Occupational Therapy staff give away their staff rewards this Christmas

Christmas has come early this year for six Dunedin organisations, thanks to staff at Otago Polytechnic’s School of Occupational Therapy.

To celebrate the School’s 25th anniversary, staff decided to buy resources for six local groups that they have had a long-standing relationship with. To purchase the resources, they used money they earned in the Otago Polytechnic Staff Reward Scheme.

Occupational Therapy staff have bought art supplies, kitchen equipment, technology for a sensory room, musical instruments and a wheelchair for the groups.

The groups are Moana House, Artsenta, Otago Youth Wellness, Presbyterian Support Otago, Naphtali Centre and Puketeraki Marae.

James Sunderland, Senior Lecturer of Occupational Therapy, says staff really wanted to help others in this special year. “Occupational therapy is about making a difference in people’s lives, we hope these resources will help many in our community. Staff could’ve spent this money on themselves, but decided to donate it. For 25 years, Otago Polytechnic has produced top quality, practical, community- focused graduates. We believe this is a perfect way to celebrate” he says.

Since opening in 1991, Otago Polytechnic’s School of Occupational Therapy has graduated 1284 students. Another 80 will add to that in March 2017. Currently, there are 299 students enrolled at the School.

All six community groups will join original and current staff members from the School of Occupational Therapy, as well as past students and local occupational therapists, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary on Thursday 1 December at 4:30pm.

Please find an occupational therapy fact-sheet attached.

Event: School of Occupational Therapy 25th Anniversary Celebrations
When: 1 December 2016, 4:30-6pm
Where: The Hub, Forth Street

ends

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