How to train a dragon and feed hungry children at the same time? Welcome to Briar’s Movie Night in the Park

ELORA – Briar Gemmell is bringing back Briar’s Movie Night in the Park for a third time.

Now 16, Gemmell ran her first movie night when she was just 12 years old.

“A lot has changed since I started,” she stated in an email.

“I’m 16 now and going into Grade 11, so life is definitely busier with school, volleyball, coaching and spending time with friends. 

“But helping local kids is still really important to me. I know there are children in our community who go to school hungry, and if I can do something to help, then I want to.

“Seeing how our community comes together every time reminds me why it’s worth all the work.”

A commercial on the radio drew her attention to food insecurity and the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington’s Live Free campaign that made her aware many children – likely many of her classmates – didn’t have enough food to eat.

The foundation offers a school food program and Gemmell decided to raise funds for the program.

Cue the movies. 

After just two movie nights – in 2022 and 2024 – Gemmell has raised $13,000 for the program and hopes this year’s event will bump that up to $20,000.

She recently was awarded with the foundation’s Young Philanthropist Award.

“It was such a special surprise, and it made me even more excited to keep growing Briar’s Movie Night in the Park,” she said.

“The award really belongs to everyone who has supported the event over the years because I couldn’t do it without this amazing community.”

Movie night is Aug. 22 at Bissell Park in Elora. This year’s film is How to Train Your Dragon, the live-action version released in 2025.

Bring blankets, lawn chairs and whatever you might need to be comfortable for the screening, which begins as dusk. Admission is by donation.

If it rains, the event moves indoors to the Jefferson Elora Community Centre hall.

Thanks to sponsorship by Kat Florence and donations and participation of local businesses, 100 per cent of donations will go directly to the Children’s Foundation.

There will be food for purchase. Pete’s Grill Food Truck, BeaverTails, Chilled Chime Ice Cream Cart, which is run by local youth, and Cotton Candy by Jo will all be there. 

She’s lining up a face painter and there will some games, movie trivia and more before the show starts, making it a fun-filled evening for everyone at every age, she said.

Gemmell said she’s grateful to Kat Florence for sponsoring the event.

“Their support means every dollar raised goes directly to the Children’s Foundation’s Keep Kids Fed at School Program,” she said.

“I’m incredibly grateful because it allows every donation to make an even bigger impact for local kids.”

Gemmell is listing and thanking all the community businesses that have helped on her Facebook and Instagram pages.

To date they include: The Ayrshire Collection, Move Centre Wellington, Tony’s Sourdough, Shoe Villa and The Metcalfe Smokehouse.

“The Township of Centre Wellington has also been so helpful with planning the event, especially since we’re back at Bissell Park this year,” said Gemmell.

“I’m also so thankful for all of the volunteers, my family, my friends and everyone else who has helped make this event possible. 

“Every time I ask for help people are so willing to jump in, and that means so much to me. It’s really amazing to see our community come together to support local kids.”

For those who can’t make it but wish to donate, there is a QR code on Briar’s Movie Night in the Park social media pages linking directly to her fundraising page through the Children’s Foundation. 

Eligible donations automatically receive a tax receipt.

Gemmell is also thinking about logistics, looking at ways to make it easier for people to attend, such as parking and shuttle options. They won’t be in place this year, but perhaps in the future.

“I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported Briar’s Movie Night in the Park over the years and I can’t wait to see everyone come together again on Aug. 22 at Bissell Park,” she said.