Submitted by Julie Eng on
Yesterday's Big Show at Holland Bloorview wraps up the last of three simultaneous sessions we had been running at the hospital. We worked in partnership with Hands2Hands and Helping Hands; and hosted a full session of My Magic Hands. We had 27 clients participate with nearly 1:1 magic coach support! Needless to say these kids blossomed beautifully with such support and encouragement. We are so fortunate to work with such dedicated staff and volunteers at Holland Bloorview.
Even though each program and client had a wide range of goals, we were pleased to see so many kids not only achieve their goals but to also discover new skills they didn’t realize they even possessed! There is power inside that kind of self-confidence and self-esteem - and we find it simply inspiring.
It was also interesting to see how the children work together as a group supporting one another and even coaching one another through the classes. There is an understanding and empathy of the struggle with learning and it is rewarding to see peers support one another.
We are also pleased to see kids overcome nervousness by rising to the challenge, getting up on stage and performing the routines they worked so hard on. We attribute their courage to the program's preparation - that is, all the steps we insist that are necessary for a successful magic show - from learning the mechanics of the magic trick, to working on scripting, to choreography.
We are very proud of this summer’s graduates and congratulate each and every one of them.
