The Toronto Portraits - Harvey Lalonde
Harvey Lalonde, 46 years old. The South Annex.
Nuit Blanche, Summerworks, HotDocs, TIFF, Reel Asian, Toronto After Dark...what do all of these major Toronto festivals have in common?
Harvey Lalonde, volunteer God.
Harvey was born and raised in Etobicoke. His young adulthood was spent ducking in and out of matinees at classic Toronto cinemas.
"Most of the places I enjoyed are now gone. The University, the Imperial 6, the Uptown, the Bay, and the Eglinton, which was converted into an event hall."
Harvey's life changed course thirteen years ago when he applied to the Toronto International Film Festival as a volunteer.
"I wanted to know what the other side felt like. The ushers, the managers, the ticket takers. I met a woman who was doing nine or ten festivals a year; she got me interested. I do way more than that now."
Harvey may be in his mid-forties, but he has the energy and verve of a 20-year-old. This summer he volunteered an average of twelve hours a day for Toronto arts festivals. He usually works two or three of them at a time.
He doesn't confine himself to the GTA, either. After four years of attempts Harvey realized one of his dreams this past January; he worked the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.
"It took me a while to get the funds together, to get my passport sorted out. There were a lot of firsts on that trip; my first time out of Ontario, my first plane ride...my first time looking out of a plane window. I'm getting over a fear of heights."
Harvey has become the ultimate insider. He knows all the venues, all the theatre managers, all the tricks of getting a crowd in and out. New festivals call him all the time for advice.
I asked him how he's managed to keep such a wild schedule; he once worked from 9AM to 2AM, ten days in a row.
"I hear about people getting caught in dead end jobs all the time; jobs they need but don't like. If you enjoy what you're doing you'll put more effort into it."
The Toronto Portraits profiles a young, dynamic Torontonian, each week in a different neighbourhood.
Photos by Mr. Robin Sharp
Comments (26)
So... is volunteering his full time job? I only ask because of the final comment... how does someone finance a full schedule of film fest volunteering? Crazy!
I have seen this guy on many events... I think even on Fan Expo show. He is volunteering on every big event in this city.
David E 
on September 29, 2008 8:53 PM
I'm trying to find the right phrase for Harvey Lalonde.
Unsung hero is not quite right. But there are many worthy persons like him in the city and many of them have wonderful stories. These are the types of stories I'd like
to read about here--mixed in with the other types of stories that have been featured here.
Great portrait, Robin, thanks for putting a name to the face. I have been having my ticket ripped by Harvey for years. :)
Harvey's the most enthusiastic volunteer we have, and we have a lot of enthusiastic volunteers! We love you Harvey, you're the best!
- Team After Dark
Congratulations Harvey! Your gift to the city is immense. Thank you.
Volunteering is also a great reward. I am with John Ralston Saul on this topic: If each Canadian volunteered 4 hours a week, think of the type of Canada we would have. Not to mention that it changes your life as an individual because it gives you a sense of community and a desire to enjoy the projects in a new light.
Great Post Robin.
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I've always gotten the impression from my conversations with Harvey (we volunteer together for the TIFF's Midnight Madness program) that he lives a pretty simple lifestyle, putting his focus on personal relationships rather than 'stuff'. Given that he's one of the most content and well-liked people I've ever met, I'd say that approach is working out pretty well for him!
Volunteers are the back bone of most festivals.
Cheers to Harvey and anyone who gives up their time for great events.
Aww Harvey!
He totally deserves the title of volunteer god. He is also one of the nicest people I've ever met. You rock!
"Most of the places I enjoyed are now gone. The University, the Imperial 6, the Uptown, the Bay, and the Eglinton, which was converted into an event hall."
Guess he won't be impressed to discover that the Eglinton is now a gym for the upper class.
I worked at the TIFF Volunteer office back in 2001 - even then, Harvey had already accumulated "legendary status" in the Volunteer office.
I didn't personally interact with him very much (I was too busy dealing with the 1000 other volunteers) - he was a quiet guy who usually kept to himself. (Perhaps he's since blossomed and turned into a social butterfly? ;-)
Glad to see him featured here - totally deserving of it.
Harvey is amazing! Thank you so much for profiling him - he is absolutely deserving of any attention he gets. He dedicates his heart to these festivals and should act as an inspiration to anyone who has never experienced the positive effects of volunteering. Go Harvey! You are wonderful! This city owes a great deal to you!
Harvey is like City tv... he is Everywhere.
He also starred in my short film Urban Zombies this year so you can add actor to his list of things that he does. He has been a big help to many festivals of all kinds. I have worked with him on a few festivals and he can tell you what the good ones are and what the bad ones are.
I am hoping to do a documentary on Harvey sometime soon... if I can get the funding to do it properly. So maybe you will see the full story on screen soon.
What is left to say about Harvey ? I don't remember when I first met him or was aware he was around - he's like the tree or the hills, they were just always there...the whole industry thanks you
Harvey is a kind, giving human being, and our city is all the better for him being in it! I feel lucky to know you, Harvey. Thanks for making me feel welcome at Festivals, for sharing with me, and for being an awesome team member and colleague!
I've worked with Harvey at TIFF and Hot Docs. I'm really happy to see he's getting the recognition that he deserves. He's the definition of dedication. :)
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