War of 1812 - Interview Series

by Judi McWilliams

Sandra Shaul - Part Three

ENGAGE THEM!
She told me a story that helped explain where she is coming from … "This year May 1st fell on a Thursday, the celebrations at Fort York were rained out, but, the youth attended, these kids were from Georgian region and spoke mostly Russian, 10-16 years old. These kids are being trained as Youth Ambassadors. When the Food Historian Cook spoke to the kids, saying that the food was Georgian, talking about cookies, puddings, and cooking in the rain, over the fire … the kids fell in love with the Fort, but, the translation was wrong. They were confused, the kids asked why the food wasn’t at all like at home in the Georgian region, what the historian was talking about was King George III." Sandra’s point to the story, “a new Canadian can be confused”. What was amazing to Sandra that this simple act of cooking over a fire, led to the kids talking about their own stories. The stories start to mingle and they learn to appreciate each other. Sandra’s point … “This story is about the level at which you start to educate, and then you expand from there! ENGAGE THEM!” Sandra says… “You get the right foot planted in the ground, them you move the left foot!” … "ENGAGE THEM!” With all this being said, I asked Sandra if they would be relying on volunteers to assist with their efforts in the War of 1812 Celebrations. Yes, Sandra says, they will need volunteers, but, went on to tell me about a volunteer of the Youth Ambassador Program. This volunteer who runs the program works for the City of Toronto. This program is a leadership program for new Canadians. They want to start an exchange program with Buffalo-Toronto Youth, reaching out to the priority neighborhood children. Sandra has plans and challenges for her promotion of the upcoming special War if 1812 Be-Centennial Celebration. But, Sandra has passion for both her community and the people who live in it and visit it. She has a vision, ENGAGE THEM for success!