Maple Leaf Gardens has been collecting dust for the most part since it was sold to Loblaws in 2004 (and the Leafs and Raptors moved out in 1999). But it comes alive on September 8th, for the Matt Damon-hosted OneXOne benefit gala. Scheduled to coincide with the Toronto Film Festival (when there are plenty of celebrities in town), Matt Damon has been affiliated with this event for a number of years. Pics from previous events.

I'm curious how they will turn the Gardens into a useable venue, as it seems so decrepit from the outside. I won't be able to go to the concert, as I'll be seeing films at the film festival at that time. But I may try and check out the red carpet action if I have time. It'll be nice to see the Gardens spiffed up--like a bag lady in a new dress.

This year's performers include Wyclef Jean, John Legend, comedian Russell Peters, and the African Children's Choir. OneXOne benefits a number of children-related charities.

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Meanwhile, at the Air Canada Centre, a celebrity charity hockey game, the Festival Cup, will take place on September 5th. Movie people (actors Tim Robbins, Alan Thicke, D.B. Sweeney, Cameron Bancroft and director Jason Reitman) and hockey stars (Joe Thornton (San Jose Sharks), Jason Spezza (Ottawa Senators), Curtis Joseph (Toronto Maple Leafs), Matt Stajan (Toronto Maple Leafs), Robyn Regehr (Calgary Flames), Mike Cammalleri (Calgary Flames), Sean Avery (Dallas Stars) and Andrew Ference (Boston Bruins)) will participate in this fundraiser for Right to Play.