Sunday, December 8th
at Runnymede United Church
(432 Runnymede Rd)
3:30 to 5 pm

Sustaining Contribution: $25
or $20 when you register for A Day of Song with Kate Sutherland


The Invitation

Join us in the afterglow of a Day of Song with Kate Sutherland for a cosy bonus song circle with Steph & Paul. As a community, we will digest the sweet time with Kate and prepare to reenter our daily lives…

All songs will be community favourites. As nights become longer and we approach the Winter Solstice, come fill your pockets with songs to stoke your inner fire and light your way home!

Here's what to expect:

  • A welcoming environment that embraces you and your voice as they are.

  • Permission and encouragement to explore your voice at your own pace.

  • Opportunities to connect with like-hearted humans and experience a sense of community.

  • Easy-to-learn, heart-softening songs, ranging from playful to powerful and sacred, that will leave you feeling oh-so-OK in all of your tenderness.

Tea will be provided!

There may be tears. There will certainly be laughter. Come prepared for the full range of feelings.


About Steph & Paul

Steph and Paul led their first song circle at Runnymede United Church on January 20th, 2019. Now almost 6 years later, they live full-time in Kingston, Ontario, but return to Toronto as often as they can to help keep the flame of community singing alive.

Known by some as a musical “wizard,” Paul Barton makes clever use of his education in Jazz guitar and experience as a professional musician to help song circles run seamlessly. Steph Drouin is a trained community choir leader, Expressive Arts Therapist and expert space holder. Informed by a life-long relationship with anxiety, she is passionate about creating spaces where you can feel safe to show up exactly as you are. Get ready! As a team of gifted space holders and song weavers, Steph & Paul will not only create an accessible and uplifting musical experience for you but also an environment that is welcoming of your fierce and tender human self.

 

Registration is now open!
Spaces are limited to 35 participants.


Since ancient times, people have gathered to sing as a way of caring for themselves, each other, and the more-than-human world. Let's reclaim our collective wellness through the practice of community singing. Come find joy, strength, and solace in song with us.


FAQs

Who Is This For?

All voices, ages and levels are welcome. No musical experience is necessary. In fact, people who only sing in the shower or car are especially welcome. We are all capable of making beautiful sound, and we would love to help you experience this birthright.

While we deeply value the presence of children in our community, it is important to note that this event is geared toward adults. Young people who can remain engaged in the singing or be quietly present throughout the event are most welcome. If bringing a young, active child would support you to show up, please be in touch with us and we will navigate the way forward together.

Please note that our rental with Runnymede United Church only permits the use of the Kingsbury Room and bathrooms. Brief use of the kitchen is permitted to fill water bottles. We are unfortunately not allowed to linger in the hallway. When leaving the Kingsbury Room to use the bathroom or kitchen, children must be accompanied by an adult.


How can I support this offering?

For this particular offering, the suggested or "sustaining" contribution is $25 per adult. We use the term "sustaining" to let you know that this is the amount we need to receive per person on average to sustainably continue offering our workshops. The beauty of community is that where some can give less, others can give more, and it all works out.

Gift options:
Sustaining Contribution: $25 per adult
Supported Contribution: $15-20
Supporter Contribution: $30
Benefactor Contribution: $35+

NOTE: Receive $5 off as a gift of gratitude when you register for a Day of Song with Kate Sutherland.

If the suggested contributions are a barrier to your participation, please don't hesitate to reach out to steph@fiercelyok.ca. We would be happy to discuss options to support your participation, like payment plans, energy exchanges, and COME RECEIVE spots.

To avoid payment processing fees, you may send an e-transfer to gifts@fiercelyok.ca (no password required). Select "Pay by invoice" at the checkout and send your e-transfer before completing your registration or immediately after. Your registration will be confirmed upon receipt of your contribution. Thank you!


How do you support people of all abilities, identities and singing experiences to participate?

While we acknowledge that we have work to do, we are endeavouring to create spaces in which folks of all abilities, identities and singing experiences are able to participate in ways that are satisfying to them. All songs will be taught in the repeat-after-me style and will be simple enough to learn in one sitting.

If you feel concerned about being able to pick up the lyrics, rest assured that we will teach the songs in bite-size chunks and check in with you often. If a chunk is too long, we will teach a shorter chunk. We will move at a human pace and leave no one behind. If visual aids are helpful for you, please bring along a little notebook to jot down the lyrics and let us know if you would like any assistance catching the words. We're here to support you!

Unfortunately, the space is not wheelchair accessible. We apologize, and we hope you will find reassurance in knowing that we will offer events in accessible spaces in the future.

When we host events at Runnymede United Church, we treat all bathrooms as gender-neutral, inviting all participants to use the bathroom closest to the Kingsbury Room. This bathroom contains two toilet stalls.

While we are working to anticipate your needs, we warmly invite you, if and when you feel safe enough, to let us know how we can best support you to show up. Together, as a community, we will grow.


What is your wellness/COVID policy?

We are currently asking that participants complete their own wellness self-assessment prior to attending Fiercely OK events. Please attend only if you are feeling well and have not recently been sick or been in contact with someone who was sick. If you are unsure of whether you should attend, please complete this self-assessment: https://www.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ and reach out to Steph. If any symptoms of COVID-19, flu or other contagious illness become apparent during the event or in the 5 days after the event, please notify Steph right away.

Decisions regarding if and how to practice physical distancing at Fiercely OK events are left to the discretion of individuals in attendance. Masks are optional and most likely *will not* be worn by most participants. We ask that all participants exercise caution and sensitivity with regard to masking, maintaining physical distance, and practising hand hygiene in the presence of other participants. In case the circumstances require masking, we recommend that you bring a well-fitting N95 mask with you to the event. Please note that these guidelines and protocols are subject to change at any time without notice.


What is your refund policy?

We consider requests for refunds on a case-by-case basis. While we do not guarantee refunds for cancellations, unplanned absences or no-shows, we are committed to our relationship with you! Please be in touch with any concerns; we will work together to find an agreeable solution.

If you must cancel your attendance due to illness, you will be offered a credit which can be applied towards a future event hosted by Steph & Paul.


Any other questions?

Please do not hesitate to reach out to steph@fiercelyok.ca.