Making spirits bright for clients and caregivers

Seven years ago, GF Strong Occupational Therapist Dianna Mah-Jones created the Holly Jolly Christmas Concert. As with everything she did, it was a client-centred affair, designed to provide support, encouragement and fun for everyone involved.

At the time, she was working with a client who was an avid singer in a band. During the course of his treatment, she suggested hosting a Christmas concert where he would be able to perform again.

In the years since, it has become a highly anticipated annual holiday tradition at the rehabilitation facility, providing clients with a break from their treatment, while sprinkling some Christmas cheer for those who may not be able to return home for Christmas. To show his support and gratitude, her former client, Riley Inge, returns each year to close the show.

This year, Dianna’s colleagues kept the tradition alive by organizing a spectacular night of singers, dancers and musicians to mark the 7^th annual Holly Jolly Christmas celebration on December 6. The event was a huge success.

“There was no question that we were going to keep the concert going,” says Shelly LondonHauka, rehab assistant. “Dianna’s philosophy was that just because something awful happened, or you encountered a setback, it didn’t mean that you’d stop, you’d keep going. That was the message she shared with her clients to help them move forward to where they needed to be, and it’s how we’re moving forward as well.”

The GF Strong therapists entertained the crowd with a rousing rendition of “GF Style” (a therapy-themed take on the popular song “Gangnam style”), which brought much mirth and merriment to everyone in attendance. The show also featured a tribute to Dianna and her song, “Rehab Wonderland.”

Her former colleagues agree that Dianna would have been thrilled to see that her tradition has been continued, even in her absence. “She’d be so proud,” Shelly says. “She would smile her smile and laugh her laugh and look up at the sky and shake her head, like she always did when things were grand and she’d say, ‘keep on dancing.'”