There is so much to say about how being part of Arthouse for several years positively impacted my family consisting of my son and I. I must first say they share the same birthday April 4th lol so this was all meant to be.
My son joined Arthouse around the age of 7 and continued until his teen years. I was a huge part of Arthouse as I would volunteer at many of his classes to help out and to give back to such a phenomenal organization. I have no idea how I would have been able to provide my son such unforgettable and impactful classes if it weren't for this organization and their many generous and compassionate donors and of course those who ran all of these amazing classes.
Thanks to Arthouse, my son's initial love of arts and crafts grew instantaneously and has molded him into the kind, creative, caring young man he is today! I am sure I will miss a few but my son was able to participate in several forms of art classes, photography classes, cooking classes (cooking and art combined), dance classes and my absolute favourite was when he was part of the Summer Camps held at Sheridan College, Performing Arts.
I cried like a baby watching my son on stage having a couple of parts in their version of the Jungle Book. You see when this opportunity came up for us my son was still quite the nervous, shy and timid kid that he was. He said he did not want to try out for a role but would rather be behind the scenes. Of course I explained to him that this would be a great experience for him and that behind the scenes was just as important. However, leaving that day my son was disappointed as in fact he did try out for a role and was a little sad that he didnt get more of a bigger part in the play. Funny how things turned out. The camp was so much fun. Kids learned many songs and dance moves to compliment this play. Free lunches were provided and the kids (and I) had so much fun playing games together and hanging out when they were not practicing for the play. The COOLEST thing about this particular play is the super talented lady who was teaching the songs to the camp. None other than the lady who played Molly from the Big Comfy Couch. I was even in awe of her as we loved watching her show when my son was younger. Plus a few years back my son was able to take pictures with her so how cool was this!!
Everyone I have met through Arthouse have been exceptional people with such big caring hearts. My son and I have volunteered at fundraisers for Arthouse and GM over the years. We helped sell jewelry at one event, collected donations at another and also served food. My son completed his High School hours before even attending high school. It instilled in him such a compassionate morale for wanting to give back. We helped out at other events over the years as well and these memories will stay with us forever!!
I could go on and on about what Arthouse means to us. However I will end this by thanking Gemma; for being the most authentic and gracious woman we know. We miss you and your family intensely. To Uncle Don, as a single parent for these last 20 years I want to humbly and kindly thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a positive and genuine male role model for my son all these years. Not having his father in his life always impacted me and hurt my heart. The time my son had with you can never be adequately described on what that meant to the both of us-we loved how often we would run into Don on our random walks throughout the city.
Don once again bless your heart for putting Arthouse together, for the time, patience and kindness you share with
all the kids who have been part of Arthouse all these years. I hope you realize how many hearts you have impacted in the most beautiful way possible. Thanks to the donors, thanks to everyone who shared their talents and skills with Arthouse. Thanks to everyone who has helped make Arthouse the successful organization that it is today.
Continued success in bringing this charity into more neighbourhoods. We love you dearly!
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