🌊 Meeting an Islander

I spent the afternoon on Ward’s Island — just a fifteen-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto ~ and as soon as the boat pulled away from shore, I felt a shift. Something lighter, freer.

A stunning Island Home

I was with a good friend I hadn’t seen in over a year. Our smiles grew brighter the moment we stepped off the ferry. We stopped at the Island Café for a hot drink, where even the server seemed to beam with that unmistakable Island vibe. After lingering a while, we made our way toward the beach, pausing on the soft grass beneath a sky painted deep blue with only a few clouds drifting by.

At the beach, the breeze was gentle, the waves rolling steady. We stretched out on a beach fabric and let the sun warm our skin before dipping into the water — surprisingly warm for late September. Time seemed to dissolve, as though the Island was holding us.

Later, we wandered to an outdoor restaurant, then toward the Yacht Club. Crossing the bridge over the canal, I greeted an older woman who, as it turned out, lived on the Island. We fell into conversation, and I shared the vision of Healing Havens — matching people who have safe, loving spaces with those who could help and support. A true win–win. She lit up, repeating the name healinghavens.ca several times.

Bridge from Ward's Island to Algonquin Island

We carried on, stopping at the Island Oasis, a small haven I’d discovered on Canada Day — home to aerial yoga and deep massage, a place that already felt like a Healing Haven. Sitting by the circular firepit with my friend, I spoke of how much beauty and generosity can flow from even a small space. Moments later, Sierra arrived and I introduced them — another thread weaving into the day’s tapestry.

Not long after, we passed a woman tending her garden. I stopped and said, “Lovely garden,” and she smiled. We began talking. She mentioned how many Islanders are older and struggle to find help. I immediately thought of a woman I know in Oshawa — sleeping in a closet in her apartment while juggling roommates. How different her life could be if she were here, keeping this gardener company, sharing meals, helping with daily tasks. When I shared this with the gardener, she smiled and said, “That’s a great idea.” Again, I mentioned the new website.

As we strolled on, I felt a strong sense of confirmation: Healing Havens is no longer just an idea. It’s taking root. Every person I’ve shared it with seems to recognize its truth, its possibility. And the beauty of it is that there’s a role for everyone: host, guest, scout, sponsor. See 'ways to get involved'.