The pace didn’t slow down – great food from Leatherworks Catering was followed by some entertainment from the staff and a talent show with participants from all generations.

Judges awarded prizes to all the contestants because the talent displayed was so enjoyable and varied – step-dancing, singing, accordion-playing, reading.

A highlight was when Parkinson Society Ottawa’s founding president, Ruth Hall-McMillan was introduced.

Another was when the first annual Volunteer of the Year Award, named in honour of Ruth Hall-McMillan, was presented to Alexandra (Alex) Howard, for her tireless volunteer work – at awareness and fundraising events, and as an office volunteer. 

The first annual Volunteer of the Year Award was presented by Ruth Hall-McMillan to Alexandra (Alex) Howard, a dedicated volunteer.

The award was a framed certificate and a cheque for $100. A plaque listing all annual award winners will hang in a place of honour at the Parkinson Society Ottawa office. Ruth Hall-McMillan was thanked for her generosity in helping to make the Annual Volunteer Award possible.

Kiwanis Club of Ottawa carollers led everyone in singing festive songs and Christmas carols. In no time at all, Santa Claus himself joined the party and began handing out goodies to young and old alike.

Santa enjoyed himself, mingling and dancing with the guests

It was not coincidence that the Holiday Party also marked the 25^th week of our 25 Weeks  program, designed to help us celebrate 25 years of serving people with Parkinson’s. On Week 15, during our SuperWalk event, young aspiring artists were invited to give us their rendition of the Parkinson tulip and drawings of SuperWalk – marking the beginning of the Pictures for Parkinson’s Contest. The contest winners were announced and given their prizes at the Holiday Party. 

This was followed by singing Happy Birthday and sharing a birthday cake – a fitting finish to a year-long celebration of our 25^th anniversary.