Every plaque on Neilson Park Creative Centre’s donor recognition wall tells a story. Jerry and Wendy Smith’s tells one that spans decades.
Recently recognized as Major Gifts Donors, their names represent far more than a milestone in donations. Long before they reached this point, Wendy was helping shape NPCC in its early years through her involvement as a member of the Etobicoke Quilters’ Guild (EQG), while Jerry would later lend his expertise as a strategic advisor, board member, volunteer, and advocate during a pivotal period in the Centre’s history. Their financial support is simply the latest chapter in a relationship built on generosity, leadership, and a deep belief in community.
That belief has guided Jerry throughout his life.
Before becoming involved with NPCC, he spent decades as an educator, theatre practitioner, and arts administrator. His career took him across Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom before he eventually joined Humber College, where he taught for nearly five decades.
Jerry first came to know NPCC through Wendy, who had already become deeply involved in the Centre’s community. Years later, when NPCC was navigating a challenging period, he was invited to help lead the development of a new strategic plan. Looking back, he sees that opportunity as a natural extension of a lifetime spent teaching, learning, and strengthening communities.
“There was a combination of my sense of community that I’ve always had, my love and engagement in the arts, and the teaching and learning aspect,” he reflects.
For Jerry, supporting NPCC has never been defined by donations alone.
He believes strong community organizations are built by people who contribute in different ways. Some offer their time, others their expertise or professional networks, while some are able to give financially. Healthy organizations, he says, need all of them.
“You want to make sure you get a good balance of all three.”
For Jerry and Wendy, supporting NPCC has meant contributing in each of those ways over the years.
“This place is worth it,” Jerry says simply.
For Jerry, donating isn’t simply about helping fund programs. It’s about ensuring future generations have the same opportunities to learn, create, and belong that arts organizations have provided throughout his own life.
When asked what Neilson Park Creative Centre means to him today, his answer becomes more personal.
“It’s part of my history,” he says. “Every time I come here, I recognize and am recognized because I’m part of this community.”
Although his own background is rooted in theatre, he still finds inspiration every time he walks through the galleries.
“I’m seeing stuff I’ve never imagined before. Coming here takes me to a different place.”
Perhaps the clearest reflection of Jerry’s relationship with NPCC came when he was asked about his favourite memory at the Centre.
Rather than pointing to a particular exhibition or event, he smiled.
“Every time I come here, it’s my current best memory.”
As Jerry and Wendy are recognized as Major Gifts donors, their plaque stands as more than a symbol of generosity. It represents decades of volunteerism, leadership, friendship, and an unwavering belief that thriving arts communities are built not only through financial support, but through people who continue to show up, year after year and day after day.
