We are excited to launch our latest fundraising campaign with Empire Company Limited and its trusted brands like Sobeys, Safeway, and Foodland. From June 11 to 21, 2026, Empire Company Limited will match donations made in-store to a maximum of $500,000. This means your $2 donation has the power of $4, so let's double our impact together!
This powerful partnership is rooted in a deep respect for diversity and the celebration of unique abilities in the workplace. Today, we are putting the spotlight on the Special Olympics Ontario athletes who work within the Empire Company Limited family. Let's explore their inspiring journeys and see how the valuable lessons they have learned through Special Olympics help them shine every single day.
Meet Kristen, a dedicated and friendly face in her community. For the past seven and a half years, she has been a valued team member at the Sobeys located at Mayfield and Hurontario.
Her favourite part of the day is taking pride in keeping her department clean while sharing positive interactions with co-workers and customers alike.
Being a Special Olympics athlete has been a fantastic journey that extends well beyond sports. It has given her the confidence to thrive in the workplace and the courage to ask for help whenever she needs it. Through her involvement, she has built strong connections, made many new friends, and truly embraced the power of teamwork.
Meet Luke, adedicated and experienced team member who has been a staple at the Paris Sobeys since 2008. Over his many years at the store, he has found his favourite tasks to be carefully stacking fresh fruit and veggies for display. He also enjoys filling bags of sweet treats like caramel popcorn and jujubes, along with taking care of various cleaning duties to keep the store looking its best. His involvement in Special Olympics has been a huge part of his personal growth.
Through his time with the organization, Luke has learned how to better understand instructions for different tasks and communicate more clearly with those around him. Most beautifully, it has shaped him into an active and passionate encourager of others, both in sports and at work.
Meet Yanhong, a joyful and hardworking face at the Amherstburg Sobeys. She joined the team a year ago through a Community Living Essex program and successfully turned that opportunity into a permanent role. Yanhong loves keeping her department organized and making sure every customer leaves with a smile.
Outside of work, Yanhong is an extraordinary multi sport athlete. Having participated in everything from curling to rhythmic gymnastics for over two decades, she deeply understands teamwork and dedication. She is a passionate cheerleader for others and loves to encourage the athletes at the back of the pack. Her active lifestyle keeps her physically ready for the daily demands of her job. Driven by inspiring perseverance, Yanhong never quits and will always finish whatever she starts.
Meet Kara, a valued employee who brings positivity to the Simcoe Sobeys, where she has worked for 11 wonderful years. Her favourite aspect of her job is the sense of belonging. She feels truly accepted for the person she is, surrounded by a team of incredibly supportive coworkers.
Being a Special Olympics athlete has been completely transformative for Kara. It has given her the confidence to believe in herself at work and beyond. She serves as a beautiful reminder that a learning disability is no barrier to success, proving every day that she can accomplish whatever she sets her mind to.
These remarkable stories from Kristen, Luke, Yanhong and Kara perfectly illustrate the power of inclusion and the incredible impact our athletes have in their workplaces. Their dedication, teamwork, and positive energy remind us exactly why this partnership with Empire Company Limited is so deeply meaningful.
To stay updated on this campaign, celebrate our athletes, and see more behind the scenes moments, don't forget to follow @SpecialOlympicsOntario on Facebook and Instagram.