The George Hull Centre for Children and Families

11/18/2025

We’re proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 George Hull Centre Awards of Excellence, honouring the remarkable individuals whose dedication, expertise, and passion are shaping brighter futures for children and families. 💚
🏆 Friend of the Centre Award – Dr. Fay Mishna
A founding member of our Institute Advisory Board and Research Committee, Dr. Mishna has been instrumental in building bridges between research and practice, advancing our partnership with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Social Work.
💫 Nyron’s Above and Beyond Award – Varaagy Thiruchelvam
For outstanding leadership, creativity, and collaboration in the rollout of our new data system—helping colleagues learn, adapt, and succeed.
🌈 Libby Ridgely Award for Clinical Excellence – Carolina Montes
For advancing infant and early childhood mental health through mentorship, developmental expertise, and evidence-based practice.
✨ Award for Inspiration and Contribution in Project Management – Kim McCrory
For leading complex initiatives that improve efficiency, access, and the quality of mental health care for families.
Each of these honourees embodies the values and vision of the George Hull Centre—compassion, innovation, and extraordinary caring in action.
Please join us in celebrating their achievements and the lasting difference they make every day. 🌿

11/17/2025

🎉 Celebrate 40 Years of Extraordinary Caring
This year, we’re inviting supporters to join our 40th Anniversary Holiday Appeal by becoming monthly donors at $40/month.
As a thank-you, new and existing monthly donors will receive a limited-edition George Hull Centre toque—a cozy reminder of the warmth your generosity creates. 🧣
Wear it proudly this Giving Tuesday and help spread the word about why children’s mental health matters. 💚
https://georgehull.akaraisin.com/ui/HATSOFFTO40YEARS

11/14/2025

🏆 Proud to Be Recognized as a Top 100 Charity
We’re honoured to be named one of Charity Intelligence Canada’s Top 100 Charities once again!
This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable impact—and the trust our community places in us to deliver quality mental health care for children and families.
Thank you to our staff, partners, and supporters who make this possible every day. 💚

11/11/2025

Honouring Those Who Served — and Those They Loved
On this Remembrance Day, we pause to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served—and to recognize the lasting impact that war, loss, and trauma can have on individuals, families, and communities.
At the George Hull Centre, we are reminded that healing and resilience are built through connection, care, and compassion—the same values that unite us as we remember.
Today, we give thanks to all who have served, and to the families who have carried their stories of strength and hope forward. ❤️

11/10/2025

🧠 In the Lab: Advancing Trauma Research. We were honoured to work with Dr. Ruth Lanius, world-renowned psychiatrist and neuroscientist.
Dr. Lanius’ groundbreaking work on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reveals that trauma responses extend far beyond “fight-or-flight.” Her research helps clinicians better understand how the brain and body process trauma—paving the way for more effective, compassionate care.
We’re grateful for this collaboration and Dr. Lanius’ leadership in advancing trauma-informed treatment. 💚

11/09/2025

🤖 Championing Belonging in the Age of AI
At the World Diversity Institute Conference, our Director of DEI, Karen Mighty, shared how creating belonging means more than access to technology—it means ensuring all youth feel they deserve to be part of our shared future.
“Our youth—especially those from racialized, q***r, and marginalized communities—need to know they belong at the table where innovation and opportunity are unfolding.”
We’re proud of Karen for representing the George Hull Centre and for reminding us that inclusion in the digital age starts with belonging today. 💚

11/08/2025

🎁 Your Generosity Doubles This Holiday Season!
As we celebrate 40 years of extraordinary caring, we’re inviting our community to become monthly donors at $40/month—a gift that sustains care for children and families all year long.
And thanks to the Longo Family Foundation, every new monthly donation made before December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact for children’s mental health.
Your $40 becomes $80—twice the hope, twice the healing. 💚
👉https://georgehull.akaraisin.com/ui/HATSOFFTO40YEARS

11/06/2025

🎉 Celebrating 40 Years of Extraordinary Caring 💚
This holiday season, we’re celebrating 40 years of caring by inviting our community to become monthly donors at $40/month.
Your steady support helps us provide life-changing mental health care for children and families all year long.
✨ As a special thank-you, new and existing monthly donors who give $40/month or more will receive a limited-edition George Hull Centre winter toque — a cozy reminder of the difference you make.
💚 And there’s more: for every new $40 monthly donor, we’ll send a toque to a young person receiving care from our team — helping them feel supported, inside and out.
📅 On Giving Tuesday (December 2), join us by sharing a photo in your toque to help spread the warmth and inspire others to give.
Together, we’re building strong foundations for children’s mental health — today, tomorrow, and for the next 40 years.
👉 Become a monthly donor: https://georgehull.akaraisin.com/ui/HATSOFFTO40YEARS

11/05/2025

Today on National Stress Awareness Day, we’re reminded that stress affects us all—adults, youth, and even young children. At the George Hull Centre, our clinicians help families understand stress responses and build resilience through connection, care, and coping skills that last a lifetime.
Let’s take a moment today to check in—with ourselves, our colleagues, and our kids. A simple conversation can make a big difference. 💚

11/05/2025

🧠 Join us tomorrow for: Trauma-Responsive Care Training for Foster Caregivers: Nurturing Attachments
Did you know that trauma affects how children’s brains and nervous systems develop?
While these changes help children survive, they can make it harder for them to thrive.
Join the George Hull Centre’s Institute of Childhood Trauma and Attachment for a four-part virtual training series designed to help foster caregivers understand, connect with, and support children who have experienced trauma.
📅 Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2025
🕤 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Virtual on Zoom
💲 $40 per session (participation in all sessions encouraged)
👉 Register now:

Join us to learn how to build trauma-informed caregiving skills to support foster children’s development. Dates: Nov 6, 13, 20, 27.

11/03/2025

What an incredible day! 🌤️
Our community came together on October 18 for the First Annual Walk for Young Minds—raising funds and awareness for children’s mental health at Deputy Mayor Amber Morley’s Fall Fest.
Together, we raised almost $54,000, and thanks to the Longo Family Foundation’s match, that total was doubled!
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who walked, donated, and celebrated 40 years of extraordinary caring with us. 💚

11/01/2025

🎁 Help Brighten the Holidays for Families in Need
For many families we serve, the holidays can bring more stress than joy. The pressure of providing food, warmth, and gifts—on top of ongoing mental health challenges—can feel overwhelming.
The Family Gift Match Program was created to change that. Each year, generous community members are matched with families in need to help make the season brighter through personalized gifts and essentials.
Last year, we matched 100 families, offering relief, dignity, and hope. Since its inception, the program has supported over 1,200 families—thanks to the generosity of our community.
✨ You can make a difference this season:
🎁 Be matched with a family (approx. $100 gift card)
🙌 Volunteer to help administer the program
💌 Email familygiftmatch@georgehull.on.ca to get involved
Together, we can brighten the holidays for families who need it most. 💚