On November 15, 2012, at the Ontario Science Center, NRS celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special tribute to its community partners!!
The evening began in the auditorium with a slide show of inspirational quotes from clients of NRS. Click here to see this slideshow!
Patricia Howell of NRS, Masters of Ceremonies, welcomed everyone, noting that everyone present had been inspired by the courage and determination of clients and families in the face of serious injury or disease. And that, despite what can appear to be overwhelming adversity, every day they prove that there is “a world of possibilities”.
She noted that this is what inspired Marie and Harriette to start NRS in 1987.
It was also what inspired them to invite the community to the Science Center back in 2000, for a special Millennium Event entitled “Celebrating success after brain injury”, a tribute to our clients and their families.
And it was what inspired them to invite everyone back here today, on the event of our 25th anniversary, to celebrate the rich rehabilitation community we share, with a special tribute to our community partners.
Marie and Harriette then welcomed everyone, and told the story of NRS- how it started in the basement of Marie’s home, and soon became a beehive of activity!
Marie and Harreitte then noted how times had changed- not only in terms of fashion and the ways we communicate – but at NRS (which now has over 50 staff across Ontario, and offers a full range of services and programs.
They then recognized their staff- noting it was their amazingly talented and caring team that has made NRS what it is today.
Patricia then began the tribute to our community partners- noting that she was thrilled to have some very special people here representing some remarkable organizations. These organizations, she noted, and others like them here in Toronto and across Ontario, have helped build the rich rehab community that exists today.
The following individuals were then introduced to accept this tribute:
- Dr. Donna Ouchterlony from St. Michael’s Hospital
- Allison Jardine and Veronica Gershenzon from Sunnybrook Health Science Center
- Dr. Mark Bayley & Joanne Maxwell from TRI & the TRI/Holland Bloorview Life Span Clinic
- Dr. Peter Rumney, Bev Solomon & Caron Gan from Holland Bloorview
- Charissa Levy from the ABI Network
- Ruth Wilcock from OBIA
- Bill Adair from OPA (Ontario)
- Charles Gluckstein from OTLA
- Brenda Krawagna from the insurance industry
- Rhona DesRoches from FAIR.
Everyone present enjoyed learning more about these remarkable organizations, how they started, how they have grown over the years, and what exciting initiatives are they are currently undertaking. And there were lots of hugs and a few tears as Marie and Harriette thanked them for their very gracious words about the NRS team.
The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Dacota White, a young brain injury survivor- who indeed brought to life the theme of the evening- that with courage, determination, support from family and the rehab community, there is a world of possibilities.
Then it was time to celebrate! Everyone enjoyed the music, food and a chance to say hi to new and old friends.
Click here to go back to slide show of the event.
From Marie, Harriette, Patricia and the entire NRS team- thank you to everyone who came out to help us celebrate this wonderful event!
