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Residents and friends of the Simkin Centre recently came together in a unique way after being inspired by a popular TV show.
On June 19, residents, friends and staff participated in the Amazing Race Simkin.
"We did our own version with all departments getting involved for challenges. Residents, families, and staff were on teams, and they deciphered clues, completed challenges and raced back to the finish line," Heather Blackman, Manager of Resident Experience, said.
This was the first time the event took place, and Blackman said it was a great success. "People were asking when we could do this again. It's interesting how a little bit of friendly competition gets the energy flow going. People were all for a second race and had many wonderful suggestions about even more areas in the building that we could incorporate into the event."
To kick the event off, the Simkin Centre had a special guest, John Montgomery, the host of the Amazing Race Canada. "We had shared the idea with him and he was enthusiastic for us. Although he couldn't be here himself, he did give us a video presentation and that's actually what we kicked our race off with. It was very upbeat and encouraging and really set the tone for the event."
Blackman said her highlight was how much fun everyone was having. "You could see the enjoyment and the excitement with our staff, with our families, with our residents, and it was just so shared. It was just a great coming together."