Donna Davidson (second from left) is joined by OSCC55+ staff members (left to right) Tracy Callahan, Andrew Goss and Colleen Zavrel. [Image courtesy City of Oshawa]

Donna Davidson is Oshawa Senior of the Year

The City of Oshawa and Oshawa Senior Community Centres (OSCC55+) announce Donna Davidson as Oshawa’s Senior of the Year – an award that recognizes an outstanding senior that has enriched the social, cultural or civic life of Oshawa community.

Ms. Davidson joined the OSCC55+ in 1970 as an instructor for senior fitness classes. Over the last 50 years, she has continued to teach and has impacted many members, said a city media release.

In 2000, Ms. Davidson introduced Line Dancing to OSCC55+. She has led her students as they have performed at city and OSCC55+ events, promoting line dance and fitness and reducing the stigma of ageism. Ms. Davidson has hosted a line dance fundraiser that has raised over $11,000 for the purchase of program equipment and supplies at OSCC55+.

More importantly though, is the opportunity her classes create for seniors to develop friendships and socialize thus reducing social isolation. Many participants in her class have formed friendships that have lasted for decades.

The OSCC55+ has put forward a Senior of the Year nominee each year for Oshawa City Council’s consideration since 2010. Nominees must be 65 years of age or older and have contributed to different fields such as the arts, literature, community service, volunteering, education, fitness and humanitarian activities.

“As both an instructor and role model to her peers at OSCC55+, Donna Davidson has made a huge impact on the City of Oshawa by helping keep our seniors active, healthy and engaged in their community,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “Donna is truly a community builder who is dedicated to enhancing the lives of others which makes her a natural fit for Oshawa’s Senior of the Year.”

“Every year, members of the Oshawa Senior Community Centres recognize the great contributions of their fellow peers who tirelessly work for the betterment of seniors’ life. We again thanks these volunteers and may they inspire others to do the same,” said Councillor John Gray, Council Representative for the OSCC55+ Board of Directors.

“Donna Davidson has empowered the minds, bodies and the well-being of seniors over the past 50 year through her commitment to health, active living and fitness. We celebrate Donna, and thank her for her significant contributions towards improving the health and welfare of generations of older adults,” Sylvia Rhodes, President of the OSCC55+ Board of Directors.

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