In the summer of 2017, Darren Anderson was a young man on a mission. Fresh out of high school, while many of his peers were diving into new adventures, Darren was searching for something deeper—an opportunity to connect, contribute, and belong.

As a young adult with high-functioning autism, Darren had the drive and capability to lead a purposeful life. His parents, Patrick and Rose Anderson, had long been seeking a place where Darren could thrive—somewhere that would not only welcome him but also recognize his potential. Despite their efforts, they often encountered barriers in finding an inclusive environment that embraced neurodiversity.

“It was difficult,” recalls Patrick. “We knew Darren had so much to offer, but finding a place that would give him a chance was harder than we expected.”

With hope dwindling, the Andersons turned to their local hospital. As proud residents of Scarborough, they had always felt a strong connection to Scarborough Health Network (SHN). Volunteering there felt like a natural fit—and a dream worth pursuing.

In October 2017, Darren and his parents met with Florence Edebiri, Manager of Volunteer Services at SHN. After a thoughtful interview, Florence saw something special in Darren.

“Darren was our first volunteer with autism, and we had a lot of questions at the start,” Florence shared. “But we quickly realized the power of inclusion. Every volunteer brings something unique, and when people feel valued and supported, they shine. Darren was no exception.”

From his first role at the information desk at SHN’s General Hospital, Darren quickly became a familiar and friendly face. Today, he plays a vital role in SHN’s award-winning Call Ahead for Volunteer Assistance (CAVA) program. This innovative service—recognized by Accreditation Canada—allows patients and visitors to reserve a volunteer up to 24 hours before their hospital visit. Darren helps guide patients, provides directions, and assists with wheelchair reservations, ensuring every visitor feels welcomed and supported. Darren was even featured as part of the Love, Scarborough fundraising campaign, highlighting his significant contributions and the impact he has made on both patients and staff. Notably, he represents the letter ‘Y’ for “Youth Volunteer” within the Scarborough Sans font for the campaign.

“Volunteering at SHN is important to me, because we all depend on them,” says Darren. “When someone smiles and says thank you, it makes my day.”

“Darren lights up when he talks about his work with CAVA,” says Patrick. “We’ve seen him grow in confidence, communication, and independence. It’s been life-changing.”

Over the past eight years, Darren has become a symbol of what’s possible when organizations commit to inclusion. Beyond the connections he has made with countless patients and families, he has become a recognizable fixture among SHN staff and physicians. His journey reflects SHN’s broader goal, as outlined in its Strategic Plan 2024–2029, to empower people and foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

Darren’s story is more than a personal success—it’s a powerful reminder of the impact inclusive volunteering can have on individuals and communities alike. By embracing volunteers of all abilities, healthcare organizations like SHN are not only enriching lives but also building stronger, more compassionate systems of care.

Interested in making a difference? Learn more about volunteering at SHN by visiting the Volunteer Services page.