Newsroom
Unsung heroes embrace the value of "doing"
posted: Monday, November 21, 2011
(Fredericton, NB) November 21, 2011 - Former school principals and long-time friends, Harold Dykeman and Frank Harriott, have not let retirement slow them down. From dedicating their time in the community to volunteering at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, Harold and Frank clearly share the philosophy of occupational therapy - the art and science of enabling people to participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).
Each week, for the past several years, Harold and Frank have embraced the value of "doing," by offering their woodworking skills and outgoing personalities to enable others to engage in meaningful activities. Guided by occupational therapists, they have created a variety of adapted aids used by clients of all ages. Their record book shows detailed plans for making everything from sheet tuckers to activity boards, paying card holders and chair risers. "If you can describe it, or show us a picture, we can make it," Harold offers. "Creating these aids is something we both really enjoy," adds Frank.
When they are not volunteering their services in the occupational therapy department, Harold can be found volunteering in the woodworking shop on the rehabilitation unit, supporting clients who engage in woodworking as part of their therapy, while Frank is often found joining veterans for a rousing game of cards.
In honor of their outstanding efforts, Harold and Frank were recently awarded a citation award by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). The ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 18th at the Dr Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, and was attended by the recipients, their families, fellow volunteers, and hospital staff.
The CAOT citation award acknowledges the contribution/accomplishment to the health and well-being of Canadians of an agency, program and/or individual within each province/territory, who is not an occupational therapist.
Always ready to lend a hand, Harold and Frank continue to be unsung heroes. It was with pleasure many saw the two men honored with the citation award and look forward to the many more contributions they will continue to make in the community.
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For more information please contact:
Heather Swan
New Brunswick Board Director
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
hswanot@nb.sympatico.ca
Cheryl Evans-Crowell
Communications Coordinator
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
1-613-523-2268 ext. 225; cevans@caot.ca
