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Back in 2017, Stephen Mullins had been about a year on the job at Canadian Wildlife Federation when @HIREforTALENT came to Ottawa and filmed a number of scenes featuring employers and employees connected by LiveWorkPlay. The videos have stood the test of time, and so has Stephen, who is celebrating a 10th work anniversary!

On May 16, 2026, Marie Stanfield celebrates her ninth year with the Canada Revenue Agency! Marie started in 2017 as a part-time casual employee, which was increased to half-time, and then to a full-time contract. In 2021, she was made indeterminate (permanent) and is currently in the position of Appeals Clerk. Marie has built many lasting professional relationships along the way. She is known for her diligence, professionalism, and positive working relationships with her colleagues. Congratulations, Marie, on your journey and this important milestone! ~ Photo provided by Robert Olsen, LiveWorkPlay, Workplace Inclusion Specialist

On May 11th, 2026, Daniel Pinsonneault celebrated an incredible 12 years of employment with Costco Wholesale! Daniel recently received a glowing performance appraisal from his managers, praising his ability to get the job done no how busy it gets (and it does get busy!). His dedication, positive attitude, and strong work ethic continue to make a lasting impact. Congratulations, Daniel, on this amazing milestone and well-deserved recognition. Pictured top left (photo by Shayna Grey) Daniel celebrating his 12th! Top right, featured in a 2022 BBC video about public transit. Middle right, with Keenan Wellar, accepting the LiveWorkPlay Community Ambassador Award in 2023. Bottom left, with Anthony Taza, part of the team from Costco accepting the LiveWorkPlay Inclusive Employer Award in 2024.

Yesterday, LiveWorkPlay joined with other @ontario_living member organizations, self-advocates, families, and supporters from across the province at Queen’s Park for Community Living Ontario’s “Day at the Legislature.” The day focused on raising awareness about the barriers that people with intellectual disabilities continue to face in areas like housing, employment, inclusion, and support services — and the importance of continuing to build communities where everyone belongs. LiveWorkPlay’s Rebecca Coxon had the opportunity to meet with Ottawa Centre MPP Catherine McKenney in her Queen’s Park office to discuss the importance of funding and supports that help people with intellectual disabilities live a full life in Ottawa. She also attended a ceremony with speakers that included Chris Beesley (CLO) and MCCSS Minister @MichaelParsa. Agency leaders, community advocates, and elected representatives from multiple parties spoke about the importance of strengthening the developmental services sector and supporting people to live full lives of their choosing. Thank you to Community Living Ontario for organizing this important day of advocacy, visibility, and connection. #DayAtTheLeg26 #CLMonth2026 #WeAllBelong

We are excited to share this blog post from our friends at @MHIOttawa "For siblings Spencer and Shelby, living at The Haven has made it easier than ever to stay connected while still enjoying their own independence." Spencer, Shelby, and their mom Sandra have been involved with LiveWorkPlay for almost 30 years! It is great to hear their story told from the MHI perspective, check out their blog at multifaithhousing.ca/blog/spencer-a… for the full story!

The Auditor General of Canada's May 4, 2026 report on workplace accessibility in the federal public service highlights something many of us see every day: progress is real, but the experience is still inconsistent, and often too slow. Across the public service, organizations are making gains in hiring and advancement for people with disabilities. But challenges remain in areas like accommodation processes, supervisor awareness, and meaningful engagement. The report also points to ongoing gaps for people with disabilities that are not consistently recognized or well understood, including people with intellectual disabilities, autistic persons, and best practices for supporting neurodiversity. At LiveWorkPlay, we see how important it is to move beyond policy into practice. Timely supports, inclusive culture, and “nothing without us” truly shape outcomes. We’ve had the opportunity to work with more than 40 federal departments and agencies, and to recognize how leadership and collaboration can deliver amazing results. Here are three recent examples: • Janelle Wright and the team at Finance Canada (2026 Inclusive Employment Champion): liveworkplay.ca/2026/04/17/jan… • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (2025 Public Sector Inclusive Employer Award): liveworkplay.ca/rcmp/ • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (2024 Public Sector Inclusive Employer Award): liveworkplay.ca/ised-buzz-2024/ Access the complete auditor's report: canada.ca/en/auditor-gen…

