TLDR RECAP OF TORONTO THROUGH OUR EYES
Event Photos taken by Geoff Fitzgerald
Dear SeeingHappy Community,
Exactly three weeks ago, the SeeingHappy team flew to Toronto for the Toronto Through Our Eyes showcase – a special partnership with the Canadian Positive Psychology Association. It was the first time either of our teams had ever attempted something like this, and to be honest, we were all a little nervous!
But planning the event together turned out to be pure joy. So much went well, and we genuinely loved working with each other. It felt less like “work” and more like spending time with friends on a shared mission. Our process was wonderfully collaborative. Everyone took ownership of different pieces, every creative idea mattered, and even during the stressful moments, we kept coming back to the belief that this work should feel uplifting. As momentum grew, so did our enthusiasm – and our friendship. That unexpected bond really shaped the event in the best possible way.
After months of Zoom calls, finally meeting in person brought new energy and connection. And then came the real test: How would this all work in the world?
We had generous volunteers, a fantastic event space, beautifully printed photos, and delicious food – what could possibly go wrong?
To our delight, the answer was… almost nothing! It turned into a truly wonderful night, one that reaffirmed our belief in the power of seeing and celebrating what is good in the world. It reminded us how community forms when people gather to share, to appreciate, and to belong.
The Toronto event showed us something essential:
Photography can help people see beauty, connect with one another, and rediscover meaning in everyday life.
It captured the creativity and emotional truth within a community and proved just how transformative this kind of positive intervention can be.
The Magic of the Evening
We welcomed guests into a space intentionally designed to feel warm, safe, and inspiring—a place where people could “mingle and marvel,” taking in both the art and the presence of those around them. Simply being there together seemed to heighten everyone’s awareness of beauty.
And while the space and program were lovely, the real magic came from the people and their stories. When our photographers shared the meaning behind their images, the room was moved to tears. Their vulnerability and honesty set the tone for a night filled with authenticity and connection.
Here’s what we learned in Toronto:
- The showcase model works.
- It moves people.
- It builds community.
- It creates emotional moments that stay with you.
And because of that…
We Want to Grow this Movement
The response in Toronto made it clear: there is something powerful happening here. We want to bring this experience to more cities, more communities, and more storytellers.
To do that, we’re looking for partners who believe in this mission – people and organizations who want to help others see the good, feel connected, and share their stories.
If this vision resonates with you, or if you know someone who might want to support future showcases, we would truly love to talk.
Announcing the Winners
| As part of the Toronto Through Our Eyes showcase, we were honored to announce three photographs that especially captured the spirit of the project. These images were selected for their emotional resonance, artistic strength, and the ways they reflect Toronto’s vibrancy, humanity, and quiet moments of hope. Each one brings its own perspective on what it means to belong, to notice beauty, and to reconnect with joy. |
PROMPT: Through your lens, reveal Toronto’s welcoming beauty, vibrant connections, inspiring sense of belonging, and spirit of hope.
🏆 1st Place Winner: Erman Gunes
Erman’s image brims with movement and laughter, offering an electrifying reminder of the carefree joy that defines Toronto summers. Joy in Motion captures a feeling we all recognize: that fleeting second when delight rises within us and the world feels wide open.
🥈 2nd Place Winner: Daaimah Yusuf
…IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY…
BY DAAIMAH YUSUF
“In the middle of uncertainty, this message on a Toronto wall cuts through the noise. A reminder that resilience isn’t quiet—it’s bold, unapologetic, and here to stay.”
A simple message on a Toronto wall, handwritten and unwavering, cuts through the noise of uncertainty. Daaimah’s photo invites us to pause, breathe, and remember that resilience often speaks softly, yet here it stands with confidence and clarity. This image offers a quiet steadiness at a time when reassurance feels especially meaningful.
🥈 2nd Place Winner: Vikram Premanand
THE CITY OF BALANCE AND BELONGING
BY VIKRAM PREMANAND
“Preface: I hope this picture of a warm day in downtown Toronto counts: it was shot on a 1976 Praktica LB2 with a Meyer-Optik Görlitz Domiplan lens, using the Lucky SHD400 film stock – right at Yonge St. & Dundonald St. (If necessary, I have the negatives!)
Description: On the afternoon of August 13th, I walked through downtown Toronto with my trusty half-century-old film SLR – a gift from a wonderful lady by the name of Mrs. Bambury, who passed it on since she wanted it to be used and loved once more. This city has a way of shaping one into an independent and strong person while also nurturing the kindest souls I’ve ever met. In my one year here, I’ve learned to truly appreciate the little things I experience every single day – a smile here, a door held open there. I left everything and everyone behind to come here, yet Toronto has never left me without company. This city never judges. Its beauty lives in both ancient bricks and modern glass, on film and digital, standing shoulder to shoulder, side by side. To me, Toronto is evidence that there truly is a place for everyone.“
Vikram’s photograph carries a quiet emotional weight that stays with the viewer. The scene captures the layered character of Toronto in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. There is a sense of movement and warmth in the image that reflects how the city holds many experiences at once. This image invites us to recognize the subtle ways a place can offer connection, comfort, and belonging.
Join us in Our Mission
Thank you, as always, for being part of the SeeingHappy community.
Your belief in this work keeps us inspired.
With gratitude,
The Team at SeeingHappy
