The Open Door Festival of Music was created in 1999 to celebrate great musicians for the Red Door Family Shelter. The question posed was how can we make a difference in the city of Toronto? Marysia Czarski conceived the idea, and with the partnership of Sharon Ross, took the good idea and created a vision that was so compelling, that it has become a main stay in the music community of Toronto.

To date, the Open Door Music Festival has hosted over 20 singer/song writer musicians from across North America, and has raised over $20,000 for the Red Door Family Shelter. The reason the Red Door was chosen as the desired charity lies at the heart of an important value for Marysia – to help those who can them help themselves. The Red Door is about empowering the families who walk through their doors - it assists residents in their efforts to establish a stable life outside the shelter through education, counseling, community services and advocacy on their behalf.

The Festival occurs annually, and is usually in November. To see a 10 minute clip of the spirit and energy of The Open Door, click here:

Marysia Czarski remains very involved with the festival as it’s a large expression of her desire to make a difference.

For more information, please visit the Open Door Festival of Music web site.

Visit Open Door on MySpace.

Bikes for Tykes

Marysia teaching a portion of the "Bikes for Tykes" spin-a-thon to over 120 people and raised over $120,000 for the Bloorview Hospital.

Right To Play

Board Member of RIGHT TO PLAY Toronto.