The Ability First Coalition is proud to announce that its keynote speaker for the Ability First Champion Awards banquet is a man who embodies the term champion in every sense of the word -- David Patchell-Evans.
The founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness will present the keynote address at the event, to be held on Nov. 10, 2017 at the Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn and Conference Centre, in London, ON.
"We're thrilled to announce that David Patchell-Evans will be on hand to share his perspective with the attendees," explained Lesley Oliver, co-chair of the Ability First Coalition. "Patchell-Evans' message of positivity and perseverance, combined with this long-standing support of those with disabilities both through his clubs and his charitable work, make him the ideal representative of what the Ability First Coalition strives to promote."
In addition to being the founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness, Patchell-Evans founded the GoodLife Kids Foundation, and co-founded the Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group (in his daughter's name), to which he has contributed more than $5 million to work towards finding the cause and a cure for autism. He has also pledged $5 million towards building the GoodLife Fitness Family Autism Hub in Richmond, B.C.
"GoodLife Fitness is headquartered in London, ON, and we strongly believe that Patchell-Evans is an example of what all of us, as Londoners, can do to make a positive impact on the community," Oliver added. "Changing attitudes, disproving stereotypes and misconceptions, and laying the foundation for a more inclusive working community doesn't take millions of dollars -- it starts with each and every one of us making a difference in our workplaces and community."
The Ability First Champion awards recognize businesses and individuals who work diligently to promote the foundational ideals of Ability First -- promoting the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, hiring and retaining people with disabilities, and supporting people in their efforts to obtain meaningful employment.
To learn more about the awards and to register to attend the event, please visit abilityfirst.ca.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2017-ability-first-coalition-champion-awards...
