Why are we so passionate about the work we do?

As we reflect on the end of the year and the impact we’ve had, we can’t help but feel lucky to do work that makes a difference at Evergreen Brick Works and beyond.  

To celebrate that impact, we asked five ‘Evergreeners’ to share what it’s like to see the impact of their work up close, how that fuels their passion every day, and how generous donations help make it all possible. 

Ready to go behind the scenes? 

Olivia Dziwak, Senior Specialist, Urban Ecology & Greenspace 

I love taking care of the space at Evergreen Brick Works. I love being able to feel like I can give something to the ecosystem because it reminds me that humans are not separate from nature. We can get stuck in this mindset that we are harmful to the environment, which is true in many ways. But it doesn’t have to be true all the time. I get to embody that in my role.  

I see stewardship as one of our main responsibilities as caretakers of this space both under our lease from the City of Toronto and as inhabitants of Indigenous land. For us, that means supporting biodiversity, sharing the space with wildlife and advocating for great things in the Don Valley. All of this comes together to create a meaningful impact on the people who visit—whether it’s members of our Garden Circle who don’t have their own backyard or newcomers looking for volunteer experience. 

We do rely on support. Volunteers do a lot of the heavy lifting, but it’s because of generous donations that my team and I have the tools to steward this land.  

Charlotte Haney, Outdoor Educator 

My role at Evergreen is to facilitate nature-connected programming for children and youth across different ages and stages. We host field trips throughout the week, as well as programs outside of the school day, like Adventure Camp. 

Play is a human right recognized internationally, yet many kids in the city don’t have access to large, open natural spaces where they can take risks. 

Beyond learning the names of species around them, children build confidence in a much deeper way. They learn how to care for each other as much as they learn how to care for nature. Kids who might struggle in a traditional classroom often thrive outside, where they can use their energy, be adventurous and feel safe being themselves. 

Getting to be in such a joyful place and experiencing it through children’s eyes fuels my passion for this work. 

Because of donations, we’re able to offer more bursary spots, giving more young people the chance to have these experiences. In a perfect world, every child would have endless opportunities for this kind of play. 

Tyler Talbot, Manager, Visitor Engagement & Retail

My role is rooted in helping people fall in love with the Brick Works. Through the Garden Market, my team is often the first point of connection, introducing visitors to the site and helping them make the most of their time here. 

A big part of that work is supporting local makers and small businesses. About 90% of our vendors are Ontario-based, and for many, we’re their first brick-and-mortar store. The Garden Market gives them a place to test products, understand pricing and learn what’s required to grow in retail. We’ve seen vendors start here and go on to scale their businesses, using what they learned to break into other stores and markets. 

That kind of impact relies on support. Donor funding allows us to spend real time with vendors, including coaching them, running demo days and building relationships. 

What I love most is curating the store and getting to know the people behind the products. Building those relationships, watching vendors grow in confidence, and seeing customers connect with their stories gives me a real sense of pride and is what keeps me passionate about this work. 

Janina de Guzman, Senior Program Officer

Most of my days are spent connecting with community members and working with partners to bring the Brick Works to life. That can mean anything from coordinating a two-day, site-wide festival to supporting an artist leading a small, intimate workshop by the ponds.  

My role involves ensuring we have the right people, materials and support in place so everyone can enjoy their time here. Right now, I’m focused on launching the 2026 Community Spotlight application, a program inviting artists, collectives and community members to propose ideas they’d like to bring to life at Evergreen. Seeing the creativity and passion that come through each year is a reminder of how vibrant and inventive our city is. 

Hosting workshops, performances or cultural events, I get to watch community take shape in real time. Whenever people gather to learn, to watch, or simply to chat, those small connections create real impact and build a sense of belonging. I hope each experience reminds people that they belong here. 

These festivals are not possible without your donations. Being able to offer space to artists, support bold ideas, and provide accessible programming that delights and inspires the public is deeply rewarding. 

Chantal Stepa, Farmers Market Manager

The farmers market is a gathering place where food, community, and nature meet in a way that doesn’t happen in many parts of the city. This work matters because it supports a local food system that is more resilient, more equitable and more connected to the land and the people who grow our food. 

By giving farmers and small food producers a platform, we sustain livelihoods in a sector vulnerable to climate impacts and market disruptions. Every Saturday, visitors get to meet the people who grow and make their food, fostering trust, transparency, and a sense of shared responsibility.  

Through low-waste initiatives like a reusable dishware program and on-site education, we’re preventing thousands of disposable items from ending up in landfill each week. Every market strengthens the economic, environmental and cultural fabric of the community while also creating moments where people can slow down and reconnect. 

Supporting farmers and small businesses, seeing ideas turn into positive impact, and helping people feel connected to food, nature, and each other is what keeps me passionate about this work. And, it’s because of donations that we are able to run our Saturday Farmers Market all year long.