Leave No One Behind Pancake Brunch

Leave No One Behind Pancake Brunch

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

People with disabilities are hard working and dedicated individuals who make a unique contribution to the workplace and community. For this reason, Leave No One Behind Pancake Brunch was hosted at the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville on Dec. 2.

Around 150 people attended the special event that was designed to celebrate and recognize the hard working and dedicated individuals with disabilities. The luncheon also coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities which is officially held on Dec. 3.

This year’s United Nation’s theme was ‘Promoting the Participation of Persons with Disabilities and their Leadership’.

Employment Facilitator for EmployAbilities North in Vegreville, Marnie Sydora speaks.

(Rosanne Fortier/photo)

Marnie Sydora, an employment facilitator with EmployAbilities North in Vegreville, emceed the luncheon. Sydora is also the chair of the Vegreville IDPD (International Day of Persons with Disabilities) Committee.

Sydora stated that: “The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations. The annual observance draws attention to the many ways those with disabilities enriched our communities. It also increases awareness and understanding of disabilities issues and trends. It mobilizes support for practical action at all levels by, with and for all persons with disabilities.”

Sydora went onto say that EmployAbilities offers a variety of employment programs and services to those with disabilities. “Our mission at EmployAbilities is to provide specialized services to individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment by creating opportunities for skill development, education and employment.”

Cathy Smith, who is a member of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Person’s with Disabilities, said: “It, (the council), is responsible for providing advice to the government regarding opportunities for full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the province. I share their passion for creating an Alberta where all people are included and equal. Every person has an important role to play in this.”

Jody Conley, who is a support worker with the Alberta Brain Injury Network in St. Paul told her story about how she got the job because of her past experience with strep throat which closed off her airways and resulted in brain damage. “A person’s disability is not always recognizable and it can happen at anytime. I am fortunate that I am able to work with my disability and fulfill my calling. So, in life, regardless if a person looks like they have a disability or not, just treat everyone with respect, kindness and love.”

Following the speeches, awards were presented to Adam Cherneski, owner of Adam’s No Frills, received ‘The Employee of Excellence Award’. Adam was nominated by employee Kyle Gauvin for the award.

Honorable Mention Awards were presented to: Kevin Tremblay and Corrine Audy, owners of Vegreville Bowling Lanes, Colleen Krill, owner of Tim Horton’s, and Tim Andres, owner of Perry’s 2 for 1 Pizza and Pasta.

Students from Vegreville Composite High School’s LINKS class showcased their artwork. Actors with Vegreville Reader’s Theatre performed, ‘Money Trouble’ which was about how it is difficult to save money but well worth it.

There were free door prizes and ATCO donated $300 worth of food for the event. The cost to attend the brunch was by donation and the proceeds from the brunch and silent auction came to $857.10 that was divided 50/50 between the VegMin Learning Society and the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville.