In March 2024, Melissa Saunders realized her dream of creating a space where both children and adults can enjoy educational experiences and make new friends, called ÜNI Learn Play Café, located at 864 Eglinton Ave. near Laird Dr.
As Melissa explains, the philosophy behind the café was to create a “safe and fun space” within the neighbourhood for children and families to meet other families, “a place that offers different new, exciting events that cater to lots of interests as well as being a reliable place to drop in and see familiar faces.”
This concept grew out of Melissa’s own experiences after she and her family moved to Leaside in 2019. As a young mother, she found it difficult to find a place where parents could socialize while their children were playing with new friends.
Then when her son was in kindergarten, he developed an interest in science and wanted to start a science club with his friends. They began visiting the Science Centre on the weekends with other families. As the group grew, they joked about starting a business and the idea for the café was born.
Melissa’s goal for the business was to provide education, play and parties in a “fun space” for children where the parents could meet and enjoy a snack. After months of research and planning, she found the location on Eglinton in late 2023.
She chose the location because Leaside is their home, “a beautiful neighbourhood like those in Hallmark movies where everyone knows everyone else.” She wanted her business to benefit her own neighbourhood.
ÜNI is not a single type of experience. ÜNI Café refers to the gathering spot featuring pastries and beverages. ÜNI Play is the umbrella for the fun activities and events for children. Melissa tries to have one event every weekend such as science shows, magic shows, concerts or star-gazing parties with telescopes and hot chocolate.
ÜNI Learn and Camp programs include science camps during the summer and March Break and educational classes. Camp days include science activities and experiments as well as arts and crafts. Some of these activities take place at nearby parks. And finally, ÜNI Party is the program for birthday parties organized around various themes.
Melissa herself oversees the execution of all the programs and events and organizes staffing based on the demand. Family and friends often help out, and ÜNI hires university students from U of T and York in the fields of science and engineering to help with camps and events as needed. Also invited are artists and experts for concerts, art activities, magic shows and science events.
In addition to experiences for children, there are events for adults and families, too. For example, ÜNI hosted a salon concert with young musicians from the Taylor Academy at the Royal Conservatory and a water colour master class. For the holiday season, there was a concert by Santa Claus, a gingerbread workshop and a holiday-themed local market featuring local businesses and artisans.
One of the artisans was Suzanne Sharples, who says the market was a “fun event” and that the ÜNI team were encouraging and supportive of the participants. In fact, she says “it has been a delight to have ÜNI in the neighbourhood. Not only have they helped to provide academic support for my child but they have also opened their space to local artists… and serve delicious coffee, too. ÜNI is a great local hangout for adults and kids alike.”
For more information: https://www.myuni.ca/cafe
