CREATE.
CONNECT.
HAVE FUN.
Our Founders
Jason Schuy and Paulette O'Leary wanted to bring vibrancy to Queen St. E and create a place for fun, where everyone felt welcome. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the universal need for connection became ever more apparent, they were well on their way to creating an accessible centre for fun and connection for all, with the support of the community behind them.
VALUES
Fun
Inclusive
Sustainable
MISSION
To create high-quality experiences for healthy, meaningful connections.
VISION
A happier and better-connected society
In 2022, with the support of the Paul W. O'Leary Foundation, the doors opened to Beaches Sandbox—a vibrant, accessible, and modern 13,000-square-foot charitable community centre in the heart of the Beaches neighbourhood.
Accessibility
Beaches Sandbox is committed to accessibility and is proud to operate in an accessible facility equipped with an elevator, braille signage, automatic doors, and other accessibility features.
Read more about Accessibility at Beaches Sandbox here.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome individuals from all walks of life, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, culture, or socioeconomic background.
Our commitment to inclusivity means creating a safe and supportive space where everyone feels valued and respected. Whether you're here to participate in programs, or simply connect with others, you are an integral part of our community. Together, we celebrate diversity and embrace the strength it brings to our shared experiences. Join us in building a community where everyone belongs and thrives.
Land Acknowledgement
At Beaches Sandbox we acknowledge that the land we stand on today is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
This acknowledgment is only a first step in honouring the land on which we operate and is only meaningful when combined with accountable and informed action.
Sustainability
Beaches Sandbox chooses green energy with Bullfrog Power. Through this partnership, we reduce our environmental impact, support new green energy projects across Canada, and help create a cleaner, healthier world.
“Great experiences happen when a community comes together, no matter what age or gift!” ~Paulette O'Leary, Co-Founder
Our Story
Welcome to Beaches Sandbox! Located in the heart of Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood, Beaches Sandbox is a vibrant community centre offering high-quality programs, workshops, camps, and events for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds from Beaches neighbourhood, East York and beyond.
As a registered charity, we provide diverse activities including art, music, dance, fitness, cooking, STEM, and more in an accessible space. We strive to create fun experiences that foster healthy and meaningful connections, with a vision of building a happier and more connected community through creativity, well-being, and fun.
“Living with abilities that are different than the typical person (having MS), I understand it's essential to have fun and live life to it's fullest. Disability actually created opportunity! ”
~Paulette O'Leary, Co- Founder
The Sandbox
The name Beaches Sandbox is inspired by the innate ways that children play in a sandbox at the park, or along the sandy shores of the beach: they let their imaginations run free, create elaborate sand castles and moats, and make carefree connections with others. The sand is a happy place, and for adults–a place where our stresses fade away as we embrace our inner child.
The Beaches Sandbox name reflects our connection to the community with its many beautiful beach areas, our commitment to providing quality activities that offer a perfect combination of creativity and relaxation, and our inclusive programming that’s welcoming to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, just like a perfect spot in the sand.