Yesterday was the first day on the job for Simon Caisse, starting his 6 month contract as an Administrative Assistant with the Human Resources department at @tdplace_Levy. He was received by his manager Shekinah Bravo for an office orientation that included meeting the rest of the team, before getting started at this own work station. This is the fourth paid internship facilitated by LiveWorkPlay with Levy TD Place. The first three placements which such a success that it has not only been continued, but extended from 3-month to 6-month contracts! Congratulations Simon! Photo credit: Jen Broad, LiveWorkPlay, Employer Partnerships and Workplace Inclusion Specialist

Presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards The Rob More Good Life Award – John Cholmondeley Introduction of presenter Mike More by Keenan Wellar. You have been a fabulous audience, so let’s really bring it home with our final and most celebrated award tradition: The Rob More Good Life Award. Please welcome to the stage a very special guest representing the More family: a big round of applause for Mike More. I’m Rob’s dad, Mike More. The Rob More Good Life Award was established to celebrate the life of our son, LiveWorkPlay member Rob More, who died tragically along with five others in the September 18, 2013, Barrhaven bus/train crash. We continue to celebrate Rob’s life, and we also hope to inspire others to pursue a Good Life of their own. Rob loved his home, his neighbourhood, volunteering at the Experimental Farm, and his work at IBM. Rob enjoyed LiveWorkPlay events, provided they were not on the same night as a playoff hockey game. We know Rob is looking down this evening with a huge smile on his face, seeing the Rob More Good Life Award ceremonial cup being presented here at the Preston Event Centre. The Rob More Good Life Award is given each year to an individual who has experienced significant life transitions in pursuit of their own goal and dreams. This is the 30th anniversary of LiveWorkPlay, so I would like to remind everyone of our previous recipients. We started in 2014 with Phil Landreville, then Caroline Matte, Ashley Lavigne, Tim Siebrasse, Marie Stanfield, Gillian Gillespie, Frances Laube, Martin Couture, Paul Knoll, Matt Suttie, Fred Dixon, and Chris Jones. What a wonderful representation of the LiveWorkPlay community, and what a tribute to the memory of Rob. This year’s recipient is yet another legendary figure of the LiveWorkPlay community. Let me tell you a bit about him. This year’s honoree was first connected to LiveWorkPlay more than 25 years ago. He went on many LiveWorkPlay trips, from big North American cities to the Caribbean. He took part in the On Our Own Together housing projects, which helped him prepare to live in his own apartment, as he has been doing for many years now. He was a part of the first ever LiveWorkPlay employment placement partnership and was ultimately hired to work at the TD Bank cafeteria. Most recently he completed a contract position working in furniture assembly. Since there are so many employers here in the room, please note that he is ready for his next career: just speak to the LiveWorkPlay employment team and they’ll set you up with an interview. This year’s recipient likes video games, but he also likes working out at the gym, visiting with his mom here in town, and entertaining when his brother visits from Toronto. I can tell you that there are not many people who could rival our son Rob for his love of sports, and certainly not for his vast knowledge of sports. This year’s recipient is one of those rare individuals who could keep up with Rob. He can go many levels deep, down into the minor leagues of hockey and many other sports, not just in Canada but around the world, and educate you about the relevant geography for each of the team locations. Also, like Rob, he can start up amazing conversations with people he has just met and is legendary for coming up with interesting questions. He leaves people smiling, laughing, and wanting more. I am sure I have given it away already with all of these clues, but please join me in welcoming John Cholmondeley to accept a plaque to take home with him and get a photo with the Rob More Memorial Cup. John, come on up!

Presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards The Terri Hill My Own Home Bursary awarded to Spencer Penny Presented by Keenan Wellar, Co-Leader and Director of Communications at LiveWorkPlay The My Own Home bursary started in 2007, following the On My Own Together projects at the Carleton University summer residences. In addition to providing financial assistance, this $200 bursary recognizes an important milestone for individuals who move to a home of their own in the community. Over the past 19 years, $12,000 in bursaries have gone to 60 recipients. We’re excited to add to that total tonight! With the agreement and support of the award sponsors, Barry and Marjorie Wellar, the bursary has been renamed in honour of Terri Hill, who left us last year after a long battle with cancer. That means this year, for the first time, we will give out the bursary under the name “Terri Hill My Own Home Award.” And also for the first time, I am pleased to announce that the bursary has been increased to $300! We were so pleased when this year’s recipient was able to join so many other happy tenants in a Multifaith Housing Initiative building, our amazing nonprofit housing partners. In a fascinating twist of fate, he ended up living one floor below his sibling, and in fact, directly underneath. They’ve always been very close, so being separated by an entire floor is a healthy distance, but also, close enough. So, are there any big surprises since he moved out in January? According to Aby Clarke and Chris Floyd from our Community Supports Team, not really – he’s been very chill about the entire experience. But there is one little gem of interesting news. Prior to moving out, cooking was not on his list of priorities. But over the past three months, he’s turned into quite the chef, always wanting to try out new recipes. Well, with this $300 bursary he can pick up some fancy spices and upgrade his frying pan, so please welcome to the stage, our Terri Hill My Own Home Award recipient, Spencer Penny!

Award presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards Inclusive Employment Champion – Janelle Wright, and the team at Finance Canada Introduction by Anna Nelson, Director of Employment Supports, preesnted by Mary Gusella, Volunteer Chair, Federal Employment Strategy Group (FESG) Good evening, In past years, we have recognized departmental leadership in the public sector through an Inclusive Employer Award, celebrating the many incredible departments and agencies doing important and impactful work to deliver inclusive employment. We are thankful to have with us tonight a few of our past recipients, including Deputy Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, Michelle Kovacevic, and her Chief of Staff, Daniel Carleton, who were instrumental in Finance Canada receiving this award in 2023. We also want to especially recognize Laurie-Eve Bergeron, Head of Human Resources at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, who has continued to show strong leadership at ISED, building on the department’s success as a 2024 recipient of this award. And we are delighted to have the RCMP here with us tonight—you’ll be hearing more about them soon. This year, instead of focusing on a department, we are going to recognize an individual whose leadership has helped move this work forward in a meaningful and lasting way. I also want to say how genuinely excited I am about this year’s recipient. It has been such a pleasure to get to know her work and witness her leadership in action. The Inclusive Employment Champion Award recognizes a champion who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing inclusive employment for people with intellectual disabilities and autistic persons, and who is helping to influence change within their organization and beyond. It is my pleasure to now introduce our esteemed guest presenter to continue with the presentation. Mary Gusella has been recognized at the highest levels for her distinguished career in Canada’s federal public service, including receiving the Prime Minister’s Outstanding Achievement Award for her contributions. In retirement, she continues to make a significant impact as the volunteer Chair of the LiveWorkPlay Federal Employment Strategy Group, where her leadership advances inclusive employment opportunities for Canadians. Mary, I know I speak for all of us when I say how grateful we are for your ongoing commitment, your insight, and the care you bring to this work. Please join me in warmly welcoming Mary Gusella to continue with this presentation. Thank you Anna. It is always a privilege to be part of this celebration, and to take part in this unique opportunity to highlight the work of our public service by celebrating an individual leader. As many of you know, LiveWorkPlay has been working alongside the federal public service for over a decade, supporting hundreds of hires across dozens of departments. What we have learned through that work is that meaningful change does not happen by accident. It happens because of leadership. Leadership that is intentional. Leadership that is consistent. And leadership that recognizes talent and creates the conditions for people to succeed. This year’s recipient is someone who truly embodies these qualities. We were introduced to Janelle Wright in the fall of 2024 by another inclusive employment champion, Daniel Carleton, who is here with us tonight. And what followed was not a long, drawn-out process, but rather thoughtful and decisive action. By January 2025, six individuals had already been hired to digitize departmental records, contributing to important work that supports automation and efficiency within Finance Canada. That kind of momentum speaks volumes. But what makes Janelle’s leadership especially impactful goes far beyond those numbers. Despite the demanding schedule and responsibilities of an Assistant Deputy Minister role, Janelle Wright is connected to the work of the entire Finance Canada team. As noted by Robert Olsen, Inclusion Specialist with LiveWorkPlay: “She is approachable, thoughtful, and consistently focused on the well-being and success of departmental staff at all levels. Her leadership contributes to an atmosphere of trust and respect that is felt by all employees.” She is also a long-term thinker, someone who looks beyond the immediate moment and considers what is best not only for her branch, but for Finance Canada and the entire public service. And she acts on what she sees. Recognizing the success of short-term, high-impact work, she has supported continuing and building on those opportunities to create lasting value. Her impact also extends well beyond her own department. Janelle has shared her leadership and insights through presentations at our Federal Employment Strategy Group, has helped connect this work to the Human Resources Council of the federal public service, and consistently opens doors to new relationships and opportunities. She is not only advancing inclusive employment within Finance Canada but helping to move it forward across the Public Service. What’s clear in all of this is that Janelle is not just supporting inclusive employment, she is strengthening it, embedding it, and helping it grow. Janelle, we want you to know that we see the way you lead, the way you show up for your team, and the impact you are making. It truly matters, and we are deeply grateful. To help us celebrate this moment, I would like to invite Tahanee McKnight, Executive Director, Human Resources Policies, Strategies and Programs, and Superintendent Darryl Dawkins, Director, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Secretariat from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, last year’s recipient of the 2025 Public Service Inclusive Employer Award, to join us in presenting this award. Please join me in congratulating Janelle, Assistant Deputy Minister at Finance Canada, recipient of the 2026 Inclusive Employment Champion Award.

