Celebrating Inclusion and Accessibility at the IDPWD Holiday Breakfast in Halifax
“At the Governor's House, we had a great time decorating the Christmas tree and eating delicious cookies with our friends from L'Arche Halifax and L'Arche Antigonish. It was a special and fun day!”
- Ana Mendes Ferraro
We're thrilled to share the heartwarming experiences of our very own Core Members - Cameron, Johanna, Nonie, and our dedicated Program Assistants - who had the pleasure of attending the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) Holiday Breakfast in Halifax on December 1, 2023.
The morning kicked off with an inclusive celebration centered around the theme "Human rights: the foundation for a Quality-of-Life Index for Persons with Disabilities." The event opened with a land acknowledgment and remarks by Minister Brad Johns, setting the stage for a day dedicated to recognizing and honouring the rights of individuals with disabilities. Halifax Regional Municipality Deputy Mayor, Cathy Deagle Gammon made a proclamation for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Mayor Mike Savage’s behalf. You can view Mayor Savage’s proclamation here: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/diversity-inclusion/international-day-people-disabilities
Our friends enjoyed a delightful breakfast, followed by an enlightening presentation by guest speaker Amanda MacKenzie, National Director, External Affairs for March of Dimes Canada. Amanda provided valuable insights into the Canada Disability Benefit, offering a glimpse into its potential impact on enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
The morning continued with updates from NSLEO’s Executive Director, Sherry Costa-Lorenz and Dr. Tammy Bernasky on Nova Scotia's first Quality-of-Life Index for Persons with Disabilities. The event ended with the presentation of the Claredon Robicheau Lifetime Community Award, a powerful recognition of individuals who have showcased unwavering commitment and passion in improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities. It was a moment of celebration and gratitude for those who have dedicated themselves to fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.
Our friends from L'Arche Homefires extended their day beyond the breakfast by spreading joy at the Government House with our friends from L’Arche Antigonish and L’Arche Halifax, actively participating in decorating the Christmas tree in the Drawing Room. Her Honour, Mrs. Patsy LeBlanc, was an incredibly sweet and welcoming host, engaging with each and every member. It was great to see old friends and make new ones too. The L’Arche Homefires group is undoubtedly looking forward to the next IDPWD Holiday Breakfast.
