Community Affairs Programs

In a diverse city like Toronto, there are so many different needs and opportunities to volunteer in our communities that it’s difficult to know where to begin! Community Affairs is a Medical Society portfolio consisting of different programs that allow medical students to interact with and contribute positively to our community. Broadening the perspective of our medical education, becoming involved in Community Affairs activities puts faces and names to social issues as we interact with youth, seniors, and the homeless. Enthusiastic students are needed to volunteer for each of the programs listed below – any new ideas or suggestions are welcome too. The following programs are administered through the Medical Society VP Community Affairs. Contact your VP Community Affairs for more information about how to get involved.

BLOOD DRIVE

In conjunction with Canadian Blood Services, we organize two blood drives at the University of Toronto. These drives are part of the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) challenge, in which medical schools fromall over Canada compete to collect the highest number of donations. Over 70medical students volunteer at each drive to collect blood from approximately 90 donations.

 
CHARLES STREET MENTORING PROGRAM

In collaboration with Charles Street Student Family Housing, this weekly tutoring and creativity program is for children of University of Toronto students. University mentors assist with one-on-one tutoring for academic encouragement, and participate with the children in creativity workshops, such as drama, dance and music, painting, sculpture and crafts. This program has the dual purpose of giving time to student parents, and providing an enriching academic and artistic experiences for the often overlooked members of our University community, the children of our students.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

We collaborate with community agencies and contribute to programs including the Daily Bread Food Bank and Christmas Toy Drive for the Children's Aid Society. Additionally, there are several programs at Soup Kitchens, local Shelter Homes, Street Help vans, and Refugee Reception Centres. Programs such as Out of Cold and Street Help continue to benefit people during challenging weather conditions.
  

GROWING UP HEALTHY

This initiative promotes healthy food habits and active lifestyles for children and youth through various Community Affairs programs. Growing Up Healthy also hosts a conference for children from Grades 3 to 6. This day-long event includes keynote speakers and small group interactive workshops, in which medical students reinforce themes of healthy eating, physical activity, and creative skills.

  

HEALING TONICS

This programbrings the therapeutic gift of music to community members who are facing hardship. Healing Tonics has contributed to a variety of locations including Women's and United Way Shelter homes. The strong participation of over 30 students includes vocalists and musicians who are formally trained or who simply enjoy music!  

HEALTHY SEXUALITY

Over 50 medical students develop a relationship of trust with more than 200 grade 9 and 10 students and stimulate interesting debates on topics related to youth sexuality. Medical students lead small group discussions about sex, birth control, and sexually transmitted infections. Healthy Sexuality is particularly sensitive to issues relevant to all sexual orientations or self-identifications.  

INTERPROFESSIONAL MEDICAL AND ALLIED GROUPS FOR IMPROVING NEIGHBOURHOOD ENVIRONMENTS (IMAGINE)

In conjunction with the Interprofessional Health Sciences Association (IPHSA) students fromall the applied health service faculties and related fieldswork together to provide a hassle-free clinic to the clients of The Meeting Place division of St. Christopher House. This student-run clinic includes students from chiropractic, dentistry, dental hygiene, medicine, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy, physical education and health, public health sciences, rehabilitation sciences and social work. IMAGINE gives students the opportunity to experience service-learning in an interprofessional environment while giving back to the community.
  

ISOLATED SENIORS PROGRAM (ISP)

ISP is organized in association with Central Neighbourhood House. University students visit isolated seniors in the Danforth, St. James, Moss Park, Regent Park and Woodgreen communities. The seniors are matched with two university students based on similarity in cultural background and hobbies. The objectives of this program are to contribute positively to the social support network for alienated seniors and to allow students to understand the associated challenges of everyday life.
  

KIDS2HEAR

This new medical student-run initiative, in conjunction with The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), provides free hearing screening for grade 1 children living in various local neighbourhoods. Kids2Hear connects medical students with their communities to identify children with hearing problems facilitating referral to audiologists and otolaryngologists. It provides an opportunity for medical students to become active members of their community, and advocates of auditory/ear health and education.
  

KIDS2SEE

This medical student-run initiative provides free vision screening for kindergarten children living in at-risk neighbourhoods. Kids2See connects medical students with their communities to identify children with vision problems, such as amblyopia, and facilitates referral to an eye professional. It provides an opportunity for medical students to become active members of their community, and advocates of eye health and education.

PARKDALE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (PMP)

In collaborationwith Parkdale Community Health Centre (PCHC) and Parkdale Art and Cultural Centre, grades 9, 10, and 11 students are exposed to various post-secondary opportunities. One-on-one mentoring and team-building activities are offered to motivate students to hone key employability skills such as organization, leadership, and communication skills. 

THE SATURDAY PROGRAM (SP)

SP was established in partnership with the Toronto District School Board and The Learning Partnership (Change Your Future Program). This weekly program offers grades 8, 9 and 10 students tutoring and mentoring opportunities. University mentors combine a mix of academic work, fun activities, and workshops to motivate mentees and serve as role models in encouraging them to pursue post-secondary education. Visit the website.
  

SMILING OVER SICKNESS

With chapters in universities across Canada, this program aims to bring smiles to the faces of children suffering from illness. At the University of Toronto chapter, volunteers visit and spend timewith oncology patients at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Other activities include Shave for a Cure to raise donations for the Childhood Cancer Foundation.
  

ST. FELIX PROGRAM (SFP)

The objective of SFP is to provide children in disadvantaged communities (Alexandra Park area, Toronto) with rolemodels to help build self-confidence and recognize self-worth. Studentmentors andmentees spend time reading and participating in games and activities organized around a weekly theme. Previous themes have included Library Day, Halloween Day, and Multicultural Day. Additionally, field trips are organized to places including the Science Centre and theWinter Carnival at Nathan Phillips Square.
  

SUN AND SKIN AWARENESS (S&S)

S&Swas started by the Canadian Dermatology Association to promote healthy, safe, sun practices in young children. Through presentations and fun-activities, students educate grade 4 children on how to reduce the risks of developing sun-related skin damage.
 

WOODGREEN HOMEWARD BOUND MENTORING PROGRAM

In collaborationwithWoodgreen Community Services,mentoring opportunities are provided for Homeward Bound single mothers associated with Woodgreen. Single-mom graduates from the University of Toronto serve as mentors for the Woodgreen moms, who are in school or in internship. Through one-on-one mentorship, striving to alleviate the stress associated with life circumstances which bring women to homeward programs.
  

WOODGREEN TUTORING PROGRAM

In partnership with Woodgreen Community Services, this tutoring program is for children of Homeward Bound single mothers and children within the Woodgreen community. Through one-on-one and group activities for the Woodgreen Children, this program has the dual purpose of alleviating the stress of mothers and improving the academic performance of their children.  

UNIVERSITY DISCOVERY AND CAREER EXPLORATION

This initiative exposes students to various programs and faculties at the University of Toronto. Emphasis is placed on including students who are historically under-represented at universities. This program is administered through day-long and week-long events at the university.