In a bustling corner of Toronto, a special haven exists for children facing unique challenges. At Variety Village, a six-year-old boy named Kwesi Samuel finds peace and predictability at a well-worn wooden train table, a simple joy that offers profound comfort.
A Sanctuary of Routine and Acceptance
Past the sensory room and the therapy gym, the railway set at Variety Village is a magnet for children like Kwesi, who is on the autism spectrum and also has ADHD. His mother, Charlene Samuel, explains that the predictable patterns and symmetry of train play are deeply soothing for her son. "This is usually our quiet time," Charlene says. "Playing with trains is soothing for him, he likes the symmetry — and I get a break."
For families navigating autism, such moments of calm are precious. Variety Village provides a critical escape from the outside world, where Charlene often encounters judgmental stares. "Outside, you get 'the look,' like there's something I'm doing wrong," she shares. "Here, with the staff and other parents, everything's OK. No one gives us 'the look.'"
A Fight for Life from the Very Start
Kwesi's path to the train table was anything but smooth. He was born extremely premature at just 23 weeks and two days, weighing a mere 520 grams—about the weight of a can of soup. Doctors presented his survival as a coin toss, asking Charlene if she wanted extraordinary resuscitation measures taken. Her answer was a definitive yes.
Kwesi spent his first 136 days in hospital, much of it on oxygen or in an incubator. On Charlene's first Mother's Day, a severe infection struck, requiring Kwesi to be resuscitated once more. Today, he is a healthy 46-pound boy, but the rigors of his infancy left lasting marks, including his autism and ADHD diagnoses.
Building a Future, One Connection at a Time
Variety Village is more than just a place to play. For Kwesi, it offers the warm, rhythmic therapy of the pool and participation in the Social Explorer program, designed to help children with autism develop social skills and better cope with the world. For Charlene, a single mother and business systems analyst, it offers a trusted support network.
"I can leave him with the people here and I know he's safe. I don't know what I'd do without that," she admits. The Village has fostered a true community where Kwesi is known and accepted. "Everyone here knows Kwesi. Everybody accepts him the way he is. We're part of a community."
Charlene's hopes for her son are grounded in happiness and health. "He may never be a scientist or go to university," she says, "but that's OK. I just want him to be healthy and happy."
Community Support Extends to the Christmas Fund
The spirit of community highlighted in Kwesi's story is echoed in the ongoing generosity of Torontonians. The Toronto Sun Christmas Fund has now surpassed a remarkable $206,395 in donations. The latest honour roll includes numerous donors from across the Greater Toronto Area, such as:
- The Arbor Memorial Foundation with a generous contribution of $5,000.
- Anonymous donors giving $900 and $500.
- Mike Poole of Toronto, who donated $1,000 in memory of Annie.
- RCL Branch 13 in Scarborough, contributing $1,000.
The fund also received a notable donation from the Margaret & Alexander Rea, Dora & Elly Ellsworth & Frank Lowery Charitable Fund for $2,500. These contributions, large and small, continue a legacy of support for those in need during the holiday season, championed by community figures like longtime donor and voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Joe Bowen.
As Kwesi finally settles into a state of calm after an energetic hour, his sweet nature shines through. Offering a simple "Mike, go car?" as a farewell, he then turns back to his beloved trains, his world in order, at least for now, on the tracks at Variety Village.
