Gifts of Light Year in Review

Empowering People

Every week, CAMH patients travel to Top Rail Stables in Halton Hills. They participate in CAMH’s Stable Visits and Horse Riding Program, which runs year-round, thanks to support from Gifts of Light.

During the weekly program, patients spend time grooming and walking the horses, and when they feel comfortable, they have a chance to ride them, too.

“We have seen high levels of engagement and enthusiasm from our program participants,” says Theresa Bernard, an Occupational Therapist and one of the program coordinators.

This program—and many other activities supported by Gifts of Light—gives participants the chance to take a break from the daily hospital routine, build confidence and improve self-esteem. It has been a resounding success, with many new participants eager to join the program.

“I learned I can be calm; that I can learn new stuff. Being around horses is therapeutic, it calms me down,” says Tony, one of the participants. “I would recommend the program to everybody.”

Each week, Gifts of Light volunteers come together to help patients feel purpose and pride during their recovery. One of these volunteers is Sharron Mollenhauer, who has been working with the program for five years. In addition to her weekly volunteering, she supports Gifts of Light fundraisers throughout the year and works around the clock to secure in-kind donations for the program.

“Knowing that I’m helping people that are going through difficult situations because of a mental health issue is rewarding,” says Sharron.  “If I can brighten anyone’s day that’s going through recovery of any sort, that’s enough for me.”

Dedicated volunteers like Sharron have helped transform Gifts of Light into a year-round initiative that benefits more than 14,000 patients annually.

“This program would not exist without the passion and commitment of these incredible volunteers. Gifts of Light’s roots will always be credited to Donna Slaight and this team, but it is because of them that we get to do the meaningful work that we do,” says Quinn Kirby, Manager of Gifts of Light. “We did not find these volunteers—they found us. We are incredibly grateful for that.”