BRIDGE is a youth health literacy initiative founded at the University of Toronto. We provide children with fun, age-appropriate opportunities to learn about health and wellness, including the body’s organ systems, mental health, and various medical conditions that may affect them, their families, and their communities. Through medically reviewed children’s books, interactive activities, and engaging discussions, our trained student volunteers deliver free programming in trusted community spaces. We aim to foster curiosity, health awareness, empathy, and confidence while introducing children to the healthcare professionals and support systems that help people live healthy and educated lives.

Members of BRIDGE Club can expect a hands-on volunteer experience working with children at community partner sites across the GTA and Peel Region, where they:

• Engage children with published children’s literature that explores health, medicine, and the human body
• lead age-appropriate activities on organ systems, mental health, and healthy habits, and
• guide group discussions.

Members also have the opportunity to shadow the executive team and grow into Program Lead and leadership roles. Together, every member helps build a generation of children who feel curious, confident, and comfortable with the world of medicine.