December 8, 2022
At this year’s Annual Community Meetings, 62 recipients were presented with an Excellence in Action award. This award is presented in celebration of people who made an excellent contribution to further the Vision of Christian Horizons. These recipients were selected from 134 nominations received across the organization from employees, community partners, family members, and people who use Christian Horizons Services.
We are honoured to recognize our 2021-2022 Excellence in Action award recipients:
Excellence in Action Award Artist
Each Excellence in Action award recipient received a beautifully framed picture created by a person who uses Christian Horizons’ services. This year’s artist is Ricky Wheeler. Below is a picture of his artwork and a bit of his story.
Ricky was an avid drawing and colouring fan; he preferred the use of markers and pencil crayons for his creations. However, this past year, Ricky was faced with some challenges that impacted the use of his fine motor skills and hand coordination. Ricky had to learn new and alternative ways to demonstrate his creative talents.
Despite the changes to his abilities, Ricky demonstrated his determination and his immense strength and resilience, adapting to new, innovative ways to participate in creating artwork. For example, rather than carving his pumpkin as he had done in prior years for Halloween, Ricky painted his, showing such pride and achievement at his finished masterpiece, displaying it for all to see on the front steps of his home.
Ricky’s submission that we selected from the call-out for artwork was his first attempt at an acrylic pour, and he was supported by his Christian Horizons team to learn and participate in this new medium. Ricky continues to work on expanding his opportunities to share his creative gifts with others and for alternative ways to participate in the activities he has long enjoyed.
Ricky lives in his home in Moose Jaw with three other housemates, where they are supported by Christian Horizons.