New owners of Toronto's beloved 'Leslieville dollhouse' give back
A large crowd of people hoping to collect a piece of Toronto history gathered outside the “Leslieville dollhouse” Sunday, as the new owners of the beloved east-end home gave away the dolls, toys, knick-knacks, and teddy bears that covered the property.
“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,” Bradley Sutherland, who purchased the property with his partner last month, told CP24.
For the last 20 years, anyone who’s walked by the home near Queen Street and Jones Avenue would be hard-pressed to miss the uniquely decorated residence.
The previous owner, Shirley Sumaisar, lived on Bertmount Avenue for more than five decades and began placing her growing collection of trinkets on her front porch and lawn. However, in an interview with CTV News Toronto, Sumaisar’s son, Tom, explained that recently, the family decided the time had come to sell his mother’s home to spend more quality time with her.
“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 said. “It is a sad time for us. My mom loves her house. She wishes she could stay here, but it’s just too big to maintain.”
The property hit the market in July for $999,000 and sold for $99,000 under asking the next month.
Sutherland and his partner have said they plan to renovate the semi-detached, three-bedroom home but needed to part ways with the characteristic ornaments first.
To do that, the new homeowners organized Sunday’s giveaway as a charitable event in collaboration with MLSE’s Change the Game campaign. In exchange for a tchotchke, guests were asked to make a cash or online donation to the campaign.
“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 said.
With files from Joanna Lavoie
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
'There was no stopping this baby from coming': Woman gives birth while aboard Newfoundland ferry
A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
Canmore wildlife and landscape defender Karsten Heuer dies peacefully at 56
Canmore conservationist Karsten Heuer, who was a biologist, park ranger, author and activist, has died.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.
3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation