Corporate Volunteer Testimonials

Montgomery Sisam art group with the Toronto District Secondary School-College Site (TDSS) program November 7 2007
“Talking with Sara and Janice (TDSS Instructors) enabled us to direct the best approach to use with the students in order to engage them,” said Melissa, sharing her thoughts on the day. “Volunteering today was a very positive experience and I would definitely come again.”

TD Bank Suits Me Fine Corporate Volunteer Day April 8/08
One volunteer observed" I did get a sense at CAMH that clients/patients are treated with respect and that sends a powerful message. Thank you for that. For us it was a great afternoon and we all learned a lot. We can and will help get out your message of respect and tolerance.
Thanks so much."
TD Bank Financial Group Corporate Volunteer

Ministry of Community and Social Services Gardening Day-College Site June 4^th 2008
One Ministry of Community and Social Services volunteer noted on the day gardening with patients and staff: “I felt it provided a wide range of information about the programs and services offered by CAMH. It was great to hear the linkages between the services we offer at MCSS (ODSP and OW), and CAMH."

Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants-Gardening Day Schizophrenia Program Integrated Rehabilitation Unit (IRU).June 11^th 2008
“I learned that mentally ill people are just people and not different from the rest of us - and a real appreciation for the work that the staff have done”

“Having a family member in the past that was mentally ill, I was impressed with the environment at CAMH, how clean it was, and the staff is excellent, also the programming is interesting and keeps focus on patients, working towards independence and fulfillment in life”

“I didn't know what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to communicate with the clients. I realized it was a "there but for fortune" scenario...illness does not define the person.”

Scotia Bank Strategic Support Team Gardening Day with the Geriatric Mental Health Program August 12 2008
“This was a real humbling experience. I was not aware of the extent of help being provided and the kinds of illnesses that CAMH assists with. What I realized is that these individuals are like everyone else and what they need most of all from the general public is respect and understanding. “

The CAMH Corporate Volunteer Program is about "creating partnerships to build healthy communities"

Aurigen Reinsurance Corporate Volunteer Gardening Day with the Addiction Medicine Clinic May 22 2009

"For some individuals in our group, the CAMH event was the first time they heard of the organization and its services so the overview was an excellent means of introduction,” said Sherry.

“The opportunity to meet the clients and work with them helped people understand that individuals can appear ‘normal’ but still battle an illness or disease. Also, the overview reassured people that mental illness and addictions touch everyone in some way. Our experience was great – we are still talking about it.”

Oxford Properties Corporate Volunteer Day-Strawberry Social with Centre Wide Recreation June 2009

"The staff at CAMH made us all feel at ease and gave us amazing insight as to what to expect. We will tell everyone that this was a worthwhile and engaging experience."

Another Oxford Properties volunteer offered that "Linda, who showed us around, was amazing! She told us what her life was like coming to the centre 30 years ago and how it has changed. She is a success and she's now enriching other people’s lives. As she said to us, now she has a purpose, which is important to everyone. The clients allowed us to become a part of their community and be a part of their day-to-day lives. I think as volunteers, we all brought something back with us from our interaction with the clients."

PCL Constructors Toronto Office – CAMH First Episode Program Client Picnic July 16 2008 Toronto Centre Island
“A few of the clients from the picnic were on the same streetcar as me and I overheard them say ‘that was a great day, something that we will never Forget’ and that made my day. I thank you for letting us spend a day with all of you!” PCL Constructors also hosted this event in August 2009

PCL Constructors-Corporate Floor Hockey Challenge with Centre Wide Recreation

“It could not have gone better. It was just a great group all around,” “Both groups were pretty athletic and very evenly matched. The only difference we saw between us and the clients at CAMH is that they are slightly better hockey players.”