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Documentary shines a light on the amazing life of McKenzie Hinz

The documentary, produced by Ballinran Entertainment, features interviews with family and others whose lives are impacted as McKenzie Hinz contributes to his community
support-worker-kara-mcnicol-helps-mckenize-hinz-enter-mitchell-lions-pool-on-a-lift-he-raised-money-for
Support worker Kara McNicol with McKenzie Hinz at West Perth Lions Pool in Mitchell.

When he is not working at one of his jobs, or volunteering in his community, McKenzie Hinz might be at a backyard barbecue or rocking out at a concert. 

The Mitchell resident, who lives with cerebral palsy and gets around on a wheelchair, is well known in his community, more so after starring in 'McKenzie's Story'. 

Produced by Ballinran Entertainment and directed by Craig Thompson, the short documentary portrays tidbits of the rich and rewarding life of Hinz, an upbeat young man who navigates his way through life's adventures with a smile. 

The documentary features interviews with family members and friends from the community including Vicky Hinz. McKenzie's mom praises Facile Perth, a local not-for-profit that assists people with disabilities plan and build fulfilling lives. Help from Facile Perth has allowed her son to go down paths the family would not have dreamed of, she says. 

"It is a really neat story that shows all of life's possibilities," said Mirjam Schut, lead independent facilitator at Facile Perth, who has known Hinz since high school. "If we do lots of creative thinking, we can come up with lots of creative ways that can help people contribute their gifts and passions to their community."

Facile Perth provides planning and facilitation in Perth-Huron with a focus on developmental disabilities and dual diagnoses. The organization doesn't provide support work but knocks on a lot of doors, working with local social service agencies to connect people to community resources, Schut said. 

In the documentary, Hinz heads to the West Perth Lions Pool in Mitchell for a swim with support worker Kara McNicol. Hinz fundraised for a lift at the pool and it allows him to safely enter the water. From there, notes McNicol, he can make his way around the pool on his own. The lift is used by others in the community with physical challenges, including seniors. 

He also stops by Joe's Diner and is greeted warmly by staff, who look forward to him helping out at the restaurant. The local library is another activity, where he volunteers once per week. McNicol said Hinz's busy schedule contributes to a sense of worth and well-being, and provides a purpose.

"The moment I met McKenzie and his family, I knew this was an extraordinary story, " said Thompson. "All too often we only see the barriers and the challenges encountered by people with disabilities. I wanted to shine a light on the dignity of McKenzie's experience and how his community has rallied around to provide him with a life filled with purpose and meaning."

Vicky Hinz said her son has a meaningful life, working three jobs in addition to his volunteer efforts. He also participates in Special Olympics, attends concerts and church. 

"He has a life like anyone else but his challenges don't limit him," she said. 

Schut said there is a fear sometimes that people with disabilities will "graduate to the couch" after finishing a structured school environment, so consideration is required to plan what individuals want to get out of life. 

"We as a society need to ensure everyone belongs, the documentary shows all of the possibilities, if we look beyond the regular things. We want to create that sense of belonging for people experiencing barriers and it doesn't have to be people with developmental disabilities."

"There are a lot of people with mental health concerns, the whole idea of anyone facing a barrier, we want to increase that sense of belonging and highlight that value of social inclusion and create a momentum towards a diverse community."

The documentary touches on inclusion and showcases that everyone has something to offer, Schut said. 

"He is part of that community, he belongs there, he is valued there." 

The documentary was made possible by grants from the West Perth Smart and Caring Community Fund and the Richardson Family Fund, held locally within the Stratford Perth Community Foundation.

You can watch the documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpgUZ7rFMPA