COMMUNITY RELATIONS NEWS RELEASE
May 2, 2005
Contact: Nicole Capage, 817.321.1067
A volunteer from Canyon Ranch leads a spirited game of "Duck, Duck, Goose."
The Canyon Ranch "Playground Brigade"
Canyon Ranch employees volunteer at their FACES of Change partner school during lunch
Tuesday, April 19th brought special visitors to Dietz Elementary School from the Canyon Ranch health Spa and Resort in Tucson, AZ. Children ran to the playground and clamored around Principal Lisa McCorkle. "Ms, McCorkle, are the Canyon Ranch people here yet? They asked eagerly. Yes, they were there - hunting lady bugs, organizing relay races, playing "Duck, Duck Goose", guiding children across the monkey bars and dispensing hugs and encouragement every step along the way.
The "Playground Brigade" is composed of Canyon Ranch volunteers who make these playground visits a monthly activity. On this Tuesday, volunteers Christina Carr, Cynthia Baron and Shirley MacLellan enjoyed two hours of beautiful spring weather to nurture the Dietz children. FACES of Change facilitator Andrea Lightfoot also stopped by, bringing much-appreciated ore donations to the school from the Ranch.
Examining ladybugs
Principal McCorkle spoke of how much these playground visits mean to the children. Hunting for ladybugs fosters the joy of discovery and the games help them socialize and learn to have fun in wholesome ways. Helping them learn new schools on the playground promotes self-esteem. Best of all is the time the volunteers provide to the children that make them feel special.
But, according to volunteer Shirley MacLellan, feeling good goes both ways. "Spending time with the Dietz children makes me feel good about myself, too!"
