We always try to post some seasonal end-of-year message that is straightforwardly heart-warming. This year's post is inspired by the memory of an event we organized in December, 2002 — the Michael Prue Dream Banana Bread Event. My memory of it was jogged by attending a book launch in September for Minding Our Own Businesses - A Story of Abilities. The book tells the story of the founding and growth of a variety of social enterprises involving intellectually challenged young adults. Carolyn Lemon tells the particular story of Lemon & Allspice Cookery, the enterprise involved in the Banana Bread Project, here. You can listen to some of the Lemon & Allspice Cookery participants in the video below.
It is enough to say that the book launch was very moving. I had brought along some of the pictures we found in our archives. I gave one of them to Kirk and chatted briefly with him. Looking at the photograph, he told me how much he had enjoyed the event and asked me if we were planning any more events because he would love to take part. He insisted on giving me his phone number. I asked him if he was still working at Lemon & Allspice. He said no, that he now had a job working at Loblaws as a "buggy boy." He clearly missed working with food.
While Lemon & Allspice has moved from our neighbourhood, there are other similar enterprises here. One of them is A-Way Express, a courier service that uses public transit and provides meaningful and supportive employment to survivors of mental health challenges. A friend has worked there for some time and is featured in their video below.
At this time of year, when conventional business seems unable to find any room at the inn, it's nice to see social enterprises like these surviving and prospering. They have a lesson for all of us. Merry Christmas.
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