Holland Bloorview has been an integral part of my life since before I was born.
My mum heard about Spiral Garden in the late 80’s and loved the philosophy of being integrated, outdoors, and run by Artists. Friends of hers worked there in its early years, and in the 90s my eldest brother attended Spiral Garden for the first time. From then on, every end of August became synonymous with Spiral Garden for me and my brothers, and our family friends. As children, we only missed one summer in the garden. Even when we were living abroad for multiple years, we visited once and attended for a few days. My brother worked here, and I could not wait until I was 16 to start volunteering. Many of the Artists have known me since I was smaller than a drum, and the program, the space, the puppets, the trees, and the people who make it such a welcoming and inclusive community have had an incredible influence on who I am and who I wanted to be when I ‘grew up’.
It is an absolute privilege to work there as the Site Coordinator, in partnership with amazing colleagues and friends, and introduce new volunteers and staff every summer to the wonders of this unique program. Holland Bloorview is lucky to have such a gem of a program under its name, and to have hosted such incredibly gifted, skilled Artists and Care Staff through its 40-year history in service of exceptional participants and their families. The unmatched impact that being outdoors, engaging/tending with/to nature, arts, and music in the way that Spiral Garden promotes is a fantastic model for holistic healthcare and extends across time, communities, and cultures in a very meaningful way for many people who have the chance to experience it.
Having the opportunity to work in Volunteer Resources, and learn about all the other facets of this place, I get to observe and talk about how powerful and inspiring the hardworking and devoted caring adults here are, working every day to put the needs of the children, youth, and families at the top of their priorities sets a wonderful example to the next generation of children and youth who are looking to volunteer and give back to their communities, find their vocation, in meaningful ways.
Much appreciation and gratitude goes out to all the people I have volunteered with, interviewed with, run training with, worked with, and supported me, during my time here.