May 30, 2023

On May 3, 2023, Edward Lau, an Ontario Region Transportation Security Inspector and an active member of Transport Canada’s National Advisory Committee for Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities, and his wife Michelle, were awarded the Jim Turner Memorial Award for Outstanding Voluntarism from Community Living Toronto.

Community Living Toronto is a non-profit organization that fosters inclusive communities by supporting the rights and choices of people with an intellectual disability. Since 1948, the organization has been offering a wide range of services in support of people with an intellectual disability, and their families. Jim Turner, for whom this award is named, was a former President of the Board of Directors of Community Living Toronto and was one of organization’s strongest leaders, advocates, and friends.

Each year, Community Living Toronto holds a "Leaders in Philanthropy" event to presents awards in recognition of volunteers who support the work of the organization and have made an outstanding contribution that has affected the lives of the individuals they support and their families.

The Jim Turner Memorial Award for Outstanding Voluntarism is given to those who give back to their community with the precious gift of their time. This may be done through direct service, contribution on Community Living Toronto’s committees or other activities/events.

In the case of Edward and Michelle, they were recognized for their desire to give back and help a cause that they feel strongly about and have demonstrated their commitment to over the years. Edward began volunteering for Community Living Toronto in 2010 and joined the Board of Directors in 2013. Together, he and Michelle support many Developmental Sector initiatives, both as donors and volunteers. They are huge advocates for all people with disabilities, driven by their own family member, who has inspired them to do more.

Among the many volunteer activities across various organizations far beyond just Community Living Toronto that Edward and Michelle have been involved in, they were also nominated for the work that they have done at their ME & Lau Family Foundation. Through this foundation, Edward and Michelle raise funds to support charitable organizations that provide services to people with intellectual disabilities, and the sector, in the Greater Toronto Area. Their foundation has funded and organized many outstanding initiatives such as a scholarship program, an income tax filing clinic for people with low incomes and families of people with intellectual disabilities, as well as their music concert for people with intellectual disabilities Learn more about Edward and Michelle’s foundation.

Michelle and Edward are inspired to be part of the Community Living Toronto team, fighting for inclusion, and feeling a sense of belonging; knowing that they are making a difference. For them belonging is "being treasured, being part of the team, being part of the organization and being recognized for what you have done no matter how big or small." They note that "the concept of inclusion is important for our sector and people of all abilities, their voices and opinions are important. Planning is important, when done collectively and everyone gets involved."

Community Living Toronto’s vision is: A society where everyone belongs. A society where everyone is valued. Edward and Michelle’s actions have embodied this vision through their commitment to using whatever resources are available to them to make people’s life better.

Congratulations on your award Edward & Michelle!

(Source: Transport Canada Ontario Region Article - People Stories. May 30, 2023 - RDIMS#19523849)

• Jim Turner was one of Community Living Toronto’s strongest leaders, advocates, and friends.

• Jim was President of the Board of Directors not once, but twice.

• When the Association celebrated its 50th Anniversary 25 years ago, the decision was made to create an Association Volunteer of the Year Award.

• It’s very first recipient was Jim Turner.

• When Jim passed away in 2010 – his loss was felt across the organization and sector.

•  In 2011 and after much discussion on how to memorialize Jim’s incredible legacy as a volunteer, donor, and advocate, the Association Volunteer of the Year Award was renamed the Jim Turner Award for Outstanding Voluntarism

Community Living Toronto (https://cltoronto.ca) and our 75th Anniversary. 

Celebrating 75 years of belonging, Community Living Toronto has long been a source of support for people with an intellectual disability and their families. 

CLTO is reflecting on how far it has come over the past 75 years through stories on how important it is for people with an intellectual disability to feel that they belong in their community.

Since 1948, CLTO has provided the tools and support needed for every person in our community to live well and independently.

Community Living Toronto is proud to support over 4,000 individuals and their families in more than 80 locations across Toronto.

The "community living movement" began with families who wanted their children to live in the community rather than institutions. Today, Community Living Toronto continues to advocate for inclusive communities and support the rights and choices of people with intellectual disabilities. 

If more information/messaging is needed, please feel free to pass along the link to our 75th Anniversary webpage: https://cltoronto.ca/75th-anniversary/