Lawson leaves Casino Rama

Author: Frank Matys

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Frank Matys

Sherry Lawson is no longer director of corporate affairs and public relations for Casino Rama, her employer for the past decade.

Ramara: ON: Sherry Lawson finished tucking her two-year-old granddaughter into bed after a memorable evening of stories and songs when she was struck by a realization that put her recent job loss into perspective.
“I thought, I don’t have any pressing place to be in the morning, I could just hang out,” Lawson, who was accustomed to 60-hour work weeks, told Orillia Today. “There was no place that evening I needed to be. It was just me and my granddaughter. This is what life is about.”
Lawson learned on Friday that she was no longer director of corporate affairs and public relations for Casino Rama, her employer for the past decade.
“Basically the casino told me this was a business decision, that is the reason why I no longer work there,” she said yesterday.
Many viewed Lawson as the public face of the casino, as she was responsible for administering the gaming facility’s Community Wellness Program, which distributes funds to a range of local groups, including food banks.
She said she cherishes the relationships that resulted from her work with those organizations.
“I have to believe that the largest employer in this town will continue to look after those grassroots groups,” she added. “I won’t be there to look after that work on their behalf, but I have to believe they are going to continue to be a good corporate citizen.”
An author whose third book is due out next year, Lawson plans to spend the immediate future with family while continuing her extensive volunteer work.
A trip to Europe is also planned.
“I will not be going away,” she added. “This is home. This is where my family is.”
The casino provided an e-mail response to questions posed by Orillia Today, saying Lawson’s position would be split between two people.
Director of First Nations Kevin Wassegijig is assuming the role of community affairs and Jenna Hunter is media relations manager.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sherry Lawson for her contribution to the department and the overall success of Casino Rama, and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors,” the casino said.
The Community Wellness program would continue “under the leadership of (Wassegijig), and we look forward to continuing to sponsor many great local events,” the casino added.