By Sean Delaney
The Woodview Park Library once again showed what community looks like in action. On September 29th, the library hosted a lively and heartfelt Orange Shirt Day painting event, bringing together children, teens, and seniors for an afternoon of creativity, reflection, and connection.
Head Librarian Diana Rothbauer planned the program so participants could paint their orange shirts the day before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. “That way,” she explained, “everyone could wear their shirts on the 30th, and the paint would be dry and ready to show.”
The result was a wonderful mix of bright colours, personal messages, and artistic expression—each shirt telling its own story of support and remembrance for residential-school survivors and their families.
Adding to the excitement, Ward 7 Councillor Anthony Perruzza dropped by to join in the fun, accompanied by his assistant Rachel Scott. The Councillor chatted with the young artists, admired their designs, and spoke briefly about the meaning of September 30th—a federal holiday dedicated to remembering the children who never came home and honouring the resilience of Indigenous communities. “It’s a time to pause and reflect,” he said, “and to make sure we continue to learn from our shared history.”
The event was made possible through the generosity of the Emery Village BIA, Emery Village Voice, and the library team, who together provided supplies and donated 30 orange shirts for participants. It was one of several community initiatives supported by the BIA this year to foster learning, connection, and understanding.
Thanks to Diana Rothbauer and her dedicated staff, the three painting sessions—for children, teens, and seniors—were filled with laughter, creativity, and meaning. It was a beautiful reminder that reconciliation begins with awareness, and that even simple acts like painting a shirt can help strengthen empathy and unity in our community.
Woodview Park Library continues to serve as a hub for programs that celebrate culture, creativity, and connection in Emery Village.
Learn more:
Toronto Public Library-Woodview Park Library
National Day for Truth and Reconcilliation-Government of Canada
