The morning after his daughter Ariel was born at Humber River Hospital, Toby was looking for a coffee when he spotted a beautiful painting of Ariel from The Little Mermaid, sitting on an easel.

The painting was part of an ongoing art auction program which raises money for Humber River Hospital Foundation, in partnership with an organization called Funding Innovation. Anyone can bid on a variety of musical, sports-related, and traditional artwork and collectibles – and the artwork is rotated every two weeks.

Amazed at the serendipity, Toby placed his bid, eager to win the painting.

Ariel’s Story

“Ariel means protector of nature and animals,” says Toby. “And when I found out that Ariel is also the hero in one of Jenn’s favourite childhood movies it sealed the deal for me. She’s our little warrior for good.”

The day before, Toby and Jenn had been shopping for a car for their growing family when Jenn’s contractions started unexpectedly. Knowing that labour can take a while, they went home and had dinner before heading to Humber River Hospital.

But at the Hospital, things progressed very quickly – too quickly for Jenn to be administered her planned epidural. Jenn was in so much discomfort that she had trouble pushing with the contractions.

“Dr. Mirabelle D’Souza helped me focus,” says Jenn. “She looked at me and told me that Ariel was in distress. I had to concentrate and push.”

Baby Ariel burst into the world, less than an hour after her parents arrived at Humber River Hospital.

“I was super proud of Jenn,” says Toby. “She really dug deep.”

Giving Back

When Jenn and Toby chose the name Ariel, Toby had never even seen The Little Mermaid. He had found the name online and fell in love with it.

“Ariel means protector of nature and animals,” says Toby. “And when I found out that Ariel is also the hero in one of Jenn’s favourite childhood movies it sealed the deal for me. She’s our little warrior for good.”

Toby and Jenn were excited to learn that they had won the painting.

Toby and Jenn were excited to learn that they had won the painting. Since the Art Easel Program launched in March 2018, supporters like them have helped raise $32,300 for Humber River Hospital Foundation.

“Our plan is to put the painting in Ariel’s room,” says Toby. “It’s meant to be.”

Since the Art Easel Program launched in March 2018, supporters like Toby and Jenn have helped raise $32,300 for Humber River Hospital Foundation. The art easels are projected to continue raising about $20,000 per year for the Hospital.

“It is so great to see community members bidding on the artwork!” says Saneh from the HRH Foundation team. “It’s a win-win: Not only are people winning beautiful, meaningful artwork, but they are also making a difference for patients and families at Humber.”

Jenn and Toby are relishing being first-time parents.

“Ariel is healthy and happy,” says Jenn. “And that’s making me happy.”

You can help:

The more easel locations we secure, the more money we can raise for the Hospital! If you or someone you know has a small area of their business (about 4 sq ft of floor space) available for an easel, please get in touch with Jessica at 416.242.1000 ext. 81504 or by emailing jvergismayo@hrh.ca. You’ll be in great company with our current local partners: Giorgio D Café, Shoppers Drug Mart, Swiss Chalet, and Superstore.