Creating Community and Hope: Our Volunteers at People With AIDS Society Toronto
TORONTO, CANADA — In the heart of downtown Toronto, the People With AIDS Society (PWA) serves as a lifeline for individuals living with AIDS, refugees, and underserved communities. More than just a resource center, PWA is a space of compassion and inclusivity, where anyone in need can find support, connection, and nourishment—both physically and emotionally. One of the organization’s key offerings is a free lunch program, welcoming individuals from all walks of life, including those facing homelessness, newcomers to Canada, volunteers, and staff. There is no distinction—just a warm, welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the doors.
Spaces like PWA are critical for marginalized populations, offering not only essential resources but also emotional and mental well-being practices that empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges with strength and resilience. The Love Peace Harmony Foundation is honored to be part of this deeply meaningful work, bringing mindfulness, peace, and hope to those who need it most. The ongoing collaboration between LPHF and PWA is a testament to the power of community-driven healing and support.
For over a year, our Love Peace Harmony Foundation volunteers—including Susan Howson, Pauline Chan, Fiona Fok, Kim Taylor, Sean Murphy, and our very own Manager Volunteer Services, Francesca Bartella—have been dedicating their time every week so that the people PWA serves get to experience the benefits of the Love Peace Harmony Field™. Every Thursday before lunch, the team sets up the Love Peace Harmony calligraphies, water mats, and brushes to create an immersive, peaceful environment. As the soothing sounds of the Love Peace Harmony song fill the space, the team engages in community connection by sitting down to lunch and having conversations with people, as well as inviting them to experience the Love Peace Harmony Field™ created by the calligraphies and song, through meditating in the field, or actively tracing the calligraphies on water mats.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Week after week, participants return to experience the sense of peace, balance, and grounding that these sessions bring. Many have shared how they feel stress reduced, and much more peaceful, balanced, happier, aligned, and a renewed sense of hope after participating. Some have even requested their own calligraphy writing water mats to continue the practice beyond the weekly sessions. PWA staff members have also embraced the practice, with some choosing to meditate before important meetings to feel more centered and prepared.
“There has been noticeable changes in the people who have experienced the Love Peace Harmony Field™ either for the first time and for those who come back every week. We notice a change in their energy level, being more mindful and contemplative when tracing the calligraphies on the water mats. Many present as more grounded, relaxed and positive. There have been people who work there who have come to meditate in the Love Peace Harmony Field™ before going into a meeting that they feel anxious about. They express that they feel more peaceful and grounded going into their meeting. It is also wonderful to develop deeper relationships with people over the time we have been there. I also did a workshop for over 25 new volunteers focused on their vision for the future. Love Peace Harmony was an integral part of this workshop. The participants felt grateful and hopeful afterwards. Each of the participants were gifted a Love Peace Harmony calligraphy card to use to support them on their journey to manifest the vision they created for their future. It was a grand success. It is such a joy to serve everyone who shows up at PWA, for whatever reason they are there. It is a very special place that is community based and community oriented. They embrace and demonstrate the values of love, peace, and harmony in all that they do.” — Susan Howson, LPHF Volunteer.
How You Can Get Involved and Make a Difference
This initiative at PWA highlights the profound impact of bringing meditative practices, connection, and support to community spaces. But opportunities to create similar spaces of healing and transformation exist everywhere—and getting involved is easier than you might think.
1. Start Small, Start Today: Whether it’s at a local shelter, community center, senior home, refugee support center, or even your workplace, bringing peace and healing to others starts with one simple step. You don’t need a large team or extensive resources—just a desire to serve.
2. Offer a Space for Connection: Many people in underserved communities experience stress, trauma, and isolation, and having a safe, welcoming space to breathe, connect, and feel supported can make an incredible difference. Simply holding space for conversation can profoundly impact someone’s well-being. Our Love Peace Harmony song and the Love Peace Harmony Field™ are available for free on our website for anyone to benefit from at any time.
3. Be Empowered as a Trained Love Peace Harmony Volunteer to Share the Love Peace Harmony Field™: Whether it’s at a local shelter, community center, senior home, refugee support center, or even your workplace, you can become a trained LPHF Volunteer empowered to lead sessions with the Love Peace Harmony Field™. Many organizations welcome volunteers who can contribute emotional wellness practices, whether through music, meditation, mindfulness, or community-building activities. Find a group near you, or partner with an existing organization and space to bring these tools to those who need them most. Learn more about our volunteer program and how you can serve in community with it here.
4. The Power of One Small Act: As the Love Peace Harmony Foundation has witnessed at PWA, one small act of service can have a ripple effect, transforming not only individuals but entire communities. Even spending one or two hours per week in service can uplift someone’s life, create a stronger sense of belonging, and contribute to a more peaceful world.
As our service at PWA continues to flourish, the Love Peace Harmony Foundation remains dedicated to serving the PWA community, offering their practices to create a space of healing, connection, and transformation. In a world where many struggle with isolation and hardship, initiatives like this remind us all of the power of love, peace, and harmony to bring people together and uplift the human spirit.
If you’re looking for a way to bring more peace and connection to your own community, consider starting small and taking one simple step toward service. You may just change someone’s life—including your own.