Award presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards Inclusive Employer Award – Kinaxis (Neil Butts) and CHEFS&STAFF4HIRE (Lauren Lochan) Presented by Anna Nelson, Director of Employment Supports We have two more Inclusive Private Sector Employer Awards to present this evening, and we’re presenting them at the same time, because part of what makes this story special is how they came together to collaborate on inclusive hiring. To help present these awards, I’d like to welcome Germania Jarquin from Calypso Waterpark and Karen Tuff from Trio Bistro & Lounge, both previous Inclusive Employer Award recipients. This story began in August 2023, when I received an email from a contact who had recently moved into a new role. He had previously worked alongside employees supported by LiveWorkPlay and had seen firsthand the value they bring. In his new position, he wanted to create that type of opportunity again. That outreach sparked a multiyear partnership, one built on commitment, problem-solving, and a shared belief in inclusive hiring. The nature of the role required collaboration between two companies, and that’s where this partnership really shines. Jen Broad from our Employment Supports Team, who has worked closely alongside them, shared a few reflections that really capture their approach, and I’ll read her quotes: Lauren ensured our team had access to systems in advance, so we could learn alongside the employee and set everyone up for success from day one. He consistently asked thoughtful, proactive questions about how to best support Aidan. Neil was committed to learning how to set Aidan up for success. He worked to create space for growth, expanding the role over time, and building a strong working relationship grounded in clear, respectful communication. He approaches feedback with care and intention, always focused on development. Together, Neil and Lauren have created a partnership that shows what’s possible when employers are open, collaborative, and focused on talent. We hope stories like this spark new ideas and new opportunities across the room. To both of your teams, thank you for your openness, your creativity, and your belief in talent. It truly makes a difference. Kinaxis Inc. and Chefs & Staff4Hire Inc. are two outstanding inclusive employers, and exceptional collaborators. Accepting the 2026 Inclusive Private Sector Employer Awards tonight please welcome Neil Butts, Director of Culinary at Kinaxis, and Lauren Lochan, CEO from Chefs&Staff4Hire.

