The Saitama Council posing in front of their tour bus outside at 20 Spadina.

In November, we had a group of people come all the way from Japan to learn about our organization and what we do! The group is part of the “Saitama Council of Social Welfare”. Peter Wakayama, (a past Board member, a parent, volunteer, and the recipient of the 2015 Jim Turner Award for Outstanding Volunteerism), organized this presentation for us. We were so happy to share our knowledge with the council. We spoke about all of our services and highlighted our employment supports. Employment initiatives such as: Youth to Work, Community First, and IOPEN (Individualized On-Campus Post-Secondary Experience Network). Flora Nichols, Mike Adair, and Nick Hadjiyianni all presented to the council and Sam Forbes, Public Relations and Fundraising Ambassador, spoke to the council about his employment journey, working at Starbucks, his YouTube viral video, being on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and taking a trip to Japan!
Sam presented gifts to everyone at the council, and they surprised him with a special gift of a traditional cotton shop curtain called a “Noren”. Which was made by people with special needs in Japan!

Sam and Peter Wakayama posing together

Sam holding up his “Noren”!

Sam presenting to the Council in the Board Room at 20 Spadina