We are grateful to the 50 children and grandchildren of Niagara Health staff, physicians and volunteers who participated in our 2021 Holiday Card Contest for Kids and shared what the holidays mean to them.
This year’s grand prize winner is Kaelynn Folkes, daughter of Cheri Folkes, a nurse with the endoscopy team at our St. Catharines Site.
“I’m proud of Kaelynn’s picture capturing the inclusion of everyone regardless of culture or abilities,” says Cheri. “Looking at this picture brings hope that we can all genuinely show compassion and respect for one other. Let’s not lose this simple gesture we can all afford to give.”
As the grand prize winner, Kaelynn’s artwork will be featured on Niagara Health’s 2021 holiday card.
“When we decided to go ahead with the annual holiday card contest, we did not expect to be facing a fifth wave of the pandemic like we are today,” says Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO. “The submissions reminded me of the magic of the holiday season as seen through the eyes of children, and I hope that Kaelynn’s card helps to brighten the holidays. Kaelynn’s drawing of a heart surrounded by people from around the world holding hands shows us the importance of coming together and supporting one another.”
Joining Lynn in judging the contest were Board Chair Bunny Alexander, Chief of Staff Dr. Johan Viljoen, and two patient partners, Cindy Ko and Ruby Jhooty.
Niagara Health is also celebrating winners in additional categories:
Staff Favourite: Nina Liu, 8, daughter of Yajun (June) Liu, Registered Nurse
(as voted by Niagara Health staff, physicians, volunteers and patient partners)
Age 3 to 5: Quinn Campbell, 4, daughter of Tracy Campbell, Respiratory Therapist
Age 6 to 8: Addison Mayer, 8, granddaughter of Donnelda Cameron, Environmental Services
Age 9 to 12: Lily Parkinson, 10, granddaughter of Angela Parkinson, Mental Health and Addictions Clerk
