Working hard and contributing
Aaron Allinson grew up in Quesnel and graduated high school in 1998. While attending the College of New Caledonia he volunteered at several job placements to gain work experience. Aaron says that 7-11 and the Minor Baseball League were his favourite jobs at that time. After college Aaron worked at a recycling depot (Prima) for one year. He participated in paper pickups and sorting papers.
Aaron began participating in Special Olympic sports in 2001. Not only does Aaron participate in the sports but he volunteers when needed for fundraising events. Aaron has had the opportunity to represent Quesnel at numerous out-of-town events.
Aaron began attending the Self Help Skills Program of the Quesnel Community Living Association when he was 24 years old in 2002. Aaron moved out of his mother’s home and into his own apartment when he was 25. He began receiving support from Quesnel Community Living Association’s Independent Living Program. Throughout the years of participating in the Self Help Skills and Independent Living Programs, Aaron has gained skills that assist him to live positively in his community.
Through his participation in Self Help Skills, he built a relationship with the City of Quesnel and has been recognized by the City for his efforts. He volunteered at E-recycling days and Emissions Testing Clinics. Aaron attends Quesnel Community Living Association’s board meetings and serves as a Self-Advocate Advisor. Aaron has assisted the Self Help Skills program with charitable acts by collecting Good Cheer for families at Christmas. He has also collected items and sent “Shoe Boxes” for children in need. Aaron has assisted in collecting money for World Vision at Christmas.
Aaron has a very full life. He is part of the “Community Volunteer Program” where he gains hours by completing various volunteer jobs, both at Quesnel Community Living Association and the local Salvation Army. Aaron assists with the running and upkeep of a hall the Self Help Skills program manages. He attends Self-Advocate meetings monthly. Over the last four hockey seasons Aaron has volunteered weekly at the Millionaire Junior Hockey games, never missing a home game.
In 2011, Aaron achieved his long term goal of paid employment in the community. Aaron is an employee of the City of Quesnel where he works part time as a janitor at the Arts and Recreation Centre. He is also employed part time at the Child Development Centre and the Literacy Quesnel Society as a janitor.
