Inspirations Celebrates 10 years of success

Inspirations Newspaper welcomed over 100 friends, colleagues, and supporters to the Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton Schools in NDG on the afternoon of February 22 to celebrate 10 years of service to the special needs community. Everyone in attendance had one thing in common – working together to break down barriers and promote the inclusion of people with special needs.

The event showcased Innovative vocational programs, and the talents of people with special needs. Lunch was catered by Summit School’s TECC Bistro, a full-fledged catering enterprise. Approximately 40 students were involved in the food preparation and service, providing them with invaluable work experience. Renowned recording artist Martha Wainwright sang with the Mackay Centre School Choir, made up of 10 Grade 4 students, one of which is her son! Master of ceremonies Steven Atme kept the event running smoothly. Steven is a columnist for Inspirations, speaks to students across the island of Montreal about living with autism, and runs his own music school, Creaversity.

Guests enjoyed a stunning art exhibition featuring the work of Wagar Adult Education Social Integration Students (SIS) before the luncheon. Floral arrangements were provided by Summit School’s Tecc Flora. Special gift bags included handmade soaps made by SIS students at Galileo Adult Education Centre’s School of Sudz, candles made by Light a Dream, 10^th anniversary notepads made by Summit School’s Copy and Print Centre, and a card made by JEM worker Lisa Kessler. The bags were packaged by JEM Workshop.

“In a time of a shrinking print publication market, Inspirations Newspaper is thriving,” said Inspirations’ Editor Mike Cohen. “We are very proud of our accomplishments, and for our service to the special needs community over the past 10 years.”

The event was a huge success, bringing the community together to see the possibilities when we all work together towards the same mission.

Special thanks to the English Montreal School Board for supporting the work of Inspirations, The Mackay Centre and Philip E. Layton Schools, RBC’s Côte Saint-Luc and Coronation, and Cavendish and Kildare branches, and Provigo Saint-Jacques for sponsoring the event.