Why We Support Holland Bloorview

By Matthew Sawaya

Community Representative Whether you’re new to Earl Haig or a few short months from throwing your caps in the air, you’ve probably learned a bit about Holland Bloorview, a local kids’ rehabilitation hospital where healing meets innovation. Over the last few months, I have had the chance to work with them as SAC’s Community Rep, including having them as the recipient of our yearly Outreach Week and Carnival Day fundraiser, inviting them to our Volunteer Fair in October, and carrying out their Capes for Kids initiative before the March break. Thousands of dollars later, I am proud to say that Earl Haig students and staff have greatly contributed to Holland Bloorview, and we should all be proud of the amount of money we raised. However, as a graduating student, I feel the need to explain why we chose this organization and why we need to keep our partnership going.

Founded in 1899 as the “Home for Incurable Children,” Holland Bloorview pioneered specialized care for children with chronic illness and physical disabilities. Along with the name, Holland Bloorview’s mission has kept up with the times, but its values of inclusivity and innovation have guided them each step of the way. Serving around 7,000 children each year, they provide tailored therapies to give disabled children an equal chance to take life by the horns.

Earlier this year, I led two volunteer excursions to their facility near Sunnybrook Hospital, and the other students and I were impressed by the advancement of their technology. We saw gamified activities that work on physical rehabilitation, as well as a cognitive therapy software that picks up brain commands—and that’s not even the best part: it does all of this while engaging kids in play. In a world where “rehabilitation” is often assigned a negative connotation, Holland Bloorview’s approach transforms it into something enjoyable for children, making their journey towards recovery much more positive and empowering. To keep its programs afloat, Holland Bloorview relies heavily on donors. In fact, that’s where a third of their budget comes from. Sure, our fundraising may pale compared to the multimillion-dollar donations they receive, but every cent we raise makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children with disabilities. It may amount to equipment repair or even building a new playground. Our support, no matter the amount, is crucial in ensuring that Holland Bloorview can continue its mission of providing world-class care.

Partnering with Holland Bloorview also taught me the importance of accessibility awareness. For example, when we brought their staff and patients to school during Outreach Week, I was sure to ask if they needed to take the elevator or use the ramp to enter Cringan Hall. The biggest thing I learned is that not all disabilities are visible. I knew the value of inclusivity and ensuring that everyone—including people with disabilities—feels welcome and supported in every setting. When we brought a Holland Bloorview ambassador to present our Outreach Week cheque in front of the whole school, the rest of SAC and I were touched by how worthwhile our efforts were. Hearing her stories first hand was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make in the lives of children with disabilities.

I want to thank my dedicated peers on SAC and our staff supervisors for their hard work in making this partnership with Holland Bloorview possible. From crafting the Outreach Week banner to planning Carnival Day and accompanying us on the volunteer excursions, their efforts contributed to a lasting relationship with the hospital, one that I hope will continue to inspire students to be the most inclusive and compassionate version of themselves. As I prepare to toss my own cap into the air, I carry the strength of our shared passion as students to make the world a better place. I would like to end with a message to our younger students: this was a successful partnership, one that brought out the best of Haig’s spirit. Let’s make sure that this partnership doesn’t graduate with me; make it not just a cap tossed up but a torch passed on.