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
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.