Celebrating creativity at Lansdowne’s 2025 Therapeutic Recreation Artists’ Gala

It was a night to celebrate the creativity, hard work and dedication of the members of Lansdowne’s Therapeutic Recreation program as the annual Therapeutic Recreation Artists’ Gala returned to the Branlyn Community Centre on Nov. 21.

The art gallery featured pieces in a variety of mediums from the members of the Artfelt Minds visual arts group: Abbie, Aeva, Alex, Alexis, Autumn, Dennis, Isabelle, Jacob, Josh, Kara, Kendra and Zoe. Guests were able to take a tour to check out all of the works on display before the staged performances.

Elizabeth Burke, Recreation Therapy Assistant at Lansdowne, noted that the Drama Club “has been practicing once a week since September, and

their hard work, creativity, and giggles have filled every rehearsal with joy.

From leaping cows to musical moons, they’ve poured their hearts into making this nursery rhyme truly unforgettable.”

The Drama Club put on a performance of ‘Hey Diddle, Diddle,’ with Aeva, Isabelle, Jacob, Jason and Josh performing, and Alex serving as the stage and set director.

Before the LCC Dance Crew – Abbie, Aeva, Brooklyn, Isabelle, Josh, Matthew, Max, and Zoe – took to the stage, Recreation Therapy Supervisor Tiffany Morgan noted,

“This group has poured their hearts into dance, showing up with dedication, energy, and passion week after week.”

Later in the performance, Morgan said, “when asked to describe how dancing makes them feel in just one word, here’s what they said: happy, calm, tired – but in a good way! Excited, proud, and feeling goooood!”

Lansdowne’s Therapeutic Recreation program wouldn’t be what it is without the generosity of the Alan R. Cook Foundation. For a number of years, the foundation has granted $25,000 annually to Therapeutic Recreation services for arts-based programming.

Within Therapeutic Recreation programs, members are able to participate in their preferred leisure activities without the barriers that might otherwise exist, because staff work to find the best individualized modifications and adaptions.

As the night came to a close, Elizabeth thanked all of the artists who had contributed to the

night, saying,

“Your creativity, courage, and hard work lit up the room. You’ve inspired us, entertained us, and reminded us of the magic that happens when we come together to create.”