“Welcome to the Family”: Leonka’s Disability Employment Awareness Month Success Story at Sobeys

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the skills, talents, and contributions that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities bring to the workplace. While employment rates for people with intellectual disabilities in Canada remain low—just 28%—Special Olympics athletes are breaking barriers with a 44% employment rate. This progress reflects both the determination of our athletes and the impact of Special Olympics programs, which build confidence, teamwork, and life skills that translate far beyond sport. Each week this month, we’re spotlighting athletes who are not only thriving on the playing field, but also making a meaningful impact in their workplaces and communities. 

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“I’m a fan of hers,” said Marilyn, Leonka’s independent living practitioner, “but I think that Chantelle—her boss—is almost as big of a cheerleader for Leonka as I am.”

Describing herself as “more of a supportive roommate”, Marilyn first took in Leonka when she was as little as nine years old, through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. Over the years, many people in the community have come to see them as mother and daughter.

While in high school, Leonka befriended people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) like her own. Some of those students talked about how much they enjoyed participating in Special Olympics, which is what made her so eager to join.

“It’s because we could make new friends,” Leonka said, “learn new skills, and just feel like you’re included. When you’re there, no one judges you, they just include you.”

Now 41 years old, the Sobeys employee and self-advocate is still enjoying her decision to join Special Olympics. A local 5-pin bowling team was Leonka’s first foray into the organization, and getting to experience such an inclusive space gave her a level of peace she didn’t know before. While Leonka has branched off to other sports, she had to stop participating in some like Athletics due to a stubborn MCL injury. However, she finds comfort in always being able to fall back on her teammates and coaches at 5-pin bowling.

Outside of the physical activity and lifelong network of friends, Special Olympics also helped Leonka find a job.

“It was 7 years ago,” Leonka recalled, “Special Olympics was at Sobeys doing their in-store fundraising campaign, and they liked how I was performing during the campaign as a volunteer. At the end they offered me a job.” 

As she and Marilyn explained, Leonka was one of three athletes helping her local Sobeys store promote their annual Special Olympics fundraiser. While Empire Family of Brands—the company that owns the Sobeys grocery chain—is a proud national partner of Special Olympics, it was actually the management of that local store who made it clear that they wanted to hire an athlete.

“We turned the paperwork in,” Marilyn added, “and their message was ‘welcome to the family’. And she’s still there!”

Leonka does a lot of things to help keep her store operating smoothly. Every hour, she gathers the various shopping carts and baskets that customers leave around the checkout area, and returns them to the corral at the entrances. Leonka takes pride in helping maintain a clean store, while helping clean any spills and other accidental messes. Whenever customers want to return something or ask for a price check, she is there to handle that as well.

“If something is not registering in the till,” Leonka explained, “I go to where it is, and bring the price check so they can write it down.”

An example would be if someone wanted to buy a can of soup that was missing its price tag, Leonka would go to canned soup aisle and find that exact product, so she can come back with an official price. She also exchanges items, for instance helping a customer replace a bruised apple for one that is fresh enough to take home. Listening to Leonka talk about her various duty at Sobeys, it is clear she enjoys doing the best she can at her job.

“I wrap flowers—people buy flowers in the store. When it’s summer we put out dishes in front of our stores, and if they haven’t done it yet, I fill them with water for the dogs.”

Marilyn said the store’s management have been incredibly accommodating of her, with Leonka adding that she feels appreciated by both staff and customers who never look down on her.

“A few months after she started,” Marilyn said, “Leonka had major surgery on her ear—hearing aids put in—and she was worried to tell her managers. They told her to take off the time she needed for the surgery, and Leonka’s boss gave her his number so she could keep him posted.”

Leonka’s boss Chantelle—who owns the Sobeys alongside her husband—even went to the Special Olympics Canada Games Calgary 2024 with her and Marilyn to show support. Marilyn said that, when it comes to Special Olympics events, Chantelle and her husband encourage Leonka to take off whatever time she needs. Because they realize how important the organization is for their community.

“It’s the Cinderella story,” Marilyn said, “her getting that job.”

“It’s because of Special Olympics.” Leonka added.

“It’s just boosted her self-esteem so much more,” Marilyn said, “working where she’s valued and appreciated.”