“When I first approached Rima, Volunteer Resources Coordinator, about volunteering at Toronto Grace, little did I know about the adventure that awaited. Together, Rima and I worked to recreate the ‘ARTS AT THE GRACE’ Volunteer Program. I wanted to give people the opportunity to relax, enjoy the fun of art, to learn a new skill and maybe pick-up a hobby. I quickly learned that what we were doing was so much more than that.
Our most popular activity is card making as it empowers patients to envision or create something to express gratitude and best wishes to those that they love and care about. We noticed how art has played a profound role in allowing patients and their families to communicate. The program has helped a son to ask his mother for a kiss, a daughter to show her father how much she loves him, and a mother to express her undying and unconditional love to her healing son.
Our most enlightening experience with the program was when a patient on our palliative care unit created their final piece of artwork as a gift for their loved ones; a token that is now invaluable since their passing.
The art program is so much more than just art; it is about empowerment, communication and healing as well. I am so proud and honoured to be part of a community that embraces artwork as a valuable component of the healing process.”
Tristan Mohamed, Art Volunteer