Nov. 2, 2020
A recipient of a Western Inspirational Award, our team at the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation is thrilled for Tanai Wilkins as she continues to show that dedication overcomes adversity.
Tanai was born in 1995 with no hearing and received a Cochlear implant two years later via the Elks and the Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC) Program.
As a child, she used sign language and was entered into school early to work on her speech.
Throughout the years, she’s been a guest speaker at fundraisers for the Elks’ program. Tanai graduated from Shaunavon High School in 2013 and was awarded the $750 bursary from our Shaunavon brokers.
As well, she was presented the Yes I Can! Award on behalf of the Saskatchewan Council for Exceptional Children. This great recognition was given to Tanai due to her self-advocacy.
Post-secondary education called and Tanai moved to Medicine Hat. After five years at Medicine Hat College, she graduated with honours from the Early Learning and Child Care program.
“The bursary was helpful in my first year to get me through without having to worry as much,” she said.
Whether she was volunteering her time in the schools where she held practicum, through the Salvation Army or the local food bank, giving back was a big part of Tanai’s school years.
“I have been working in childcare for three years,” Tanai said, noting she enjoys her current position at a daycare in Redcliff. “I absolutely love it because the children are amazing, and the families are great.”
Tanai recently found a great new enjoyment of hiking and being in the outdoors.
The Foundation has supported communities served by Western Financial Group and its divisions since 2001. In addition to developing future leaders via student bursaries, our not-for-profit strengthens community connection points by way of infrastructure grants and assists the places where we call home during times of crisis. Learn more if you are interested in donating to help individuals like Tanai or communities served by Western yourself.
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