TADA members and stakeholders pose with children from Dunnottar School in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia might seem like an idyllic paradise for us Canadians, especially after one of the longest and coldest winters in recent memory, but even in paradise, there are real people, coping with real challenges. Nestled in the hills above Saint Lucia’s capital, Castries, lies Dunnottar School. Opened in 1973, Dunnottar was established to serve the needs of children with developmental disabilities and today, the school’s Vocational Centre helps students with vocational and life skills, so they can work and contribute to the communities in which they live. And it was the very idea of contributing that touched many hearts and minds when the school welcomed Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) members and stakeholders during a special excursion.
Board games were a big hit with both the children and TADA members
“It was a voluntary part of our 2014 conference which we hosted in Saint Lucia,” says TADA Executive Director Todd Bourgon, “but more than 60 people attended and we all just loved it.”
TADA members brought supplies — everything from electronics, such as computers and tablets to board games and clothing to help children at the school. “The computers and tablets are important, especially for children that have learning difficulties,” says Bourgon.
Institutions like Dunnottar School already face considerable challenges in providing the essential services their students need and the exorbitant cost of items such as electronics on Saint Lucia only adds further difficulties.
Nevertheless, such challenges didn’t really appear to faze the students, for as Bourgon notes, the children appeared to be happiest, not when presented with material goods but by the opportunity to interact with others.
“We had an absolute blast getting to know these kids and playing soccer with them,” says Bourgon. “It was a privilege watching the school band and other displays they put on. It was a very humbling experience for them to share their experiences and their culture with us.”
TADA members provided all kinds of supplies, ranging from tablets to clothing
Bourgon says that even despite the fact the Dunnottar trip occurred during TADA’s 2014 annual conference, it was a rare opportunity for board members and suppliers to lower their guard and just savour the opportunity to interact with the children.
One aspect of the visit that drew particular attention was the presence of dramatic artwork on display all over the school. So impressed were the attendees that high quality digital pictures were taken which will be transferred into 1000 printable files and turned into a series of cards which will then be sold to TADA members and industry stakeholders back in Canada.
It’s a way for us to give back,” says Bourgon, “not only to generate a little revenue for Dunnottar School but also to spread awareness. Now that we’ve formed a relationship, we are looking for ways to help and generate a positive experience.”
TADA has made a commitment to leaving a positive footprint wherever it goes by pledging help and support to local communities. “This was our first step as a group,” says Bourgon “and it proved to be a tremendous experience for all involved.”
For information on Dunnottar School click here: http://dunnottar.lc/
