Connie's Sunday Jam 2006!

Once again, Connie's Jam on Sunday, August 20th, 2006 was a great party, and much fun was had by all who attended! St. Chris alumni had another chance to come together, see old friends, meet new friends and enjoy the wonderful music. Musicians such as Molly Johnston, Jay Douglas, Kollage and Jackie Richardson performed, and their wonderful music and energy got people up and dancing.

This year, the St. Chris alumni honored two amazing individuals who made an incredible contribution to St. Chris and the community – Danny Atkinson and John Braithwaite.

Danny Atkinson grew up in a busy area of the Toronto known as Kensington Market /Alexandra Park where he attended Ryerson Public School, St. Christopher House and later Central Commerce High school before starting his long career as a postman. A keener for sports, Danny played and excelled in just about every team sport offered by his schools and, of course, his favourite social service agency St. Christopher House.

The St. Christopher House lacrosse program, started by Bob Opperman, was a favourite for Danny who participated on teams in the mid 60’s. Danny was so taken with lacrosse that by the 70’s, as his own lacrosse career came to an end, he volunteered for several years as a successful coach and fundraiser for a number of St. Christopher House lacrosse teams. He also was one of many talented community youth who was hired by the House to run evening recreation programs at Ryerson Public School and/or operate special summer day camp programs.

Whether acting as a paid employee or as a volunteer at St. Chris, Danny always did his work with a great deal of commitment, dedication and flare. In his career, he has had an impact on hundreds of young people, providing them with positive activities where they could demonstrate their skills and talents; and ultimately become good citizens.

John Braithwaite was born and educated in Toronto, Ontario, starting at Harbord Collegiate Institute and then on to University of Toronto where he received his Master of Social Work Degree. A resident of the City of North Vancouver for almost 50 years, John served as City Councillor for more than two decades and served as an active and vocal community worker and administrator. After earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree, John became the first black Canadian doing youth work in St. Christopher Houses’ history – just one of the many firsts in his life. The House, seeing the potential in John, assisted him in getting his social work degree from University of Toronto, which gave him the necessary credentials to pursue an illustrious career in Western Canada.

Even though John was only in Toronto for a short part of his social work and athletic career, he had a profound impact on a number of young people who attended St. Chris for social-recreational activities. Moving to far away Vancouver did not mean that we had lost John. In spite of the distance he maintained close contact with family, friends and organizations that loved and supported him when he lived in Toronto. One of the most highly respected and beloved citizens of the City of North Vancouver, John Braithwaite has dedicated himself to the success of the City of North Vancouver and has made outstanding contributions to the community for more than three decades.