Award presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards Inclusive Employer Award – LCBO (Accepted by Adam Robinson) Presented by Anna Nelson, Director of Employment Supports Good evening, I’m Anna Nelson, Director of Employment Supports at LiveWorkPlay, and I’m honoured to be presenting this year’s Inclusive Private Sector Employer Awards. This award has a proud history, recognizing outstanding employers such as Trio Bistro & Lounge, Calypso Waterpark, DHL Express, Déménagement Outaouais Moving, Coconut Lagoon, Costco Wholesale Canada, Levy at TD Place, and many more. This year are celebrating multiple employers, each representing strong partnerships built over the past three years. To help present our first award, I’d like to welcome Ishita Gangali and Brett Woods from DHL Express, one of last year’s Inclusive Employer Award recipients. Our first honouree launched the “We Belong Here” initiative in 2023. Thanks to our connections with Ready, Willing and Able and the Ontario Disability Employment Network, we recognized the opportunities ahead and we all got to work on making more inclusive employment hires a reality. So far, they have hired seven employees supported by LiveWorkPlay. Many have returned for multiple seasonal roles, and two are now permanent team members. What stands out most to us is not just their commitment to hiring, but the care, intention, and consistency they bring to doing it well, every single day. They invest in their employees’ growth, take the time to promote skill development, and create workplace success. One manager recently shared this feedback about one of their successful hires facilitated by LiveWorkPlay: The staff love her, and I’ve received several compliments from customers. She follows our protocols to the letter, which is fantastic. In the new year, we’ll explore more advanced tasks like inventory and cycle counts, but we’ll take our time and make sure she’s fully supported. She’s been a delight. If she wants it, she could have a great career here. And if she chooses a different path in the future, we’ll support that too. That mindset, focused on talent, growth, respect, and long-term success, is what inclusive employment looks like in action. And it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when employers recognize talent and invest in it. We’re especially pleased that the manager who wrote those words is here with us tonight. To the managers, supervisors, and teams behind this work, please know that we see the thought and the leadership it takes to create these opportunities, and we truly appreciate it. Accepting this 2026 Inclusive Private Sector Employer Award on behalf of the LCBO, please join us in welcoming Adam Robinson!

Award presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, LiveWorkPlay’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, April 17, at Bayview Yards Community Partner Award – Aisha Stambouli, Valor & Solutions Presented by Julie Kingstone, Co-Leader and Director of Operations Good evening, At LiveWorkPlay, we know that strong partnerships are at the heart of creating meaningful impact in our community. When organizations come together with a shared commitment to inclusion, respect, and person-centred support, we amplify our opportunities to be a part of positive change. Back in 2017, we had the honour of recognizing Valor & Solutions with a Community Partner Award. At the time, we celebrated their tremendous dedication to excellence, providing training opportunities, clinical expertise, and unwavering support to individuals with dual diagnoses. Their team consistently went above and beyond in working with our staff, supported individuals, and families, their efforts always grounded in a person-centred approach and a true spirit of collaboration. In 2026, we wanted to focus on one individual, as a way of showcasing that this partnership has only deepened. We wanted to talk about how it is more than just doing the work, it is about a transformative experience for those they support. This person has a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and truly seen. She meets people exactly where they are, taking the time to listen, to understand, and to adapt her approach to each person’s unique communication and learning style. Through her thoughtful support, individuals have gained tools to better manage stress, to express themselves more effectively, and to find agency to advocate for what they want in life. Her work has helped people move toward greater confidence, independence, and self-determination. What truly sets her apart is how she shows up every day, with kindness, with openness, and without judgment. It is a particular form of quiet strength: the ability to remain calm in sometimes very choppy waters. It is my great pleasure to celebrate our partnership by recognizing a unique leader in our field. The 2026 LiveWorkPlay Community Partner Award goes to: From Valor & Solutions, their Clinical Coordinator, please join me in celebrating Aisha Stambouli!

On the occasion of the Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026 31st LiveWorkPlay Anniversary, the 20th broadcast of The LiveWorkPlay News, the Top 26 of 2025-2026, recorded live at Cours Bayview Yards. The broadcast was presented in three segments, this is the third and final, from #10-#1. #10 - @atletiOttawa Icicle Kick, Janet #9 - @tdplace_Levy Interships Manny, Etienne, Josh #8 - @P4Planning Network Employment Webinar, RWA, Frank, Keenan #7 - Aya Elkerdany uOttawa Graduation #6 - Menu Magazine, @CalypsoOttawa #5 - Trio Westboro, Carl Sanderson #4 - Grace Hudson 20th Work Anniversary #3 - Jalynn Plaus Value Village #2 - Chris Jones and Shyloh and the Community Supports Team #1 - Ashley Hagerman and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

On the occasion of the Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026 31st LiveWorkPlay Anniversary, the 20th broadcast of The LiveWorkPlay News, the Top 26 of 2025-2026, recorded live at @Bayview_Yards. The broadcast was presented in three segments, this is the second from #20-#11. 20 – Federal Employment Strategy Group 19 – World Autism Awareness Day / United Nations Article 18 – AGM Announcement of Terri Hill My Own Home Bursary 17 – Release of "Beyond Job Coaching" Video Series @RWAworks 16 – World Down Syndrome Day Campaign 15 – @UnitedWayEO Minute with @DHLexpress Jen, Percy, Nick 14 - @Kinaxis Inclusive Employment, Aidan, Neil Butts 13 - @InclusionCA Senate Testimony, Human Rights, Employment, Krista Carr 12 - @ProjectSEARCHCa, @OCDSB, @OttawaHospital, Joshua Gray 11 - LiveWorkPlay Staff Team

On the occasion of the Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026 31st @LiveWorkPlay Anniversary, the 20th broadcast of The LiveWorkPlay News, the Top 26 of 2025-2026, recorded live at @Bayview_Yards. The broadcast was presented in three segments, this is the first, from #26-#21 (including Breaking News after #21). 26 – Chris and Bill out on the town. 25 – The Friday Night Zoom Crew gets together IRL! 24 – Ben the holiday elf. 23 – LiveWorkPlay draws a packed house at DWC 2025 with Anna Nelson, Mary Gusella, Keenan Wellar, Frank Fagan 22 – A blast from the past with “Maybe One Day” with Rick Kaulbars 21 – Jalynn, Sirus, and Crackerjack. BREAKING NEWS - @UnitedWayEO, Daniel Spagnolo

As we near the end of National Volunteer Week 2026 #NVW2026 we wanted to share this awesome moment of volunteer recognition with Bill Young! And of course the amazing Chris Jones! Good evening, everyone! My name is Rebecca Coxon, I am filling in for the wonderful Alex Darling to support our volunteer team while she is off on parental leave. I am here to present the Community Match and Volunteer Leadership awards. I’d like to share the story of a match that reminds us exactly why our efforts to bring people together in this way is so important. Bill and Chris have been matched for about a year now—and in that time, their friendship has grown through shared experiences, lots of laughter, and an impressive list of adventures – these two are always up to something! Whether it’s spending time at Bill’s cottage, working on woodworking projects, or heading out to events like Winterlude and Bluesfest—they’ve built an amazing connection. What really stands out is their friendship itself. The joy in spending time together, perhaps only their shared passion for ice cream ranks higher than their love for a good laugh. It’s been such a pleasure to watch their bond grow over the past year. Bill and Chris, thank you for sharing your stories and photos with us and bringing joy and laughter to each other’s lives. Please join me in congratulating Bill Young and Chris Jones as the recipients of the Community Match Award!

