CLBC recognizes all nominees for the 2016 Widening Our World (WOW) awards for their efforts to build inclusion, create employment opportunities, and increase people’s access to community and social networks.
Below is a list of all nominees from across British Columbia, including this year’s four WOW Award Winners.
South Fraser Region
Brad Fenton – Coquitlam“He has opened his business to inclusion by hiring myself. He has a service which delivers prescription medication to all persons, with or without disabilities, in the local communities. He has demonstrated a commitment to the community and social responsibility by hiring persons with disabilities.” – Conrad Tyrkin, Nominator |
Cam Dore – Chilliwack“Cam is the model of ‘Servant Leadership’. He is constantly creating opportunities for others to showcase their gifts and abilities. This education of the larger community is necessary for doors and opportunities to be offered to those with intellectual disabilities. Cam has also been instrumental in creating and supporting the 17 years of the Provincial Self Advocate Retreats in October each year at the Edenvale Retreat and Conference Centre in Abbotsford. This work has created awareness and education to employers and other community partners that have lead to both paid employment and volunteer and social networks for people served.” – Bryce Schaufelberger, Nominator |
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Jared Gillard – Surrey
The music program started off small. The attendees were mostly individuals from our centre and through a combination of signage, word of mouth and public visibility, new people started to show up. At first it was our supported people and staff, then supported people from other companies started attending, and now there are also non-supported people coming to the music. The program has grown until it is standing room only and people have started to crowd outside the doorway in order to participate. In addition to people showing up to hear him sing, Jared has welcomed other performers to join him, sometimes there are as many as 6 or 7 other performers involved, singing, dancing and playing various instruments. One thing to note is that these additional performers are all supported people, resulting in an inclusive community music event.” – Dawn Berryman, Nominator |
Jillian Glenney – South Surrey
Jill takes a significant amount of time listening to what SAS have to say and offering ideas of how they can accomplish their goals. She then supports them in attaining their agendas by enabling the creation of projects that SAS want to see implemented in the community.” – Louise Tremblay, Nominator |
Lillian Fast – Abbotsford
Lillian had CSCL Network Group come for the informational Interview tour at London Drugs she took them through every department of the company and explained the jobs and each duty in that job, at the end they all had the opportunity to ask any questions. Lillian asked candidates that felt they would be a good fit for London Drugs to apply and she would be happy to have them in for an interview. Two CSCL Supported Employment candidates decided to apply and Lillian soon had them in for interviews. Of the two candidates that applied, Lillian hired Brian McAvoy as Early Morning Stock. Brian was so very happy. About a month later I was calling Lillian about another question and she asked if CSCL SES had any more candidates that were looking for work. CSCL Supported Employment promptly sent her two more candidates with resumes in hand and she set up interviews and was WOWED by Caitlin and Steven and hired them both, saying she had never had such great open honest interviews before. Caitlin was hired as afternoon stock with hopes of moving her to Cashier and Steven was hired as Early Morning Stock.” – Gizelle Debad, Nominator |
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Trenna Pennington – Chilliwack
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Tribrink Contracting – Chilliwack“Tribrink Contracting have been outstanding and empowering towards the four individuals that they have hired within the last year. Tribrink is a company that has taken initiative with giving jobs to people with a disability to develop their skills. They promote growth on equipment, power tools and full time employment. Tribrink shows a vision for people with a disability to gain respect, overcome obstacles and flourish.” – Sharon Goldthorp, Nominator |
Southern Interior Region
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Lana St. Hilaire at Dandelion Consultion – Kelowna“Lana trains workers to help people with disabilities as well as does social groups for people to make friends and connect with each other.” – Denise Hiltz, Nominator |
Thompson Cariboo and North Region
Chris Morsund, Chatters Pizzeria and Bistro – Smithers (WOW AWARD WINNER)
