Hundreds attend Grand Opening of CAMH's new facilities
Thursday, June 26 was an historic day for CAMH as it celebrated its 10th birthday and grand opening of phase 1A of its Transforming Lives Here redevelopment. Joining CAMH in its reflection of the
past 10 years and the many more to come were of hundreds of staff, clients, volunteers, donors, community members, politicians
and media.
Above: (left to right) MPP Rosario Marchese, MP Olivia Chow, CAMH CEO Dr. Paul Garfinkel, Minister of Health Promotion Margaret
Best and CAMH Chairman Paul Beeston cut the ribbon in front of 60 White Squirrel Way
“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 Dr. Paul Garfinkel, CAMH President and CEO to those assembled.
In a day filled with thank yous, 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, John Hunkin, Chair of CAMH Foundation Board and a particularly stirring tribute from Peter Smith, a Workman artist who has received services from CAMH.
There to give his blessings was Elder Vern Harper, who noted that the blessings he gave at CAMH’s groundbreaking two years ago must have worked since the buildings have been
built with more to come.
Above: The PARC Drummers take to the stage Thursday morning
Earlier in the day during CAMH’s AGM, 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!” She along, with 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.
The other ‘magical moment of the day, was Dr. Garfinkel’s announcement of a $5 million gift to the CAMH Foundation by the
Fidani family. As Dr. Garfinkel also noted that CAMH is two-thirds on its way to its $100 million goal!
Above: The White Squirrel Way street fair attracted hundreds of guests
The rest of day was filled with non-stop activities, from face-painting, to shopping at the local vendors, to new facility
tours and the book launches from Publication Services, and a scrumptious bbq lunch provided by Out of this World Café and
Raging Spoon. And playing the soundtrack to all this was the friendly sounds of Zeffi and PARC drummers and the Deloraines
and a very special birthday song from Taborah Johnson.
To all who participated in making this day successful, Thank You!!