And we could not do it, without the support from our community.

That is why we are excited to announce newest members to the Holland Bloorview community, who recently joined our Foundation board of directors. These five new members bring with them diverse backgrounds, experiences, and lenses, to ensure our board is continually excelling in serving our kids, youth, and families.

But we wanted to get to know them a little bit better! We sat down to ask them a few questions about their commitment to the hospital and what they’re excited for most.

Why did you return to Holland Bloorview's board?
Following my son’s admission to Holland Bloorview over a decade ago, I saw how the physiotherapy and speech therapy helped him become the busy, articulate, and active teenager he is today. Alexander was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis at just five-years-old, and was put in a 10-day coma to reduce the swelling in his brain from multiple strokes. As a father it was one of my biggest nightmares—and the situation was grim. However, when you go through something like that and you come through the other side, it’s hard not to feel extremely lucky. And that’s why I want to give back to the hospital—and the community—that gave my son his life back.

What part of Holland Bloorview's work really motivates you?
Top of mind, Holland Bloorview is renowned for their approach in family-centred care. What better way to drive decision making than by listening to the people you are impacting and including them?

What impact do you hope to make being on the Foundation’s board? 
As we near the completion of the BRI Campaign, I look forward to working with Sandra Hawken and the team on the next 5 year plan - driving Holland Bloorview Foundation to the next level. If we can connect with families, practitioners, Board trustees, fundraisers and get donors to better understand Holland Bloorview’s impact – that’s without a doubt the most powerful development.

Together we are excited to continue the work of un-paralleled partnerships as we continue to ensure our kids and youth get the best services, resources, and care they need.

David Bushnell

Senior Vice President, Advisor Distribution
Fidelity

Why did you join the board of directors?
Three years ago my employer brought in students from Holland Bloorview and one of them was working in my department. He was a pleasure to work with and made me want to know more about the organization. One of my colleagues, Jolane, has a daughter who has used many of Holland Bloorview’s services since birth. One time, Jolane gave a quick speech about her daughter, what they’ve gone through, and the help Holland Bloorview has given them—I was sold.

Since then, I wanted to get involved. We started to donate my kid’s birthday parties to the hospital and my wife and daughter were given a tour, which was a life changing exercise for my daughter. It was that day that I decided that I wanted to get on board. I’ve already seen the many wonderful things Holland Bloorview has done for their kids, yet I am really still just learning!

What part of Holland Bloorview’s work really motivates you?
I love that Holland Bloorview gives kids a chance to experience all that being a kid should be. I also enjoy how they are always using new technology to help give kids a meaningful life.

What impact do you hope to make being on the Foundation’s board?  
I could not be more excited to be on the board. I look forward to joining committees and leveraging my current network to help raise money. I am also very excited to get to know more members of the board as well as the hospital’s employees. The few people I have met so far have all been fantastic!

Partner
OMERS Ventures

Why did you join the board of directors?
Just over a decade ago, we discovered our son Nolen had suffered a stroke in utero. Nothing could have prepared us for the challenges we would face. It’s impossible to overstate the impact that the team at Holland Bloorview—and its willingness to explore technology innovation coupled with years of rehab—have had. Today, we have a son who can not only walk, but he can run! It is a privilege for me to be a part of this board and give back to the hospital that has given so much to me and my family.

What part of Holland Bloorview's work really motivates you?
I am passionate about bringing a voice to children with disabilities in the broader community. Holland Bloorview does that not only by delivering quality and compassionate care to patients and their families, but by leveraging innovation in therapy and patient care.

What impact do you hope to make being on the Foundation’s board? 
Having set up and run a charity specifically aimed at providing information to families affected by pediatric stroke shortly after our son’s diagnosis, I know what it is like to build something from the ground up. I’d to use those same fundraising skills to the benefit of Holland Bloorview. I also think it’s really valuable to contribute the ‘parent lens’ when it comes to strategic planning.

What part of Holland Bloorview's work really motivates you?  
The research arm of Holland Bloorview really excites me. To be one the largest and most respected not-for-profit research facilities for children with disabilities is tremendous. 

What impact do you hope to make being on the Foundation’s board?  
I simply want to do what I can to ensure Holland Bloorview can reach and support more families both here in Canada and globally. 

Executive Vice-President
CI Private Wealth

Why did you join the board of directors?
I was exposed to the hospital through CI Financial’s  long-standing relationship with Holland Bloorview, including its annual sponsorship of Evening of Possibilities. But while I’ve known of the hospital, for me it’s about the kids, creating opportunities, and empowering them to overcome the obstacles and challenges they face to be the best they can be. It’s also about enabling the incredible team at Holland Bloorview—through our fundraising efforts—to broaden their reach, pursue new research and therapies, and continue to access the most advanced treatments, technologies and capabilities to benefit youth with disabilities. Ultimately, the clincher was seeing the video of the Possibilities Band at the 2020 Evening of Possibilities. Words can’t describe it, but seeing the kids – their enthusiasm, smiles and pride – it’s infectious and it’s a true privilege to be able to help out and be part of this amazing community. 

What part of Holland Bloorview's work really motivates you?
Beyond the world class medical talent and first-class facilities, it’s the culture, the team’s holistic approach and can-do attitude.  It’s really inspiring to see the impacts on the children and their families, big and small. Holland Bloorview transforms lives. They encourage kids by instilling confidence, self-esteem and risk taking – foundational building blocks that support them on their journey and can contribute to a more productive and happier life. 

What impact do you hope to make being on the Foundation’s board? 
As a newcomer, it will start by listening and developing a deeper understanding of the Hospital’s key priorities and needs. From there, it’s supporting the fundraising efforts to help turn dreams into reality and working to create broader awareness. It’s working together to build on the generosity, tireless efforts and leadership of all of those who paid it forward to make Holland Bloorview what it is today. On a more personal note, I hope my enthusiasm somehow rubs off on my children, inspiring them to get involved philanthropically and find a way to give back.