MWAA

A Cause for Hope

Common Ground Co-operative is a Toronto-based charity whose mission is to empower adults with developmental disabilities to lead meaningful lives. I came to know this wonderful organization because my adult niece, Rita, has Down Syndrome. A disorder that might have spelled a very bleak future for her. Thankfully, the Common Ground Co-operative has developed a structured program where adults like her work in a business. In fact, are part owners of the business and enjoy the title of partner. So Rita is now a part owner of a coffee shop in Toronto called The Coffee Shed. Thanks to Common Ground, Rita and hundreds of others like her, have found purpose and happiness as active contributors to their community. And, that’s why I work as hard as I can to help raise money for this charity.

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The Mark Winkler Achievement Award

Opening the Door to Make a Difference

When I learned that Common Ground was having difficulty winning government grants and needed funding support, I knew I had to help. I had previously dabbled in repairing computers. The people whose computers I repaired were constantly looking for ways to compensate me for my time. And, while I was grateful for their occasional gifts, they were unnecessary since computers are my passion, and I did the work as much for my gratification as for their benefit.

But what if my clients’ desire to compensate me could be channeled into something more than just sending me theater tickets or restaurant gift cards? What if I told them they could pay me back by donating to Common Ground? Whenever and in whatever amount they desired.

Well, I did just that. And the results exceeded my most optimistic expectations. Not only did Common Ground benefit, but I also learned a precious lesson: by opening the door and giving people the opportunity to contribute and make a difference, beautiful things happen.

A Rare and Beautiful Moment

In late 2014, I experienced a rare and beautiful moment that left me filled with pride yet truly humbled. Common Ground had instituted an award to be presented yearly to the individual partner who has most embodied outstanding performance and achievement. And so, on a cold November day in Toronto, I had the honor to present “The Mark Winkler Achievement Award” to its first recipient. Having the award named for me made very, very grateful. It was one of those special moments I wish my parents were alive to see. I would have loved to have shared it with them.

MWA Paul

2015 Mark Winkler Achievement Award Winner, Paul.

MWA Alexandria

2016 Mark Winkler Achievement Award Winner, Alexandria.

MWA Julie

2017 Mark Winkler Achievement Award Winner, Julie.

MWA Nazia

2018 Mark Winkler Achievement Award Winner, Nazia.

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2019 Mark Winkler Achievement Award Winner, Amy.

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2020 Mark Winkler Achievement Award Winner, Rita.

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2021 Mark Winkler Achievement Award Winner, Kevin.

Maddie Stratton MWA 2022

2022 Mark Winkler Achievement Award Winner, Maddie.

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2023 Mark Winkler Achievement Award Winner, Annie.

A Creative Format to Present the Award – Baking with Chef Mark

I was down in North Carolina when the 2022 meeting was being held and could not attend. I would have to Zoom in. On the day of the annual meeting, I was sweating about what to do for the presentation. It would obviously have to be a video

My friend Bob whom I was visiting functioned as scriptwriter, cameraman, and props, I was the actor, and his lovely wife Linda pitched in with costumes and teleprompter (she held up an iPad, so I could read my lines … after all, the script was just written 30 minutes before). Filming was done in 30 minutes, and editing in another 30 minutes. The video was uploaded just in time for the award presentation at the annual meeting in Toronto. By the way, the winner was well-known for her brownies.

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