Continuing the theme of
influential Canadian women in magic, the next name that comes to my mind is
Julie Eng.
Sometime in the late 90s, during a chance encounter with
David Ben, I learned that Julie would be moving from the west coast to Toronto. David had great enthusiasm when he shared the news. I now know why.
In addition to being a wonderful performer, Julie makes "giving back" (to the magic community and to the community at large) a part of her life mission. Through
Magicana, the creation of the
Tony Eng Youth Fund, supports youths as they pursuing the art of magic. Also, her
Senior Sorcery program brings live theatre in the form of magic shows to isolated seniors. In addition, the
My Magic Hands program touches the lives
of
children by using magic as a vehicle to build self confidence and
skills such as communication, critical thinking, creativity and problem
solving. This program is brought to children with cancer and
kids affected by childhood cancer by working with Camp Oochigeas as well as offering sessions at Holland Bloorview (Canada’s
largest children’s rehabilitation hospital) for more than six years.
I have had the privilege of participating with children in the My Magic Hands at a local school. I marvel at how consistently the program acts as a catalyst for personal growth in the participants.
Thank you Julie for your contributions to the community and to the Canadian magic scene!
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Related post: CBC: Joan Caesar and Julie Eng talk about women in magic
