Community Living BC (CLBC) is recognizing four outstanding community members with a 2021 provincial Widening Our World (WOW) award for their dedication and commitment in making sure people with developmental disabilities remain safe, included, and connected throughout the pandemic.
“Congratulations to all the award recipients and nominees for their commitment to keeping people connected and included during COVID-19,” said Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “It is because of your efforts and ingenuity that people with diverse abilities continue to contribute and participate in community life during the pandemic.”
CLBC has been honouring champions of inclusion with the WOW Awards since 2009. This year’s WOW Awards focused on those who have helped someone (or many people) to stay positive, connected, and hopeful through the COVID-19 pandemic. The award is given during Community Inclusion Month which is proclaimed by the province to celebrate the many contributions people with developmental disabilities make to our communities.
“Congratulations to the recipients and everyone who was nominated this year,” said Ross Chilton, CEO of CLBC. “These individuals leveraged their resources and played a critical role in supporting people with diverse abilities to remain positive and included despite the challenging environment posed by the pandemic.”
A committee of community members, CLBC staff and people served by CLBC evaluated the nominations. This year’s recipients are:
- Charmly Smith, Self-Advocates of Semiahmoo Involvement Coordinator & Self Advocate Leadership Network Member:
Charmly created innovative, safe, and fun activities to ensure people continued to be connected to each other and supported during COVID-19. Charmly maintained high levels of service for participants with the main aim to keep up connection despite the pandemic. – South Surrey - Justine Richmond, Group Facilitator for the Community Companion Program:
Justine created the Community Companion Program which focuses on promoting social and community connections that are founded on respect, shared responsibility, and mutual enjoyment. Justine quickly adapted programs throughout the pandemic to reduce isolation and increase community connection for people with diverse abilities. – Kamloops - Peter Edgar, President, EDGAR:
EDGAR donated the use of 10 townhomes to enable Community Integrated Services Society to provide community inclusion services to individuals during COVID-19. EDGAR has also donated land to BC Housing to build 325 units of affordable housing as part of the Woodland redevelopment. – Port Moody - Melissa MacDonald, Manager, Community Inclusion, Lifetime Networks of Victoria:
Melissa and her team supported 140 people experiencing homelessness, addiction or mental health challenges with meal preparation, meal drop-offs, tents, blankets, walks, and health checks, in collaboration with the justice system, integrated court, food banks etc. – Victoria
Over 60 nominations from across the province were received, each one overwhelmingly demonstrating the commitment and dedication of those who have continued to find creative and unique ways to keep people included throughout the pandemic.
