Elks working on diverse hiring with help from Moss memorial fund, Winnifred Stewart
Following in Joey Moss' footsteps, Edmonton’s professional football team has hired two employees with disabilities to create a more diverse work environment.
In an effort to create a more inclusive workplace, the Edmonton Elks, with the creation of the Joey Moss Memorial Fund (JMMF), will assist more people with disabilities find employment through Winnifred Stewart.
Chris Presson, CEO and president of the Edmonton Elks, said the new partnership with the Winnifred Stewart Association will allow for the CFL team to employ more people with disabilities. He hopes the partnership will allow for people with disabilities to receive the same work opportunities, while creating a more positive business. The Elks have made it a responsibility to build a stronger community by diversifying the team’s culture.
Supported by the Joey Moss Memorial Fund (JMMF), the Elks have hired two new employees with developmental disabilities, Craig and Carmela. The two have joined the marketing and ticket teams, bringing a positive impact to the Elks business, according to Candace Smallwood, director of development and communications for Winnifred Stewart.
“They have done more for us than we have certainly done for them. They have raised the level of joy in our office,” said Presson.
Moss served as an icon and a leader for people with disabilities, working as a locker room attendant for the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Elks.
- New Edmonton school to be named for Joey Moss
- Joey Moss, Edmonton sports icon, dead at 57
- ‘Heartbreaking news for the city’: Joey Moss tributes continue to pour in
In 2020, the Elks held a fundraiser in honour of Moss, who was employed with the team from 1986 to 2020. The team successfully raised $350,000.
Winnifred Stewart launched a 10-week program in May to assist those with disabilities in preparing for employment. The program offers job-search preparation, work experience, and a boost in self-confidence and work knowledge.
“The folks that I know that do have a disability, they bring something different to the table. They are genuine, caring, honest, and it changes a workplace culture,” said Smallwood.
Smallwood says Craig and Carmela light up the room.
“We know we can be better. We are trying to be better in every facet of our business. They are exemplary examples of giving someone a chance to succeed,” said Presson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More Canadians are moving to the U.S. Here's one of the main reasons, according to an immigration expert
Recent data from the U.S. census revealed that more than 126,000 people moved from Canada to the U.S. in 2022. An expert said that one of the main reasons for this move is the cost of living.
'They need this protection': Trudeau gov't re-offers $1.5M for enhanced Pride security in Canada
For the second year, the federal government is offering up to $1.5M to Pride organizations across the country to fund enhanced security measures, amid a continued rise in anti-LGBTQ2S+ hate.
Her gut was producing alcohol. Doctors didn't believe her
For two years doctors told her she was an alcoholic. Then they realized her gut was making alcohol from carbohydrates, a rare condition called auto-brewery syndrome.
Prospective jurors in Hunter Biden's firearms case questioned on gun rights, addiction
A federal gun case against U.S. President Joe Biden’s son Hunter opened Monday with jury selection, following the collapse of a plea deal that would have avoided the spectacle of a trial so close the 2024 election.
Toyota apologizes for cheating on vehicle testing and halts production of three models
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda apologized Monday for massive cheating on certification tests for seven vehicle models as the automaker suspended production of three of them.
Crews searching for 3 missing mountaineers near Squamish, B.C.
A search effort has been launched for a trio of mountain climbers who were reported overdue after not returning from their excursion near Squamish, B.C.
Katy Perry 'fixed' Harrison Butker's controversial commencement speech
Katy Perry has reimagined a recent commencement speech by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker that was criticized as homophobic and sexist.
This Canadian scientist combines passion for history, archeology and genetics to solve ancient and modern-day DNA puzzles
Turi King takes pride in her work solving ancient and modern-day DNA puzzles – including a centuries-old mystery involving an infamous British king.
She is set to be Mexico's first female president. But who is Claudia Sheinbaum?
Known as “la Doctora” for her glittering academic credentials, Claudia Sheinbaum is a physicist with a doctorate in energy engineering and a former major-city mayor.