Humboldt Sobeys is always a bustling centre in the community, but on June 15, it was the site of a special celebration for owners Dave and JoAnn Doepker to mark their receiving the Canadian Association for Supported Employment's 2023 Mark Wafer Award for Business Excellence. The award celebrates inclusive hiring practices that change the lives of workers and provide untold benefits to businesses and communities.  

Included in the celebration were representatives from SARC, Humboldt and District Community Service (HDCS), who helps coordinate work placement and hiring, Sobey’s staff members, friends, and loyal Sobeys customers.  

A release from the agencies points out that Dave and JoAnn Doepker are pillars in the community of Humboldt in many ways. When it comes to inclusive hiring, they have collaborated with community-based organizations and SARC Member Humboldt District Community Services and as a result have hired 17 people who experience disability over the past 20 years. Not only do they practice inclusive hiring within their business, they also encourage others in the community to do the same, as they fully understand the benefits of hiring inclusively. 

“I think it’s like anything in business; it’s a journey and it’s something that evolves,” said Dave Doepker during the gathering at Sobeys Humboldt. “We’d been doing it (inclusive hiring) for years, but as we got involved with HDCS, we came to a real conscious decision to try to make a difference in people’s lives.” 

Doepker said no matter the outcomes, whether people remain in their business or move on to other employment, inclusive hiring is something the Doepkers intend to continue doing until they’re done working.  

“It’s definitely not just Dave and I,” added JoAnn Doepker. “Literally, we could not do it without everyone in the store.” 

Sobeys award staff

Niamh Menz, supported employment coordinator for HDCS, shared the organization's perspective on the award.  

“I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Dave and Joanne, by echoing the sentiments this award holds in recognition of their work on inclusion, and to thank them deeply for their support of our program. This relationship of twenty years has gone from strength to strength. They’re not only working partners and mentors, but they’re friends.” 

One of those employees is Riley Richels who has been with Humboldt Sobeys since 2017 

“Working here has been so good for me. I am not treated differently, and everyone is treated with respect and as equals. This gives me independence and a feeling of self-worth. Without Dave and Sobeys, I would not be the person or where I am today.” 

SARC Program Manager and Trainer Lisa Malowany added comments on behalf of her organization about the award.  

“This award recognizes outstanding businesses that have made significant contributions to the promotion of full citizenships and personal capacity for persons with disabilities through the facilitation of increased labour market participation. We could think of no one more deserving than Dave and JoAnn for this award. “ 

The award was presented to the Doepkers at the World Association for Supported Employment event in Vancouver where Dave and JoAnn had the pleasure of speaking to 650 delegates.  

It’s the support of the Doepkers, their management and staff, and the wonderful employees that have made the Humboldt Sobeys a pleasure for their shoppers. With an eye to spreading the positive and supportive attitude throughout the community, the award winners seek to carry on that tradition for years to come.