Graphic Artist Finds Her Niche at the Health Sciences Foundation
Published Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Digital Engagement Officer, Shelby Wideman with her rescue dog Milla.
Meet Shelby Wideman, Digital Engagement Officer at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
Shelby Wideman first became aware of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation when she bought a Thunder Bay 50/50 Draw ticket back in those early COVID days. But she never imagined that she would one day be one of the people behind this wildly successful fundraiser.
Shelby is a graphic designer by trade, earning her diploma in Multimedia Production at Confederation College. She then worked at Lowery's and TBT Engineering Ltd., though graphic design was only part of her job position at those two companies. When the opportunity to do graphic design full time at the Foundation came up a couple of years ago, she jumped at it.
"When I saw the position come up, I thought, 'Oh my gosh, I want to work at the Foundation!'" she said. "It was an opportunity to do all the things I liked doing."
Shelby works with the close-knit Engagement Team at the Foundation. Digital graphics including graphics for the Thunder Bay 50/50 Draw is a big part of what she does. But Shelby is available for all types of graphics including posters and billboards for all areas of the Foundation. Social media provides an added challenge, she said.
"You have less time to catch people's attention," Shelby said. "People are scrolling through, so you want to grab them to stop and read."
Shelby sees a direct connection between the graphics she designs for fundraising and the equipment the Foundation funds for the Hospital.
"It's so rewarding, helping the Foundation raise those funds and then to see the impact it has on patients' lives," she said. "We're helping bring better healthcare to our region. Travelling for healthcare is so expensive. Not everything is covered, so if you don't have the funds to go with your husband, partner, child, it's heartbreaking. It's so much better for the community if we bring as many of those healthcare services here as possible instead."
Shelby is currently immersed in one of her favourite projects of the year: the August Dog Days of Summer 50/50 Draw. She delights in sorting through hundreds of adorable dog photos to share on the Thunder Bay 50/50 website and social media channels. It's a big job – over 600 owners across Northwestern Ontario and beyond submitted pictures of their favourite pooch so far this year.
"I love scrolling through dog photos on my own Instagram, so being able to create a whole series for the Foundation is extra special," she said.
Of course, the August Dog Days of Summer 50/50 Draw is not just about loveable canines. The Foundation will award $100,000 in Early Bird draws and bonus numbers, and feature a special $100 Summer Ticket Package.
In her off time, Shelby creates her own personal artwork. You've probably seen her work – her design was selected for Thunder Bay's Women's History Art Bus. A city bus wrapped in her winning entry started on routes in December 2023.
When she's not at her desk, Shelby also enjoys sewing and going for hikes with her own rescue dog Milla.
"Milla is my best friend," Shelby said.
Next time you're scrolling through your social media pages or you notice a city bus out on the roads, keep an eye out for Shelby's excellent work!