10/09/2026
We kicked off Community Inclusion Month by hosting our Annual Employer Appreciation Luncheon, an afternoon of meaningful discussion about inclusion in the workplace.
Thank you to Mayor Brodie for joining us and making the official proclamation declaring October as Community Inclusion Month here in Richmond. This month gives us an important opportunity to reflect and learn about how we can make Richmond a more inclusive place for everyone, particularly individuals with developmental disabilities.
Congratulations to Magnus Health and Wellness, this year’s recipient of the Gill Award for Excellence in Workplace Inclusion! Your dedication to creating an inclusive, welcoming workplace is outstanding, and we were honoured to present you with this recognition.
The theme of this year’s Employer Luncheon was “Work has changed. Has hiring?” We explored how the world of work and hiring practices have evolved, particularly in the post-COVID era and alongside advances in technology.
We were honoured to be joined by our three panelists, Cathy from HerbaLand Naturals, Mimi from Gem Chocolates, and Kyle from Mother’s Choice Products, all of whom have experience with inclusive hiring and employing individuals with developmental disabilities. Thank you to our panelists for sharing your insights and expertise, and for highlighting the value and benefits of inclusive hiring.
We would also like to thank Quilchena Gold and Country Club for their generosity in hosting our event, as well as Magnus Health and Wellness, HerbaLand and Shopper Drug Mart Steveston for their generous door prize donations.
Finally, thank you to every employer who attended, listened, and contributed to our World Café discussions, and to our event planning team for making the afternoon possible.
If you are interested in learning more about Aspire's Employment Services, please reach out to Annabel, Manager of Employment Services at [email protected], or call our Vocational Counsellor line at 604-241-1844. đź’™
