Commitment to the Community with Dr. Richard Philp
Dr. Richard Philp, professor emeritus, Physiology and Pharmacology, devoted years of his life to educating students. It's that same enjoyment and connection he felt while teaching that makes volunteering his time as an art instructor at the Horton Street Seniors’ Centre – Boys and Girls Club of London a satisfying commitment to the community.
“As a senior with health issues myself, I can relate easily to the group. I have found the experience both rewarding and enjoyable,” said Dr. Philp.
Dr. Philp provides art instruction in the form of advice and suggestions to the group. He has found that this program provides a refuge of tranquility and friendship for the seniors who participate.
Some members of the art group have mobility issues and other health problems, and the hour-long weekly session gives them a chance to interact with others while immersing themselves in the creativity and freedom of self-expression.
Dr. Philp is entering his third year as a volunteer at the centre, which provides a variety of recreational and social activities for seniors ages 55 and up. His volunteer involvement began when the previous instructor was concerned that her husband’s serious illness would prevent her from continuing in that role. Fortunately, her husband’s condition improved as a result of new developments in treatment and she has returned to the art group.
How do you contribute to our local or global community? If you have a story that exemplifies our School value of social responsibility, we’d like to hear from you. Send your story and a photo of yourself to comms@schulich.uwo.ca.
