One huge step for CAMH, one giant leap for client care

Grand opening of CAMH's newest buildings and birthday party a success!

Thursday, June 26 was an historic day for CAMH as it celebrated its 10th birthday and the grand opening of the first phase of its Transforming Lives Here redevelopment. Joining CAMH in its reflection of the past 10 years were of hundreds of staff, clients, volunteers, donors, community members, politicians and media.

“We’ve never been so well-positioned to serve our clients, their families and our society. It’s because of your dedication that we have all that we're celebrating today,” said CAMH President and CEO Dr. Paul Garfinkel, to those assembled.

In a day filled with thanks, many more added their heartfelt praise and hopes for CAMH including Olivia Chow, MP; Rosario Marchese, MPP; Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion, Paul Beeston, Chair of CAMH Board of Trustees, and John Hunkin, Chair of CAMH Foundation Board. Peter Smith, artist and member of Workman Arts, who has received services from CAMH, delivered a stirring tribute.

Hundreds of CAMH supporters, including politicians from all levels, staff, clients, families, volunteers, donors and media celebrated the 10th anniversary and grand opening.

There to give his blessings was Elder Vern Harper from the CAMH Aboriginal Services program, who noted that the blessings he gave at the groundbreaking event two years ago must have worked since the buildings have been built and more are to come.

Earlier in the day during CAMH’s Annual General Meeting, Pamela Fralick, one of CAMH’s founding Board members and former Chair of the Board of Trustees expressed her joy at what CAMH has become.

“I don’t believe any of us fully imagined what could be achieved when we started down the merger path. But step by step, year by year, person by person, a compassionate and dynamic organization has emerged – one which transforms every individual who comes in touch with it – clients, patients, families, staff… Magic!” Pamela, Herb Solway, Steve Lurie and Marnie Shepherd (not in attendance) were all honoured with tree plaques for their contributions to making CAMH’s dream a reality.

Minister of Health Promotion Margarett Best officially opened the new client care buildings at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Others in attendance include (from left to right): Rosario Marchese, MPP Trinity-Spadina; Olivia Chow, MP Trinity-Spadina; Dr. Paul Garfinkel, CAMH President and CEO; Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion; Paul Beeston, Chair of the CAMH Board of Trustees.

Dr. Garfinkel was thrilled to announce the extraordinary generosity of the Fidani family whose $5 million gift to the CAMH Foundation brings us even closer to our $100 million fundraising goal!

The rest of day was filled with non-stop activities, from face-painting, to shopping at the displays by community partners and local vendors, to touring the new buildings and to CAMH Publication Services' book launch. Every party needs food -- a scrumptious barbecue lunch provided by Out of This World Café and the Raging Spoon. Tony Priolo of George Brown College ensured the Assistant Cook Extended Training (ACET) program provided a huge strawberry shortcake for the event. ACET program (a partnership with CAMH) participants baked and decorated the delicious birthday cake which was devoured by the crowd.

And providing the soundtrack for the day were the friendly sounds of Zephy and the PARC Drummers, the Deloraines and a very special birthday song from Taborah Johnson.