The Proderick Family’s Donor Story

Forty-Five Years in Loyalist: A Personal Reflection

Paul, Heather and Aidan Proderick

Our family’s story in Amherstview truly began when we moved back in the late 1970s. Looking back over the last forty-five years, it’s clear that our lives weren't just lived in our house, but in the shared spaces of our community. For the Proderick family, the W.J. Henderson Arena became far more than just a building—it was the place where we made new friends and where our most enduring memories were forged.

As teenager’s, the arena was our world. Playing hockey wasn't just about the sport; it was a source of pure fun and a lesson in team spirit that we’ve carried with me ever since. It was through those early mornings at the rink and afternoons on the soccer fields that we were truly introduced to the heart of the Ernestown community.

We often think about the library, a project our parents supported financially. At the time, we realized it gave us a profound sense of responsibility for our community. They taught us that being part of a place means giving back to it. That lesson came full circle as we grew older. Giving back eventually meant stepping into new roles—coaching minor hockey, joining the executive, and finding ways to support the next generation.

There is a unique shift that happens when you become a parent. Your role changes, and so does your peer group, but the setting remains the same. We’ve had the joy of watching our own child meet new people and have their own experiences in the very same spaces where we grew up. Watching our son learn to swim, skate, and play the games we love has been a beautiful way to see our family history repeat itself.

Having spent the past fifteen years traveling with hockey teams throughout Ontario, We can safely conclude that what we have here is special. Loyalist truly has some of the best facilities in the province. But more importantly, the W.J. Henderson Community Centre has been an investment in who we are. It’s where we learned the values of teamwork, responsibility, and commitment.

We look forward to many more years of building memories here. For us, it’s more than just being a resident; it’s about being truly "Local for Loyalist."

The Proderick Family

Heather, Paul & Aidan