125 years of vital volunteers
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For the last 125 years, volunteers at Holland Bloorview have profoundly shaped the hospital’s culture and have been pivotal in its ability to serve clients and families. Without the hard work of dedicated and caring volunteers, many of the programs could not exist – they support over 200 projects and programs each year.
Since the 1900s, volunteers have engaged in activities, from supporting teaching and reading to leading music lessons, games and choral performances. They’ve also accompanied clients on field trips to local farms, fairs and the Toronto Islands. Many of these volunteer activities remain the same today, while others have evolved over the years. We now also rely on volunteers to support client programs such as therapeutic recreation, robotics and aquatics. Volunteers are also involved in the co-creation of transformative research activities and in sharing their lived experiences to improve programs and services.
Today, more than 1,000 volunteers are helping to foster an inclusive environment at Holland Bloorview. They’re composed of everyone from students, community members, former clients and their families/caregivers to researchers and corporate teams. Their ages range from 15 to 90+. Together they speak more than 30 different languages including English, French, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Urdi and Hindi.
Volunteer helping a client with Bliss Board, a communication board using symbols developed by Charles Bliss (names unknown), 1970 -1979
1989, Shaun and volunteer John, working together to put in Shaun’s laps for the 1989 swimathon. (Winter 1989 Bloorview’s magazine)
Why we volunteer
We asked some of the volunteers what drives them to dedicate their time and talents to Holland Bloorview. This is what they said:
Sandy
Sandy, a volunteer in the therapeutic recreation program
“As a volunteer, I am bringing a wider community perspective. Especially with my background in civil engineering, I am able to frequently incorporate some of my engineering knowledge while volunteering. Everybody brings something new to the table. I find it really cool that I’m part of a long history of the important role that volunteers play in the wellbeing of children.”
– Sandy Chen, volunteer since 2016, therapeutic recreation
Greg
Greg, volunteer hospital guide and family support, with Toronto Raptor mascot and President and CEO Julia Hanigsberg.
“Back in the late 80s, there was a place called Bloorview Children’s Hospital [before it amalgamated with Hugh MacMillan Medical Centre to become Holland Bloorview]. It used to be a home long term care facility. I lived there until I was 18 years old. Holland Bloorview changed my life for good. I’m proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization. I wanted to be able to help people in any way I can because we are all in this community together.”
– Greg Contaxis, volunteer since 1997, hospital tour guide and family support
Narges
Narges, a volunteer in the Family Leadership Program, and her daughter Lilly.
“I remember how frustrated and how difficult it was for me in the first years of [my child’s] diagnosis. I saw volunteering as a way for me to get connected to other parents, to learn about this journey while I’m doing something positive. Sharing my experience with [other families] is so rewarding since they know they’re not alone on this road. I love that I can support them in their journey. I call Holland Bloorview my second home now. As soon as I get in [to the hospital], I feel relief. Same with [ my daughter] Lilly — she says ‘hi’, she knows where to go.”
– Narges Karbasi, volunteer since 2017, Family Leadership Program: Family-as-Faculty-and-Family Mentor, and Family Advisor.
Sheema
Elshaimaa (Sheema), a volunteer in the Bloorview Research Institute’s SPARK Lab, posing with the Pediatric Lokomat® Pro, a state-of-the-art robotic device that supports a child moving upright.
“There aren’t many research institutes that focus on kids with disabilities the way that Holland Bloorview does, so it’s such a blessing to be part of this community to give back and support these children anyway I can. We’re working towards a more inclusive and equitable world. It’s exciting to see and I’m very honoured to be a part of it.”
– Elshaimaa (Sheema), volunteer since 2020 including Bloorview Research Institute’s SPARK Lab
Dear Volunteers
Thank-you letter from hospital clients to staff written in 1979
Thank you very much for coming and taking us for a walk and playing with us. We hope you like it here. […]”
– Kevin, Tania, Rachelle, Bobbi Jo, Michelle, Monia, Paul, Chris, 1979
In 1979, this thank-you letter was written from hospital clients to the volunteers they spent time with. Is there a particular volunteer you would like to thank? Send them a note here or remember to say thank you the next time you see them. You can tell who they are with their warm smiles and blue lanyards!
Thank-you letter from hospital clients to staff written in 1979