ASSINIBOIA - The 2023 SARC awards banquet took place in Saskatoon on Oct. 25.
Garritt Hallborg, Gravelbourg, received the Great Work Award. Garritt lives in Gravelbourg and has worked hard to achieve employment at Wheatland Pub and Eatery. He started his work experience journey at Café de Paris where he was able to gain confidence in his skills as an employee and was ready to take on employment with Wheatland.
The SARC awards are an opportunity for SARC and SARC Members to celebrate the achievements of people from various communities across the province.
SARC is a provincial association of over 100 community-based organizations, dedicated to supporting people of all abilities to live life to their full potential. SARC Members are located throughout Saskatchewan and submit nomination forms to SARC each spring to honour the achievements of the people they support, the commitment local employers have to create an inclusive workforce, and the connection people and organizations have to building a better community.
From these nominations, six recipients are selected and then visited in their community for the purpose of filming a vignette video to highlight their accomplishments. The awards and video presentations take place at the annual SARC Awards Banquet on October 25.
“The SARC Awards Banquet is a truly unique event in Saskatchewan where people from various communities, backgrounds, and cultures come together to celebrate diversity and inclusion,” said SARC Executive Director, Amy McNeil. “Each year we continue to see stories of award recipients embracing new challenges, reducing barriers within their community, and making the extra effort to make others smile. The [SARC] Awards Banquet is a celebration of the six recipients and is a wonderful reflection of the milestones and achievements being experienced all across the province based on individuals’ hard work, SARC Members’ supports and services, and great community partnerships. It is such an inspiring and uplifting evening.
Other SARC awards recipients included:
The Good Neighbour Award, Stephen Moleski – Regina. Stephen lives in Regina and loves to connect with others within his community through volunteering and his workplace. Stephen is very dedicated to serving others in any way he can and is proud of the work he does in his community. Stephen gives back by volunteering at the Terry Fox Foundation and other volunteer opportunities as they are available to him. These volunteer opportunities have helped build his confidence in obtaining employment.
The Spotlight Award, Kylie Zacharias - Saskatoon. Kylie lives in Saskatoon and is being recognized for her makeup artistry talents. She was interested in makeup at a very young age and uses these talents to lift others up. She is a strong advocate for those experiencing disability, as well as the LGBTQ2+ communities.
The Spirit Award, Yvonne Ronning – Saskatoon. Yvonne lives in Saskatoon and is a great example of someone who is not afraid to be themselves. Yvonne figuratively and literally lights up a room, with her amazing personality and her handmade outfits that incorporate lights. Everyone loves spending time with Yvonne; her laugh is infectious and her unique individuality is something to be admired.
The Community Builder Award, The Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery – Humboldt. Jennifer Fitzpatrick and her team at the Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery are true community builders for the people of Humboldt and area. The Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery works hard to ensure that community is reflected back through their exhibits. It is evident that the community is at the heart of what they do when you experience the exhibits for yourself. Whether it is working to ensure all cultures are represented or working with other organizations, the Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery looks for opportunities to celebrate community.
The Inclusive Advantage Award, Sherwood Co-op, Harbour Landing – Regina. Management at the Sherwood Co-op, Harbour Landing location, is committed to working with community-based organizations in Regina to reduce barriers to employment and helping new employees feel welcomed and comfortable while working in a busy and fast-paced environment. Kevin Jensen, who is the Manager of the Sherwood Co-op, Habour landing location, is a champion for inclusive hiring and believes that is important to their business and is willing to take the time to set each employee up for success.
The 2023 SARC Awards Banquet is an evening of connection, laughter, celebration, and a few happy tears. To learn more about the SARC Awards and to view the 2023 SARC Awards recipients’ videos, residents can visit sarcsarcan.ca/sarc-awards.
