When Community Living Sarnia-Lambton calls, Amgad Kiwan answers.
“Anything urgent, everybody has my cellphone,” said the pharmacist and owner at Sarnia Pharmacy.
Since 2009, he has helped provide medication administration training for Community Living employees, responded when emergencies arise, made regular visits at the residences the agency has for people with disabilities and conducted medication reviews, said Shannon Grimme, a supervisor at two of the agency’s residences .
“Amgad has gone out of his way to ensure that we have direct access to him 24/7, even on holidays, when I’m sure he’d much rather be focusing on his family than work,” she said in prepared remarks.
“That is commitment.”
Grimme nominated Kiwan for this year’s Hero Awardwhich recognizes organizations and people for contributing to more inclusive communities.
Asked why he’s continued with his commitment to Community Living over the years, he said it’s a good thing to do.
“I like to work with these people,” said Kiwan, who moved to Canada from Egypt with his family in 2005.
Kiwan is “a real gift to Community Living and all our residents and staff,” said Community Living Sarnia-Lambton executive director John Hagens.
“He comes out any time and is able to be consulted with any time,” he said, noting Kiwan also knows most staff and residents by name.
“So that’s a phenomenal gift to us and well beyond the day to day calling you would expect from any pharmacist,” Hagens said.
Kiwan’s award was part of the return of Community Living’s Mayor’s Luncheon at the Royal Canadian Legion branch May 19 in Sarnia after three years off because of COVID-19.
“We still have (a) ways to go … but the more we support (people with disabilities) and include them in employment activities, the more we become an inclusive community for everyone,” Hagens said.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley was recognized previously for his role in supporting the cause.
There has been progress, but there needs to be more, Bradley said.
“We need to get governments to move quicker and faster on doing the things they need to do,” he said.