An inside look at the role of a Recreation Director for the Town of Tignish: Tina Richard

by Ruby Arsenault

Meet Tina Richard, the Recreation Director for the Town of Tignish.  She is passionate about her community and its residents. For the past two years, she has been planning and implementing various activities and functions for Tignish, and enjoys every moment.

Tina is famous for the creation of the “Lobster Trap Tree” which sits alongside the Tignish Parish church. “Early in my position I wanted to create a new tradition for the community,” says Tina. “What better symbol than a trap tree in honor of our fishers.”

Tina didn’t realize how much the tree would grow in the hearts of locals and visitors. “It has become the tree of hope for many. For the past two years, the community gathered around the tree as it was lit for the Christmas season. It makes me feel so good inside to see the joy in other’s faces, and it reminds me of a Hallmark Christmas movie.”

In her role, she organizes activities and sports for all age groups. “To be successful in this line of work, you have to know and understand your community and help create things that are needed,” says Tina. “Working with local businesses is vital. I like to ask them what they would like to participate in.

“The most rewarding part of my job is being able to offer help to locals who perhaps do not get a lot of social interaction or to assist youth with the cost of attending an event. Part of my job includes fundraising so we can afford such great services.  Our biggest fundraiser is the Fisher’s Awards Banquet.”

Yearly activities and events:

• Seniors’ bingo
• Sports:  soccer, flag ball, softball, and baseball
• Day trips to Magic Mountain
• Movie nights and park days
• Outdoor club and nature explorer club
• Christmas concerts and musical events
• Winter carnival and Irish Moss Festival and parade

Requirements of the job:

• Creative and able to think outside the box to develop new ideas
• Organized and able to delegate to others for assistance
• Passionate about people and programs
• Flexibility – the job can demand irregular work hours
• Clean criminal record check/vulnerable sector
• Valid driver’s license
• Physically active and able to lift heavy objects

Assets

• Previous volunteer work or some experience in the field
• Post secondary education such as the Sports & Leisure Management program at Holland College

Volunteering can lead to paid employment

“The best advice I can share with anyone who may be interested in this line of work is to volunteer or do job shadowing,” says Tina. “I was offered this position because of the amount of volunteering I did in the town. Within the recreation department we often seek volunteers to assist with various events and programs, so please feel free to contact us directly.

“Volunteering is an excellent way to try out work in the field and to network. I also suggest that potential students of programs such as the Sports & Leisure Management and Kinesiology could spend a little time volunteering.  This is an excellent way to gain insight on what the job entails.”