Watching Chef Bruno Feldeisen on Great Canadian Baking Show today, you wouldn’t know that he’s experienced a traumatic life. He was twice named a Top 10 pastry chef by Chocolatier magazine and has built a successful career. Only in the last decade has Chef Bruno opened up about childhood abuse, his experiences in foster care and with homelessness, and his mental health challenges.
Many people who donate to FSGV do so because of a personal connection to the cause. When crisis hits, it’s a comfort to know that compassionate, expert staff and free programs are available to you or your loved ones. “To be non-judgmental and non-critical, it’s very important,” says Chef Bruno. “You cannot judge and discern who has a right for help and who doesn’t. There is so many people who needs help [and] that door has to be wide open.”
“The big circle of living on the street, mental health struggle, drug addiction, abuse… it’s all connected,” says Chef Bruno. “The troubles are connected, but your solutions are connected.” At Family Services, we see the big picture of what’s facing our neighbours in community and provide services to help end those cycles of trauma.
To be non-judgmental and non-critical, it’s very important. You cannot judge and discern who has a right for help and who doesn’t.” —Bruno Feldeisen, Father, Chef, Author