Recreation Therapy professor and program coordinator Christine Wilkinson was recently acknowledged with a Volunteer Leadership Award from Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (TRO).
The award recognizes an individual who has taken on a leadership role on behalf of TRO and whose volunteerism contributes to the association’s vision and mission.
The special honour was presented to Wilkinson by TRO board member Vicki Di Giovanni at a virtual celebration held on June 2. Di Giovanni read a selection of comments from Wilkinson’s nomination, which painted the picture of a dedicated, passionate and engaging therapeutic recreation professional.
“At every turn, this year’s recipient is advancing the vision and mission of TRO. She elevates those around her to do better, think differently and reignite the fire within,” said Di Giovanni. “Her dedication to this organization, the membership and the profession as a whole is inspiring. We aren’t sure we can actually tally up the countless hours she has dedicated to her many volunteer roles within the association, but our estimate is that it might be somewhere in the thousands.”
Wilkinson noted that she was honoured to be recognized by the professional association that represents therapeutic recreation professionals in the province.
“I have been a proud volunteer with TRO since 1997, working alongside many incredible TR colleagues from across the province,” she said. “Receiving the Volunteer Leadership Award feels like a wonderful culmination of nearly 25 years of volunteer service to my profession.”
Among her many volunteer roles over the years, including board member for 12 years, President’s Advisory Committee member and Therapeutic Recreation Provincial Educator’s Steering Committee member, Wilkinson noted that her experience co-chairing the sold out 2019 TRO conference with NC Rec Therapy faculty member Jackie Frail was a key highlight.
“Over 350 TR professionals from across the province enjoyed three days of excellent professional development, networking, and social opportunities,” she said. “My other fellow NC RT colleagues, including Erin Wilkie and Debbie Fender, were also on the organizing committee, and many of our students and grads also volunteered at the conference. It was a great opportunity to showcase the collective talents of the NC Recreation Therapy team.”
Wilkinson also noted that her experience with TRO has enhanced her teaching abilities and created opportunities for students in NC’s Recreation Therapy program.
“I have been able to share the latest developments in the profession with students; to get students excited and involved in also volunteering with TRO, which expands their networks and skills,” she said. “Through contacts and connections I have made across the province, I can help students looking for placement or job opportunities outside of Niagara region. Having so many NC staff members heavily involved as TRO volunteers over the years has definitely elevated the reputation and awareness of our program around the province.”
Wilkinson, who has been teaching full-time in the college system since the mid-1990s with most of that time spent at NC, still gets excited about the therapeutic recreation profession.
“The difference that TR professionals make in the quality of life of those who receive their services, is considerable,” said Wilkinson, who prior to joining NC, held several recreation therapy positions in Toronto working with older adults with disabilities, adults with intellectual disabilities, and people who were deaf-blind. “The enthusiasm and creativity that our students bring to their work makes me excited for them about the field they are about to enter.”
With a positive outlook and a passion for her profession, it’s no surprise that Wilkinson, one of NC’s 2020 Award of Excellence winners, has also been in the spotlight for her recent efforts to help spread positivity at long-term care homes across Niagara.
Through a letter-writing and chalk art campaign, and a fundraiser that enabled the purchase of specialized colouring books and markers for residents with dementia, Wilkinson – along with her children, friends, neighbours and NC colleagues and alumni – has brought joy to many long-term care residents during a time of social isolation.
