For many years, Robert Burroughs worked in the restaurant industry. Though he officially retired a few years ago, he decided to use the skills he learned in his past position as a dishwasher to help make a difference at the South Calgary Health Centre.
Earlier this year, Burroughs began volunteering with Alberta Health Services (AHS) every Wednesday afternoon. He is responsible for washing and disinfecting the therapeutic toys used by the Speech Language Pathologists who work with children.
To ensure the toys are properly cleaned and safe for use, Burroughs must follow a very detailed process that involves several steps. He is always wearing gloves, and uses two sinks, hot water, soap, rinse water, disinfectant, more rinse water, and paper towels to put under the toys while they air dry.
From his experience in the restaurant industry, Burroughs is familiar with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and knows how important it is to adhere to all health and safety standards. As a volunteer for AHS, Burroughs takes great care to reduce the spread of germs.
According to a South Calgary Health Centre volunteer, Burroughs is one of the best toy washing volunteers they have ever had. Community Resource Worker (CRW) Bonny Johannson agrees that working at Montana’s has made him a fantastic volunteer, and calls this his “encore career.”
“He is using those same skills from the restaurant industry in this position, and he really does like working there,” Johannson shared. “Many people there greet him, and are grateful for the work he is doing.”
Burroughs confirmed that he is enjoying his new volunteer position with AHS, and would like to continue helping out there for some time. According to Johannson, the role is a perfect fit for Burroughs.
“Robert has all the skills to do a good job, the desire to help out, and the health and safety knowledge he needs to keep himself and others safe.”
We were also able to purchase a block of tickets for DDRC clients to attend the Picture This…Film Festival (PTFF). This festival showcases films that are about disability as well as films that were produced, directed or written by people with disabilities. With over 43 films of various lengths and topics, there is something for everyone. 
Madison Fleming loves to dance. In fact, some may even say it’s in her blood. Her great-grandmother was a dancer, and Madison has used her natural talent to explore different styles of dance over the years.
During the month of February, Madison hosted five belly dancing workshops at the DDRC because she wanted to share her knowledge with other clients and staff. “It was a lot easier because I know everybody and [they] caught on really well,” Madison said. “I also have a really good instructor who explains it to me really well, so I was able to explain it to them.”