The Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres (SARC) is a provincial non-profit association that represents community-based organizations providing services for people with disabilities. The Employer of Excellence Awards are presented to businesses in small, medium and large categories who have an active mandate to hire people of all abilities.
Bryce and Lorna Sherring identified a need in 1999 to hire an apprentice for their growing jewelry store, Sherring Gold Jewellers in Yorkton. They wanted to offer someone with a disability this unique job opportunity as they felt that employing a capable person, who happens to have a disability, made good business sense to them. They hired Tim Soloshy to the position and he has become an essential member of their staff. He is solely in charge of the trophy department and is responsible for all jewelry repairs and resizing. Bryce is a passionate promoter of employing people with disabilities. He encourages employers to broaden their search for employees to include the often untapped labour market of persons with disabilities. Bryce openly shares their success story of hiring Tim with others. Recently, Sherring Gold sponsored employer recognition awards in partnership with Partners in Employment. These awards, engraved by Tim, acknowledged local employers in Yorkton and area who have created work opportunities for persons with barriers to employment. Left to right: Joy McKinnon (SARC representative), Bryce Sherring and Tim Soloshy.
Earl and Gerry Ann Fraser, the franchise owners of Boston Pizza in Yorkton, have shown an outstanding commitment to supported employment. They recognize the value that able workers with disabilities bring to their workplace. They are true promoters of supported employment and the integration of persons with disabilities into the workforce. In the local community, Boston Pizza is considered a pioneer of supported employment and they are frequently used as an example to other employers. Attending the event award ceremony was long term employee Fergus Wilson. Fergus began employment with Boston Pizza in 2002 as a part time dishwasher. He now works full time as a prep cook and assists in the training of new employees. Left to right Earl Fraser, Gerry Ann Fraser, Fergus Wilson and Al Love (SARC Board Director).
