Voices of Growth: Gratitude from Our Community
This week, as we reflect on National Philanthropy Day, we celebrate the people who make the MacPhee Centre a place of belonging, creativity, and growth. Our youth, families, volunteers, staff, and supporters are the heart of our community — and together, we help seeds of potential take shape.
At the MacPhee Centre, art is more than just expression; it’s a pathway to confidence, connection, and purpose.
For Hugh, that meant discovering a passion for music and mentorship. His parent, Ally, shares how transformative the program has been: “Since being involved with the MacPhee Centre, Hugh has thrown himself into learning more about making beats and exploring potential career options. He even toured NSCC and met with the head of the sound engineering program. Now he has his heart set on getting into NSCC when he graduates. He always talks about Jordan and refers to him as his ‘mentor.’ For a kid who has struggled to fit in and find his purpose, this has truly changed his life.” Stories like Hugh’s remind us every day how much a supportive, creative environment can empower young people to dream and grow.
Volunteers and facilitators witness these transformations firsthand. Faly reflects,
She remembers a particularly shy student who gradually blossomed, gaining comfort in speaking up and sharing her creativity with others, forming meaningful connections along the way. Allison adds, “I think this is a lot of freedom here: inclusive, welcoming, and however you show up, whoever you are, you are welcome." She also adds:
Both volunteers emphasize mentorship as a cornerstone of their work — paying forward the guidance and support they themselves received when they were younger.
For the youth themselves, the MacPhee Centre is a place to grow at their own pace. Kyra describes her journey:
Kyra shares how the Centre helped her accept her accent and her identity after moving from Nigeria, showing how safe, creative spaces can support personal growth in ways beyond art alone.
These transformations are made possible thanks to the generosity and dedication of our incredible community. Teresa, a supporter who runs the Blue Nose Marathon, explains,
From volunteers and facilitators to fundraisers, donors, and funders, each act of support nurtures young people’s potential, giving them the confidence, creativity, and courage to take their place in the world.
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Every story, every moment of growth, is a testament to the power of a supportive, creative community. Together, we are nurturing seeds of potential, helping young people discover their voice, their talents, and their sense of belonging. This season, we celebrate YOU — our volunteers, supporters, and partners — and invite you to continue helping youth flourish.
Together, we are strong. Together, we grow.
Here’s how you can be part of it:
- Donate to help youth discover confidence, creativity, and community.
- Share this story with friends and family.
- Follow us on social media to see more youth stories and campaign updates.
Together, we’re helping seeds of imagination grow into something extraordinary. Let’s plant possibility — and watch potential take shape.
Let’s plant possibility.
Let’s grow futures.
Let’s make sure every seed of potential take shape.