More than 60 Lloydminster-area businesses will be recognized for creating inclusive workplaces as the Bea Fisher Centre marks Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) this October..
The organization has provided supported employment services since the early 1980s, helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful work in the community. This year, the centre will celebrate employer partnerships with more than 60 local businesses that currently employ individuals who access Bea Fisher Centre services.
Six new employer partners
According to Sherri-Lynn Piesinger, Training and Development Coordinator with the Bea Fisher Centre, six new employer partners joined the program over the past year, expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities across the region.
While no long-term employer awards will be presented this year, Piesinger said the organization expects to celebrate a major milestone in 2027, when one employer reaches 30 years of partnership with the program.
Light it up for DEAM – Oct. 15
As part of Disability Employment Awareness Month, local businesses are also being encouraged to participate in Light It Up! For DEAM, a nationwide initiative promoting disability-inclusive employment.
The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 15, when businesses, organizations and community groups are invited to illuminate their buildings in purple, or a combination of purple and blue, to show support for workers with disabilities and to raise awareness about the value of inclusive hiring practices.
The Bea Fisher Centre says its longstanding supported employment program continues to connect individuals with disabilities to meaningful work while helping local employers build diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Fundraiser – Pickleball Oct. 3-4
Meanwhile, the Bea Fisher Centre’s third annual Pickleball Tournament returns to the Servus Sports Centre on Oct. 3 and 4, with TD Bank returning as title sponsor. The fundraiser continues to grow, expanding from 46 teams in its first year and 86 teams in its second year to 11 divisions this year, accommodating players of all skill levels.
Participants can look forward to a weekend of competition, food and fun, including a lunch-by-donation featuring homemade soup, pies and Subway sandwiches.
The event is supported by numerous local sponsors, including Rolling Green Fairways, Sore Oilfield Services, Gmack Oilfield Services, Gryphon Benefits and a host of court sponsors from across the Lloydminster region.
Mrs. Ropers Romp – Oct. 30
Another fundraiser on Oct. 30 called Mrs. Roper’s Romp is already sold out. This 70’s themed event which is in its sophomore year will take place at the Lloyd Ex starting at 8:00 p.m.