As we near the end of National Volunteer Week 2026 #NVW2026 we wanted to share this special moment from our Make A Buzz Ottawa 31st Anniversary Celebration on April 17th. Volunteer board members give their time, skills, and energy, mostly behind the scenes. This represents one of those rare opportunities to shine a light on their important work, thanks to this magnificent surprise orchestrated by a tiny group of staff and volunteers at @LiveWorkPlay and @UnitedWayEO The text below is not an official transcript, it was produced from speech-to-text of the live video recording. [Keenan Wellar, delivering a live broadcast of The LiveWorkPlay News] What's happening? [Anthony Stratton] Breaking news! [Keenan, holding up envelope marked "BREAKING NEWS"] This is not how this usually happens, so I am just going to read it, since we are all about the live news here. Oh...play theme music. [Theme plays] This is unprecedented. We've got radio and television personality Dylan Black, he's asked to deliver some breaking news on behalf of United Way East Ontario. Is everyone OK with that? OK then, the microphone is yours Mr. Black! [Applause] I do, in fact, have some breaking news that will be sure to surprise some of you. My name is Dylan Black. I’m a radio announcer serving Rockland and Hawkesbury, and I’m also the Fundraising Coordinator at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club. I’m also a member of the United Way East Ontario’s Volunteer Recognition Team, and I’ve been asked to present a Community Builder Award to a very deserving—and unsuspecting—attendee here today. United Way breaks down barriers, improves lives, and brings opportunities for tens of thousands of people across Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County, and Renfrew County. It is a unifying force that brings people, organizations, and resources together to understand and tackle tough social issues like poverty, eviction, youth homelessness, and more. As a matter of fact, United Way connects LiveWorkPlay with employers as part of the Employment Accessibility Resource Network to create equitable job opportunities here in Ottawa. Now, you may be asking yourself: what is a Community Builder Award? Well, it’s an award that celebrates people across our region who consistently go the extra mile to ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities get the help they need. Throughout the year, members of the public nominate outstanding community leaders, and together with United Way, we get a chance to surprise them during events like these. I’m about to say a name. So with that, it’s my—and United Way East Ontario’s—absolute pleasure to announce the name of… Daniel Spagnolo! [Audience cheering and applauding] Daniel is an exceptionally committed force in our inclusive employment movement, volunteering his time, expertise, and leadership to ensure that people with disabilities have real opportunities to work, belong, and thrive in our communities. Danny volunteers with LiveWorkPlay—the reason we are all here today—helping to build a more welcoming and inclusive Ottawa. Danny’s journey with LiveWorkPlay began as a founding member of its Employment Task Force, where he helped establish the Federal Employment Strategy Group. This initiative brings together managers within various governmental departments, human resource professionals, and community partners to expand inclusive employment practices across the federal public service. His work has directly contributed to the hiring of 230 people with disabilities into public service positions, a milestone recently highlighted in testimony before the Senate Committee on Human Rights. Now, beyond his systems-level work, Danny has brought the same dedication to LiveWorkPlay’s governance, serving on the board of directors for a decade, including multiple years as board chair. Danny’s colleagues describe him as a thoughtful, collaborative leader—someone who listens carefully, asks the right questions, and keeps the organization’s mission at the heart of every decision. Danny’s volunteer leadership has helped open doors that too many people have found closed for far too long. The United Way thanks Danny for his unwavering commitment to a more inclusive Ottawa, and for the lasting impact this work will continue to have on generations of people who want the chance to contribute and belong. Everybody together—congratulations, Danny! [Applause] Dan, I’m happy to share that your name will be added to the United Way’s permanent display in Ottawa City Hall, which is a tremendous honour. Your name will be added to the display forever, alongside other incredible volunteers, community builders, and local heroes. Once again, congratulations, Danny.

Thank you to all the of our incredible volunteers, we're so grateful for your time, care and commitment to welcoming and including people with intellectual disabilities, autistic people, and those with a dual-diagnosis in the Ottawa community. We appreciate you! - Alex Darling & Rebecca Coxon #NVW2026 Are you looking to connect with your community and make new friends? We’re always looking to add kind and fun-loving people to join our volunteer team. And we can tailor your experiences to your type of fun - from video games to hiking to theatre to coffee talk - there's a person or group of people who shares your interests! And it can be for a little bit of time or a lot. There’s a place for you here. Join us as a volunteer by contacting Rebecca Coxon - find contact info and learn more about specific opportunities from our friends at Volunteer Ottawa volunteerottawa.ca/member-profile…