In addition to participating in the building of a more inclusive society, the Association d’intégration communautaire Edmundston-Madawaska (AICEM) believes in the importance of never underestimating the impact that a meaningful experience can have on one’s life. AICEM is a partner of Inclusion NB.
Simon Pelletier of Edmundston, age 60, is autistic. He recently became involved in a fundraising activity where volunteers packed the groceries at IGA Extra Marché, owned by Donat Thériault.
Simon rose to the challenge brilliantly. “Before I went to the grocery store, I felt trapped inside myself, and I was afraid of people. I had to try my luck and show courage.”
Tina Lizotte, Inclusion NB’s Community Planning Coordinator, who supports Simon, and was delighted, to see this. “Simon’s courage was magical.”
During the afternoon, Simon worked with a community member, Cindy Oakes, who made him quickly feel comfortable in this new environment. Once Simon completed his shift, he loved the experience and wishes to repeat it!
“I enjoyed working with Cindy. She was kind, saw that I was having a bit of a struggle and encouraged me. I really liked it,” says Simon.
Oakes believes that including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities develops empathy, patience, listening and tolerance – all values that should be part of everyone’s daily life.
“While I was working with Simon, his eyes were shining. We both felt valued and important,” she says.
This experience for Simon went beyond fundraising and demonstrates how a simple gesture to include him helps ignite the spark needed to create a society when everyone’s contributions are valued.
