recommendations of our health authorities.
As this closure must take place at this time, we are undertaking to begin our upgrades to our pool to avoid a further closure of the pool in May/June as previously scheduled. Renovations on the Men’s fieldhouse changeroom will continue.
We will provide you with further updates regarding scheduled programs and the possible re-opening of the facility as they become available. Take care of one another and stay safe everyone. We hope to see you soon.
The Covid-19 situation continues to evolve rapidly and like many of us across Canada, Variety has been deeply impacted. Now, more than ever, we are so grateful for your continuous support as a member, client, donor, and sponsor.
During these uncertain times, know that we are still dedicated to you and will do everything we can to continue to be an important community resource. Our mission is to ensure we open as soon as we are able, better than ever, and we are committed to growing Variety in the days, weeks, and months to come. We will not stop being here for our community and will continue to strive to achieve new heights.
Quick facility update: We decided to take advantage of the facility closure and began the maintenance work on our pool that was originally scheduled for May-June. We completely drained the main pool as well as the hot pool, cleaned them, and re-grouted them to make sure they are spotless! We are now filling them back up and the pools will be ready for you when we are able to re-open.
Our staff are still working hard for you! Follow us on our social media channels for daily workout videos, activity ideas for the whole family, and updates.
Stay safe everyone and we hope to see you all very soon!
We know that this closure has brought with it many frustrations and questions from our members and we thank you for your patience as we maneuver through this crisis.
As our facility is closed and staff are home for recommended social distancing, we are unable to process any payments and/or refunds. We would ask that you don’t email or phone in for refund requests at this time.
Please note however, that we have suspended all automatic payments from members’ accounts.
Program payments, possible membership extensions and/or make up classes/camps will be addressed when Variety reopens to members. Unfortunately, we do not, at this moment, know when Variety will re-open.
As this closure and the directives of our government are fluid, we hope that our members will be understanding and work with us to find the best solutions to these trying times and continue to support our efforts to protect our community yet still engage you.
As a charity, we know that when community comes together, even the smallest act has a lasting impact. This crisis will have a negative impact on our revenue and fundraising abilities but we know we will work through this together with the support of our loyal members, donors and sponsors – our community.
Further information and member updates regarding the COVID-19 will be posted on our website at http://www.varietyvillage.ca/about-us/restrictions-closures/covid-19-updates/
You are also encouraged to follow us on social media channels for updates and for videos to help you keep your fitness goals.
Stay safe everyone and we hope to see you all very soon!
After the Federal, Provincial and Municipal announcements made on Monday, March 16, Variety’s Board and Management have made the decision to close our facility until further notice.
Given the rise of cases of COVID-19 here at home and around the world, we are taking this measure to ensure the safety of Variety’s members, staff and volunteers.
We recognize the impact this closure will have on our families and facility users. We believe the safety of our community takes precedence and we will continue to monitor and adjust our operations based on the recommendations of our health authorities.
As this closure must take place at this time, we are undertaking to begin our upgrades to our pool to avoid a further closure of the pool in May/June as previously scheduled. Renovations on the Men’s fieldhouse changeroom will continue.
We will provide you with further updates regarding scheduled programs and the possible re-opening of the facility as they become available.
Take care of one another and stay safe everyone. We hope to see you soon.
Issued: March 16, 2020 at 6:10 pm
Variety will be closing the facility completely until further notice.
Please continue to check our website as the situation remains volatile and changes may be made quickly.
If you have any questions, please call our front desk at 416-699-7167 and listen to the automated message.
As a result of the Toronto Public Health notice to limit large gatherings, Variety will be closing the facility to the general public at 12:00 noon today, March 16, until further notice.
The following programs will continue to run:
– March Break Camps
– LINKS/ MILESTONES programs
– One-to-One Personal Training
Although the facility will be closed, you can still work out with us! We are planning to post YouTube videos of workout routines that members can do at home while the facility is not open to the public. The videos will be posted on our YouTube channel (http://bit.ly/varietyworkout) and will be updated regularly.
Please continue to check our website at http://www.varietyvillage.ca/about-us/restrictions-closures/ , as the situation remains volatile and changes may be made quickly.
If you have any questions, please call our front desk at 416-699-7167.
Variety continues to monitor the Covid-19 situation daily in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our members, visitors and staff. Senior Management obtains information and takes guidance from experts like Toronto Public Health, Ontario Public Health and Canadian Public Health Organization.
Authorities have advised that the virus does not spread through sweat or through the skin. The virus is spread when your hands come in contact with the virus and you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. That is why frequent and thorough hand washing is so important.
In addition, infected respiratory droplets can spread the virus if they end up in the mouth, nose or eyes. That is why sneezing and coughing into the elbow is so important.
Actions that Variety Village is taking to keep our staff and community safe:
· Starting Saturday, March 14, day passes will no longer be sold until further notice but memberships will continue to be sold
· Please consider not coming to Variety Village if you have been out of the country in the last 14 days
· Please do not come to Variety Village if you have a compromised immune system
· Until further notice, we are asking that there be a one member, one attendant / parent / guardian policy
· Building Cleaning – All high-touch surfaces are cleaned nightly with hospital-grade disinfectant, including the equipment room. Frequent re-cleaning throughout the day has also been implemented.
You can read about Variety’s preventative steps in more detail here: https://mailchi.mp/varietyvillage/coronavirus-our-preventative-measures
Please assist us in keeping Variety Village a safe place by proper hand washing and wiping machines down after use.
Stay active and entertained at home with our videos!
Our facility may be closed but we’re still here for you, your fitness goals, and your family! We’re sharing workout routines that you can do at home while we, as a community, practice social distancing. Our staff are also sharing activity ideas that you and your kids can do. Stay tuned to our YouTube channel, social media accounts and this web page to stay up to date on our videos!
30-Minute Chairfit Workout
Bodyweight Workout
1-Hour Chairfit Workout
Activity Idea: Fort Challenge
Staying Healthy While Social Distancing
10 Minute Leg & Cardio Workout
Everything But The Kitchen Sink Workout
No Equipment Kickboxing Workout
Balance and Core Training
Morning Yoga Flow
Core and Glute Workout
Core and Cardio Backpack Workout
Strip Set Total Body Workout
Activity Idea: Making Caterpillars
Full Body Stair Workout
Kid-Friendly Workout
Creating Structure At Home
Full Body Mini-Band Workout
10-Minute Exercise “Snack”
Basketball and Soccer Drills
Tips for staying healthy at home:
It may be impossible to completely avoid getting sick, but we can implement healthy-living strategies to guard ourselves the best we can! Remember – an immune system is not a single entity but a whole system. To function well, it requires balance, harmony and healthy lifestyle choices.
Our personal trainers have provided some tips for keeping health and active (apart from our workout videos!):
- Eat a balanced diet, high in colourful fruits and vegetables
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Take steps to avoid infection, such as frequent hand washing and disinfecting spaces that are touched frequently
- Practice social distancing – avoid unnecessary travel, public spaces and social gatherings. If you have to go out for essential tasks like grocery shopping, maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from others and avoid physical contact.
- Don’t smoke
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
- Eliminate sugar (or try to really reduce your consumption)
- Get adequate sleep
- Minimize stress (easier said than done right now, we know!)
BUS: We have a bus stop right outside! Take the 12A from Victoria Park Station.
FREE parking onsite.
Wheel-Trans accessible.