Not only are these folks appreciated of their employees, community members are celebrated as well. They have a very welcoming atmosphere and are accessible for people with mobility impairments. The business uses fresh produce from local farms, meat from local farmers and cheese from the local cheese maker. This is a huge boost to local employment on many levels. They are very well thought of by all sectors of the community. They are Smithers’s ‘Business of the Year’ for 2016!” – Anita Clegg, Nominator |
Dr. Mark Forgie, Lakelse Dental Center – Terrace“Dr. Mark Forgie and his staff at Lakelse Dental Clinic in Terrace do an exceptional job with all individuals they serve. In particular, I want to recognize you and your staff for the inclusion offered to all patients of the clinic. From the reception area to the dental chair, patients are welcomed and treated with dignity and respect. The staff are very skilled in treating patients requiring extra time, extra support and special approaches; they are kind gentle and encouraging. Every effort is made to engage the patient in the treatment process, regardless of communication barriers. Families of patients are not only included in the treatment area, but also welcomed. The clinic itself is accessible to patients with mobility impairments and has a fully accessible washroom. Patients from a large geographic area use this dental clinic because of this inclusive approach to a necessary, but often difficult, health care necessity.” – Anita Clegg, Nominator |
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Steve Earl – Kamloops“Steve, the General Manager of Fairfield Inn & Suites in Kamloops, B.C., is an inclusive employer hiring an individual with diverse abilities Steve is a demonstrated leader in our community. He has a vast social and community network that transcends many platforms. By practicing inclusive hiring, he has paved the way for other employers to do the same. Community members (both employers and consumers) are able to see the great work Steve has been doing, which then opens up the floor for questions and ultimately, education and increased opportunities for customized employment. The benefits Steve’s practice has had on himself and his business, the individual he hired, and the community cannot be ignored. Steve’s business has been sought out by others who support his actions and the individual he hired gets to show the world her potential (and incredible spunk!); the community is a better place because of it.” – Nevada Gallant, Nominator |
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Tukii Lodge, Lloyd and Jack Hooper – Babine Lake“Two generations (and counting) of this family owned business, Tukii Lodge, offer safe, fun, recreational fishing opportunities on Babine Lake for groups of developmentally delayed young adults. With their help, and that of their gracious staff, their new lodge, one cabin and the wharves are welcoming to people with mobility impairments. A true highlight for those who would not otherwise have the opportunity for that type of outdoor recreation.” – Anita Clegg, Nominator |
Vancouver Coastal Region
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Graeme Weeks – North Vancouver“Graeme and his staff team have worked tirelessly to empower the 2 men they work with to develop a Clothes Recycling business (through Inclusion BC and Community Living Society) that has grown to five collection bins on the North Shore. The individuals have absolute control over the running of this business and take immense pride in doing their job to the very best of their ability. Graeme and his team believe wholeheartedly that the job belongs to the individuals and the staff are there to actively support the men to do it for themselves.” – Sue Daspe, Nominator |
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Vancouver Island Region
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Julie Stevens – Nanaimo“My Mom has been putting on the Christmas Dinner and social for over 20 years for PWD she is on the board for NACL for many years now, and has been VP and President and now past President helping to make people’s lives better. She runs a cafe in Chemainus and makes it very comfortable for PWD to be there creates a welcoming place. She has taught cooking lessons through parks and recs nanaimo for PWD. She helps people learn skills. And always she fights for our rights and tries to show people we all have abilities not disabilities. She works hard.” – Tammy Stevens, Nominator |
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Wanda Gust – Campbell River“Wanda is co-owner and operator of Balance Equestrian Centre with 20+ years experience, Pony Club Trained, Equine Canada Level One and certified Therapeutic Riding instructor. She provides the horses and tack, the expertise, and the time. She helps individuals develop a strong bond of respect, trust and kinship with the horse, volunteers and fellow riders. She has a special kindness and understanding which allows her to reach all the individuals she teaches.” – Karen Henderson, Nominator |