Volunteer Dayl M. shares why she has supported RMHC Toronto for over 20 years.

Dayl says RMHC Toronto holds a special place in her heart.

“I’ll never forget the first day I came to the House. I sat down to colour with a little girl who was about three or four years old. As her father placed her with me, he said, ‘Please pick her up by the legs. She just had a heart transplant.’ That was the moment, over 20 years ago now, that I knew this is such a special place.”

Dayl’s first connection to RMHC Toronto was through her work as the Director of Philanthropy at a major bank. When she walked into the House for the first time, she was struck by the sense of family, community, and love.

“All these families were experiencing something difficult, and they were in it together. What bound them were sick children. When I left there, my life was changed. I walked out of there and thought about my two healthy daughters and I just realized why it mattered.”

Now retired, Dayl is an active volunteer with RMHC Toronto in two important capacities: both as a volunteer at our front desk greeting families, and as a member of our Development Committee.

She is also a donor. As part of Dayl’s continued deep commitment to RMHC Toronto, she recently started her own fundraiser, challenging friends to match her own donation and raise $10,000 – providing 55 nights at the House for a family.

“I’m painfully aware of the shortfall in funding this year due to the cancellation of events that helps fund the House, and I knew I had to do something more to help. I love to travel but I won’t risk getting on a plane anytime soon, so donating to help families stay together seemed like the best use for those dollars saved.”

When asked about her decision to start donating to RMHC Toronto, Dayl says she knew it was something she had to do.

“It feels like a necessity; that’s how much it means to me. If you were to come for an hour or two and see for yourself what they provide… It’s not just a room, I’m talking about love, family, and unity. It’s about people supporting each other. Sure, it’s a house of critical illness yet it doesn’t feel like that – it feels like a house of love.”

Thank you to Dayl for the inspirational commitment to help families at RMHC Toronto.

If you are interested in making an impact like Dayl, donate now to her campaign in support of our Mission or start a fundraiser of your own.