“If I didn’t believe in miracles before, I sure do now. It has taken awhile for the enormity of what Walls of Hope has done for us to sink in. I just wish had more phenomenal heroes like Sera Mansueto and the fantastic people at Walls of Hope with their dedication, determination & courage to take on a great challenge that helps better the lives. So when Life throws curve balls at you & you lose control of your life, please never give up because you never know what lies around the corner. ”   Kim DeFreitas (Sept. 2010 WOH Family)

“Just watching you on All for One with Debbie Travis and think what you guys do is amazing!! Being a family of 6 with 2 special needs brothers I understand exactly what people go through on a day to day basis and what you guys are doing touch my heart!! Even though you haven’t personally helped my family I feel like there is so much good out there and you all are one of those amazing good people!! Keep up the great work & I would love to help out with your next project!! I live in St. Catharines, so I’m not too far away!”  Stephanie Burton (Facebook Fan – Dec. 5, 2010)

“To everyone at Walls of Hope,
It is with so much joy that I write thank you. But where do I begin. I thank you for transforming my home into an accessible house for my family. I thank you for the joy you brought to Alessia for turning her room into a princess room just perfect for my little princess. Thank you for Cosmo’s Maple Leaf room he absolutely loves it! Thank you for the wonderful nights out of laughs and dinner. I want to especially thank you for your LOVE. If it wasn’t for your loving hearts, none of this would be possible. You have truly touched our hearts in an unforgettable way. Thank you for your friendship, your time, your listening ear & your compassion.”  Commisso Family 2007

“Dear Sera, the WOH Team and all Volunteers/Supporters,
My children and I want to thank you for this opportunity that you are giving us to have a better life and stay happy in Canada. We are convinced that God always has been with us throughout our lives, and this is a sample that tells me that God has accompanied us, and that He also lives in our house and in the house of all the people who as you generous and interestedly help us.
I want to tell you something, when you asked me what to do I want or what would I like to do? Is difficult for me to think, you know why? Because nobody ever in my life asked me that. But I’m sure my greatest wish is to see my children healthy and happy. Also my children have requested to me to tell you in this letter that they feel happy that you are helping us, they are truly surprised that there exist people like you who dedicate yourselves to help those who need it.  Again thanks for everything and that God blesses you. Sincerely: Malinaye, Marco, Oscar and Brenda.” Dominguez Family (WOH Family 2005)

“To the Dream Rooms Team,
I wish there were someway to describe how meaningful and beautiful yesterday was for us and how proud I am of your work and this incredible transformation! I am certain you hear many of these words with each of your projects and I know no project is more important than the other…but I doubt seeing the family reactions is any less exciting and special for you regardless of the project.
I am blown away – completely blown away. Your work, your love, your creativity, your dedication to the project, your attention to the unique needs of the room…it was all so incredible!
I could hardly sleep last night…the images running through my head, every word shared yesterday, the little butterfly that visited with you all throughout the weekend, your emotional investment into the project – The goosebumps that you had, Ally, when you saw the butterfly hovering around me and Benn – it is these moments of pure humanity that transform tragedy into brilliance. There isn’t a moment that passes that I don’t wish Gabrielle were alive, but at the same time, I know she has blessed me with the experiences of raw, perfect humanity in her death and I am grateful for those moments, afterall I would not have witnessed your collaboration and human perfection if her death had not occurred.
Her legacy, I believe, will be seen in acts of kindness and love – just as you gave so much of yourselves at the Lighthouse, out of love. Whether someone knows Gabrielle or not, if they spend time in that room at the Lighthouse, they will experience the love and kindness that you shared to create that room and will therefore be empowered to share that love and kindness with someone else…and so on…
Sophie left The Lighthouse yesterday bouncing off the walls, in creative thought herself, LOVING – literally LOVING the room. She had always expressed anxiety about attending The Lighthouse – I know this will no longer be the case.
Finally – you are all incredible human beings and I am just so grateful to have met you. With deep love, Nikki ” (Lighthouse May 2012 - Dream Rooms)

“Volunteering with Walls of Hope is so much more than the hours of your time. It has gone on to forming incredible friendships with people I would never have met in my normal day to day living. It is bringing a community spirit together of people who would ever have met, but now by helping a stranger, are forever changed on how they know each other. It is meeting people who put their lives aside and give selflessly to make the community better. The funny thing is I feel it makes the volunteer feel better instead. I encourage anyone to come and experience the magic that occurs at Walls of Hope project besides changing a family’s life forever!!”  Founder: Sera Manseuto

“The whole experience was amazing! I have also financially donated to support Walls of Hope before and will continue to do so.Volunteering for the second time with the awesome community of volunteers, we JUST MADE IT HAPPEN! I had no idea the sense of accomplishment, pride, gratitude and humility that comes from giving your time and skills to such a worthy cause. It has truly been an eye opener and life altering experience. I believe I will be a better leader and team player because of my experiences with Walls of Hope”   A WOH Volunteer for Life, Since 2009

“This sounds great….I would definitely come to the Hard Hats and Halos gala, if I was closer. The nurses in the Yukon are enjoying their calendars. Some can’t wait for August, but most are in agreement and anticipating May! I hope your gala is a huge success and thank you for caring and doing great work.” - Susan P. (Yukon Territories) 2011

“There are no words to describe the extent of the emotions my children and I felt upon coming home on the 23rd for our big reveal. Just having been chosen to receive this gift was overwhelming enough. It was so much fun to plan, hope and dream of what might happen that our spirits were filled before the weekend ever began. The reality of what you accomplished in the short time span you were given was a miracle. With each passing day I continue to be amazed by the transformation of our house and wish that everyone could experience this just once in their lives.”  John’s Family (WOH Family 2006)

“To all the wonderful volunteers at Walls of Hope,
I wanted to take a few days before I sent a letter of thanks for all of the dedication and hard work you provided over the last week. There are two reasons for the delay; one, because I needed to rest my aching muscles, and two, because I needed to completely process what you have done for our organization.
As you know, the children and adolescents we see at HTC often arise very traumatized and anxious for their first few appointments.  When I arrived this morning I was surprised to see a number of kids and their families who are long time clients, taking a tour of the new treatment rooms.
It’s hard for me to explain the look of excitement and at the same time, the sense of calm on their faces as they went from room to room. The changes you have made will truly have a positive impact on everyone who needs our services.
We also had the pleasure of holding our first staff meeting today.  And I say it was a pleasure because of the new boardroom table!  I know our Board of Directors will be very pleased to have a usable space to hold their meetings.
All of the volunteers that I had contact with throughout the project were compassionate, professional, and a joy to work with.  I hope that they understand the difference it made to the lives of the children and families that we see.
In closing, you have completely changed the look, feel, and atmosphere of a place where it is so vital to have positive energy.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and most importantly the clients of the Halton Trauma Centre our sincere thanks for all that you’ve done” (Darryl Hall, Executive Director May, 2011)