Clients Face Off With Corporate Volunteers

Oh, the best game you can name
Is the good old hockey game…

Whether it’s on ice or in a gym, nothing brings people in Canada together like a rousing game of hockey, and that spirit of camaraderie filled the gymnasium at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health during Therapeutic Recreation Week.

Corporate volunteers team up with CAMH clients for a rousing game of floor hockey.

“It could not have gone better. It was just a great group all around,” says Peter Sliskovic of PCL Constructors Canada Inc. “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.”

Thirteen volunteers from PCL Constructors took part in a floor hockey challenge with CAMH clients on Feb. 2, the second time PCL has been involved with the Corporate Volunteer Program at CAMH.

After dividing the group of 30 participants into two teams, they dropped the puck for a fast-paced and exciting game, demonstrating how two communities can develop bonds through teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. In the end, the red team prevailed by a score of 11-9.

“I am always pleased to see how easily our community welcomes the corporate volunteers,” says Jim Davey, Coordinator of the Corporate Volunteer Program at CAMH. “It is this attitude that helps us educate people about mental illness and help in our efforts to combat the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction.”

Along with the fun, the game carried a valuable therapeutic benefit.

"For a variety of reasons, our clients are at higher risk than the general population for developing metabolic problems such as type II diabetes and hypertension," says Natasha Golding, Recreation Therapist, Mental Health and Metabolism Clinic.

It was a close game, but in the end the red team edged out a win.

“That’s one reason why it's so important that our clients have opportunities such as this to participate in physical activity,” she says. “When they are playing floor hockey and socializing with others, they're having fun, they're doing something good for their bodies and the exercise doesn't feel like work.”

The game offered CAMH clients a place to be considered part of the team, as CAMH client named Sal told the Toronto Community News.

"It gives me a break for that moment," he said. "It's a chance to play with other people and not letting them even know you have an illness. It's like an even keel."

After the game, the PCL group gave hats to all the participants, and donated pedometers to the Centre Wide Recreation program.

“I hope the bonds that were formed will help to reduce the stigma for CAMH clients,” says Bill Markakis, Recreation Therapist for Centre Wide Recreation. “It’s always a pleasure to facilitate an event like this that brings out so many positive and memorable moments.”

For more information about the Corporate Volunteer Program please contact Jim Davey, x6238.