Hannah Almario

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April 25, 2024

1. Do you remember what led you to join SCHC’s Youth programs?  And approximately how long ago was that?

What first led me to join the SCHC Youth programs was the opportunity to acquire high school volunteer hours, and it’s been over a year since I’ve been attending these programs. However, what was first an attempt to complete a high school graduation requirement quickly turned into a passion and enthusiasm for the community, both locally and within the programs. Today, I would highly encourage my peers to attend these programs, not solely for the opportunity to gain volunteer hours but also for the chance to build meaningful relationships and make a difference in the community.

2. What are your favourite programs/activities with the group?

My favourite SCHC Youth program is MSYL (Mind and Spirit Youth Leadership), which is run out of the Hub Mid-Scarborough. MSYL gave me the opportunity to collaborate with diverse Scarborough youth, work with amazing staff and program coordinators, and undertake community-strengthening events & initiatives. One of my favourite events planned out of MSYL has been the March Break Camp for kids, which aims to create a fun and enriching environment where children can learn, meet other kids in their community, and make lasting memories.

3. How do you feel these programs have impacted your life, especially as a youth in Scarborough?  Have you had challenges over the years that these programs helped you get over in some way?

Attending and participating in these programs have taught me many life skills and given me bright memories and relationships I will cherish for the rest of my life. Especially as a youth in Scarborough with a challenging upbringing, the programs and staff out of the Hub Mid-Scarborough have given me a safe and inclusive space not to worry and stress about problems in my life- from home and school. But it’s the individuals who make up the programs, rather than the programs themselves, that have helped me overcome challenges in my life: Charanjit Singh, Behishta Nabi, Rashme Nandakumar, Kofi Karikari, and Randall (Randy) Urcuyo out of the Hub Mid-Scarborough have created an environment where youth of all different backgrounds can feel like they belong, which they go out of their way to do beyond just the programs. These individuals have changed many lives for the better, in ways that they couldn’t even imagine, by unquestionably going above and beyond for the community, but especially the youth within it. They are my role models, and I am forever grateful for them and their work as leaders in the community.

4. Any special memories you would like to share?

Special memories I cherish from my time at the Hub and in their programs are all the surprise birthday parties that we youth in the program worked together to carry out. The bond these youth in the programs, including myself, have with the staff is unmatched. My most treasured memories are the excitement and energy in the moments of blowing up balloons, hanging streamers, displaying the cake, and hiding as we waited to yell, “Surprise!”. These parties don’t just reflect a birthday but also an appreciation and recognition for the work of the staff and program coordinators at the Hub Mid-Scarborough.

5. Any words you would like to share with potential donors/bidders at our fundraising event?

To potential donors and bidders, thank you for your generosity and support. I feel like it’s important for you to know that any contribution you make has the power to transform lives, uplift communities, and make a tangible change in the community. SCHC, particularly the Hub Mid-Scarborough, is a beacon of hope and compassion for many individuals. With your involvement, I hope to see youth programs across SCHC unlock more opportunities, continue to develop, and stay for all the years to come.  Thank you for helping to create lasting change; we are immensely grateful.