By: Susan Santelli

The Community Partner award was presented at the Etobicoke Regional Annual Meeting on June 18, 2015.

I met Saundra Bruadbridge when I was working as a Support Worker II at Etobicoke Adult Development Program. Sandy, as we know her, works at Jim’s No Frills on Islington Avenue. She is not your regular cashier. She always has a great smile on her face. She has helpful hands not only for the individuals we support but for anyone she serves.

We met Sandy at the cash register while shopping with individuals from our cooking group. Initially, Sandy just observed the individuals and staff from the cooking programs. Shortly after, she started offering support helping individuals pay for their items and packing up their groceries independently.

But what makes Sandy special to people with disabilities is that she recognizes that they might require extra time to do things when they go grocery shopping. Whenever individuals supported by Community Living Toronto come to shop, Sandy always greets them with a big smile and supports them in paying as well as packing away their groceries on their own, but offering help if needed. Sandy also helps with counting and sorting skills. Individuals feel proud to be independent shoppers with Sandy’s assistance and look forward to their shopping days.

It is great to have people like Sandy to help us better support our individuals in the community.

Upcoming Etobicoke/York Events

Council Meeting
October 13th, 6:30pm to 8:00pm
295 The West Mall in board room

Monday Night Club                             
4pm-7:30pm
Etobicoke ADP
102 Advance Road
Call 416-232-1213 for details

Friendship Club
Last Wednesday of the month, 6pm-8pm
295 The West Mall in board room
Registration: Laura Lee Edmiston,
647-729-0440 or ledmiston@cltoronto.ca