Participants of My Magic Hands are encouraged to submit their own feedback after completing the program. We have been delighted with the stories and images that each group has generated. Below are a select few.

To read an evaluation, click on any of the images below.

"It was a great program that provided many opportunities to create relationships with the students since there was a big show at the end there was a goal we were working toward that had these opportunities along the way."

Student Volunteer
Havergal College

"I really liked the program. I was amazed by the response of my buddy to the program and I think that he enjoyed it as much as I did! I think that I gave my buddy the little bit of help he needed to keep going when he had difficulties with the magic tricks."

Student Volunteer
Havergal College

"The magic moment that I remember the most is when my buddy greeted me with a hug and then proceeded to show me the magic tricks he hat been practicing all week showing dedication and perseverance as he struggled with the tricks at first."

Student Volunteer
Havergal College

When my buddy came, he did not really talk, but when he started to learn the magic, sometimes he was he was frustrated, but when he got the tricks not only he was proud of him self, I was proud of him as well :) The payoff seeing them happy makes my day also.

Student Volunteer
Havergal College

"The My Magic Hands program is amazing! It was a well organized and innovative way to learn through the exciting art of magic. The supportive team atmosphere brings out each little’s [participant’s] confidence and creativity. I loved how each week's lessons unfolded smoothly to the next. I also appreciated the invaluable training and support for the bigs including the website and weekly emails from the magicians Julie and James. They were truly inspirational teachers who are dedicated and professional and still give personalized coaching. All of this helped the littles learn to work hard in their performances and to become great presenters."

Marlene Ursabia
Volunteer ("Big")
Big Brothers & Big Sisters

"Some of the tricks were difficult for [my son, age 7] to master due to some loss of function to fine motor details in one of his hands, while other tricks came quite easily to him.

The magicians/ teachers never failed to encourage him to keep trying and, with the incredible environment provided with peers included, he didn’t give up. By practicing and with a little/lot of patience, his skills improved and his muscles strengthened. Before we knew it, he was doing/achieving all of his magic tricks!

Please continue this program. It offers skills and confidence to these kids in a great time of frustration for them."

Keri Kerby
Parent

 

"Since [my son] has started this program, he’s been more outgoing. He’s improved on his presentation skills and he’s been trying very hard to use his right hand, which he has great difficulty with even with simple things. Now he’s made much more of an effort to try and incorporate [his right hand skills] into his regular routine.

His confidence level has sky rocketed! He’s greatly improved over the past few weeks. He’s much more outgoing, much clearer with is words. He’s speaking louder, he’s more confident with his friends. He wants to show everyone his tricks."

Maxine
Parent

 

"I was very honoured to be invited to be here! These kids are very lucky to have this program. It was really awesome! Because of this program, I’ve seen some more concentration from [my student] at school. And that is an important thing!"

Miss Hence
School Teacher

 

"The Magicians impressed the young clients with their talent, humour and the ability to see these young people as individuals whit abilities that can really make magic happen.  During the 6-week program, the young magicians learned between 6 and 10 illusions, of which each client selected one or two to perform at the grand finale magic show held on the 6th week. In each instance, clients amazed their friends and family with their selected illusions and demonstrated confidence, communication, memory, sequencing, planning and organization skills that were not apparent only 6 weeks earlier. The young people were clearly proud of their accomplishments, as were their families and the staff who work with them in their rehabilitation programs.

The Magic Hands program facilitates the development of cognitive, fine motor and communication skills of our clients. The use of magic as a therapeutic modality has proven to be a highly effective tool to facilitate skill development in clients who have for many months worked tirelessly in more traditional therapy programs. The unique nature of the Magic Hands program brings to our clients the opportunity to learn a new skill, further develop their potential in identified goal areas as well as develop social and communication skills. In some cases the Magic Hands program has given individuals a new leisure interest at a time when many of their pre-injury/illness leisure interests are no longer accessible to them. These benefits are a true testament to the success of Magic Hands.

We are truly grateful to the contribution of Magicana in bringing the Magic Hands program to the Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Center and especially for bringing magic, success and achievement to our clients."

Salma Kassam
Occupational Therapist
Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Center
(Bloorview Kids Rehab)

 

"...I feel very privileged to have had my group chosen to participate in Magic Hands.  The program is very engaging and it permits children to explore their creativity, develop confidence, and build upon oral skills.  The program is also very organized and the staff are all extremely  well trained and enthusiastic.  This allows the children to become excited about what they are learning.  I also liked the one on one assistance that was available for each child.  Thanks so much for everything!  ...you were always so warm and friendly and I think that made all the difference for the kids."

Kerry-Anne Chin
Summer Camp Coordinator
St. Felix Community Centre

 

“. . . The Magic Hands program teaches more than just magic tricks to children; it teaches them public speaking skills, increases their confidence and creates a common bond among participants.  It was evident from the very beginning that the program was well thought out and delivered with sensitivity to the children’s age-specific abilities, thus creating a positive learning experience. 

The parents’ response to this program has been very positive as well.  Several of the parents have commented on their child’s motivation and dedication to this program and homework they get every week.  Furthermore, the magic show was received with much enthusiasm and praise for the young magicians and the Magic Hands facilitators by both parents and staff alike.  One parent remarked how proud she was that her son overcame his shyness and stop up on the stage to perform.  The child, only a few years ago would not leave his mother’s site.

It is our pleasure to continue working in partnership with Magic Hands, and we look forward to another school year of magic at Harbourfront Community Centre.”

Neda Skific-Lee
Children’s Youth & Adult Program Coordinator
Harbourfront Community Centre