Help us raise money

Team Barkers for the Arts is a group of dog owners, friends, and community members walking a half-marathon or 5K together to support free arts programs at Jamii. Most of us are proudly owned by Samoyeds 😂

We are walking because we are naturally drawn to slightly unhinged and ambitious group activities involving fluff, chaos, and long walks with our loud and highly social dogs. Also because we believe creativity and community should be accessible to everyone!

On race day, Sunday, October 18, our half-marathon walkers will start up north around Thorncliffe and make our way south along the Don River, then head toward the waterfront where the marathon excitement will be in full swing. We’ll pass near the official race route around Corktown Commons, cheer on the runners, soak in the atmosphere, continue through the St. Lawrence neighbourhood to say hi to Jamii’s community members, and then head west along the lake.

Our 5K walkers will join us for the final stretch, and we’ll finish the day together as one big group of dogs and humans at High Park Off-Leash Dog Park for a well-earned post-walk run, sniff, and hang.

And yes, there will be plenty of fluff!

If you’re nearby on Sunday, October 18, we would absolutely love to see friendly faces along the route, especially near The Jamii Hub. Come cheer, wave, take photos, or just enjoy the unexpected joy of seeing a group of Samoyeds walking through the city together. It might just make your day.

Every donation to Team Barkers for the Arts helps Jamii continue offering free arts workshops and events for people of all ages in Toronto. These programs bring people together, build confidence, and create opportunities that many people might not otherwise have access to.

Thank you for supporting our team, supporting Jamii, and cheering on a very enthusiastic group of dogs who are fully convinced this entire event is about them.