Open Your Heart and Be Kind is the message on the joyful holiday drawing that will be the face of Niagara Health’s 2018 Holiday Greeting Card.
Alexa Kirkwood, nine-year-old daughter of Service Desk Analyst David Kirkwood at our Data Centre in Thorold, is the brilliant artist behind the grand prize-winning entry of our 12th Annual Holiday Card Contest for kids.
The colourful drawing shows a nurse, an elf, along with Santa and his reindeer spreading this message of kindness. “Alexa’s drawing is meant to bring joy to sick children,” says her father David. “Her drawing is about being kind and sharing with others, especially during this holiday season.”
In addition to her love for drawing, Alexa is an avid dancer, and has a special interest in ballet. She practices dance four days a week and is proud to be performing in Niagara Ballet’s Nutcracker. On top of these interests, she focuses on her schoolwork and enjoys spending time with her family. Alexa lives with her family in Fonthill, where she is a Grade 4 student at A.K. Wigg Public School. “We are very proud of Alexa and all of her accomplishments,” says David. “She has a big heart, is kind, caring and always thinking of others first.”
As the grand prize winner, Alexa’s artwork will be featured on the Niagara Health 2018 Holiday Card that will be distributed to community partners and children in the hospital throughout the holiday season. We are also recognizing winners in the following categories:
Your Favourite: Meredith Isorena, age 12, daughter of Dulce Isorena, Greater Niagara General Site (as voted by Niagara Health staff, physicians and volunteers)
Age 3-5: Emme Willer, age 4, daughter of Danielle Willer, St. Catharines Site
Age 6-8: Eleora McIntyre, age 7, daughter of Bridget McIntyre, St. Catharines Site
Age 9-12: Amara Vlahos, age 11, daughter of Jacqueline Vlahos, St. Catharines Site
Niagara Health President Dr. Suzanne Johnston and 2018 President’s Award of Excellence recipient Don Versluis had the challenging task of selecting the winners. “We received so many thoughtful and talented entries,” says Dr. Johnston. “They all reflect our compassionate culture and the spirit of the holiday season in a meaningful way.”
