YOUTH - Burgenländer Club

YOUTH

Today, we have the pleasure and honour of chatting with Caroline Perl who worked as a bartender at our Picnic this July. Caroline is a qualified bartender, she has SMART SERVE qualifications and did an outstanding job at the Picnic.

Caroline, where were you born and who are your parents?

I was born on May 25, 1998 in Mississauga, Ontario to Ann Dunbar Perl and Rick Perl, but I grew up in South Etobicoke.

What is the background of your parents and grandparents?

Both of my parents were born in North York, Ontario. My grandparents on my mother’s side were both also born in Ontario but my great grandfather was born in Scotland.

My grandparents/Oma and Opa on my father’s side were both born in Austria, in Burgenland. My Oma (Elsa Perl) was from the town of Allersdorf and my Opa (Otto Perl) is from the town of Podler

Do you have siblings and if so, how many?

Yes, I have 3 siblings. Ashley (29) is my oldest sibling. She moved to Sweden after she finished university to pursue a Master’s degree. She has been in Sweden for 5 years now and is living/working there.

My brother Derek (26) is the second oldest. He went to school in Wisconsin and played Division 3 hockey. After university he went to Alabama to play in the Southern Professional Hockey League and is now going to France this year to continue playing hockey.

Then I have a twin sister, Heather (21). She is currently in college studying Child and Youth Care as I am. Both Heather and I spend our summer working at Sunny Days Camp for children living with epilepsy which opened our eyes to the idea of working with kids.

Where did you go to school?

I am currently in school at Humber College, Lakeshore campus studying Child and Youth Care. I am in my 3rd year there. I chose the program because I am very passionate about working with children.

What are your hobbies?

I love to play and watch sports. I grew up playing competitive hockey, soccer, swimming and got into Ultimate Frisbee in high school. I love to be outdoors being active and I love to spend time with my friends and family.

What connects you to the Burgenlaender Club Toronto?

My Opa and Oma, Otto and Elsa Perl, were a part of the Burgenlander Club for many years where they attended the picnic and other events hosted by the club. My Oma also provided baked goods for the picnic for many years. They joined the club to stay connected to their Austrian roots and meet other people from Austria.

Similarly, my Uncle Roy and Aunt Julie have been heavily involved for a long time where my Uncle Roy was president of the club for a short time and has also run the games at the Picnic for over 20 years.

My aunt Julie has also been involved for many years and was recently elected as treasurer last year and was asked to be Vice President around the same time. It is safe to say, my family loves this club and tries to contribute to its success.

For me personally, I enjoyed helping at 2019 Picnic and also got a taste of my heritage through the food, music and the people that attended.

Have you ever travelled to Europe before? If so, where did you go?

Unfortunately, I have not yet travelled to Europe but it is on my bucket list. I would love to go visit my sister in Sweden and visit neighbouring countries like Norway and Finland.

I would also love to go visit Austria and see where my grandparents are from and meet some relatives I have over there.

Other than that, Europe sounds like an amazing place and I hope I not only get to experience Sweden and Austria but other places as well.

What are your plans for the future?

In the future, I plan to travel and see other parts of the world. I plan to finish college and put my Child and Youth studies to good use by working in that field and hopefully making positive difference in the lives of children and youth in our society. Other than that, I am excited to see where life takes me.

WThis is beautiful Caroline! Thank you very much for allowing us to have a peak into your life. We wish you much success in all your endeavours.

Home | About Us | Events | Membership | Youth | Awards | News | Photos | Links | Contact Us