It’s often said that play keeps us young, and at Dawson’s Alexander McDonald Lodge, you can see that truth come to life every day.
Here, residents gather for lively games of cribbage, roll bowling balls down the hallway with laughter echoing behind them, and share stories about their years in this historic town. It’s a place where connection, creativity and care are at the heart of each day.
Helping make it all happen is Tabitha, a recreation therapy assistant who joined the lodge team at the end of last year. She’s not just bringing joy to the residents — she’s also found her own sense of belonging in Dawson’s tight-knit, one-of-a-kind community. We sat down with Tabitha to hear about her work and why Dawson is the perfect place for her to call home.
“Hi Tabitha! Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at McDonald Lodge?”
Hi! I’m Tabitha, and I’m a recreation therapy assistant here at the lodge. I’m fairly new — I started late last year — and I organize and lead all kinds of recreational and leisure activities for our residents. That might mean board games, crafts, music sessions, gardening or even hallway bowling. Some days, it’s simply about playing cards and having a good chat. Those small moments of connection can mean so much.
“What inspired you to take on this role?”
A friend of mine used to work in this role and she’s now a nursing home attendant here. Over dinner one night, she said, “You should try this — you’d be great at it.” I’ve done programming for music and arts festivals before, so I already love planning creative events and bringing people together. It felt like a natural fit — and she was right.
“What kinds of activities do you do with residents?”
Every day is different, but cribbage is by far the most popular. Even our oldest residents — some well into their 90s — still know how to play. There’s something beautiful about how those memories and skills stay with them. We also play Sorry, Trouble, shuffleboard and bowling in the hallway. For bowling, we use a ramp to line up the ball and then let it roll. There are a surprising number of strikes! About 80 per cent of our residents join in because bowling is something they often loved in their younger years. The activities aren’t overly physical, but they keep people moving and laughing. And if there’s walking involved — like in cornhole — I happily do the back-and-forth for them.
“What’s it like working in Dawson?”
Dawson is truly special. It’s a small town, but that’s what makes it so amazing. People here really look out for one another. There’s a sense of connection and care that’s hard to describe until you experience it. If someone needs help, there’s always a hand reaching out. That spirit carries over into the lodge, too. Because the community is small, sometimes I already know the residents from around town. That familiarity creates trust and makes the conversations flow so naturally.
And then there’s the culture — Dawson is bursting with art, history and creativity. There’s a wonderful relationship with the First Nations here, and a deep respect for the land and traditions. It feels like an alternative way of living: slower, more connected and deeply rooted in community. I just love living here.
“Are there challenges working in Dawson?”
Inside the lodge, everything is accessible and easy. But the town itself can be a little tricky for outings because of the raised wooden boardwalks, unpaved roads and winter conditions. For example, the museum is just around the block, but we still take the bus because it’s easier for residents using wheelchairs or walkers. It’s all about finding creative solutions, and Dawson’s community spirit makes it easier because people are always willing to help.
“What do you love most about your job?”
It’s fun, creative and incredibly rewarding. I get to be “the fun person” — the one who brings music, laughter and games into their day. Every day, someone thanks me or tells me how much they enjoyed an activity. That makes all the difference. And because Dawson is such a close-knit place, the lodge feels like an extension of the community. Sometimes the residents know the local gossip before I do! (laughs)
“Do you have advice for anyone considering this kind of work?”
This role is perfect for someone who’s outgoing and enjoys chatting. Sometimes that’s all a resident wants — company and a good conversation. You also need to be organized and creative because recreation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each resident has unique interests, and it’s so rewarding to find ways to connect with them through activities they love.