DRNBC Celebration of Excellence Awards
2025 Awardees
The Disability Resource Network of BC is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Celebration of Excellence Awards, recognizing those who go above and beyond in empowering students with disabilities through education, employment, and community support.
Corporate Award: London Drugs
DRNBC proudly presents the 2025 Corporate Award to five London Drugs locations for their unwavering commitment to inclusive employment practices. Through a supportive and empowering approach, these stores have made a meaningful impact:
- Coquitlam Centre
- Guildford Town Centre
- Lougheed Town Centre
- Maple Ridge (Valley Fair Mall)
- Richmond (Ironwood Plaza)
Kiren Uppal and Brittany Casey from the Douglas College VEST Department shared: “They have created a safe and supportive learning environment for our VEST students… Their ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace has been instrumental in helping our students build confidence and develop valuable skills for their future careers.”
Student voices echo this impact: “I have gained a boost of confidence… I know that I can count on my awesome manager or co-workers.”
— Evan Bissoondatt, Retail and Business Services Program (Guildford Town Centre)
“London Drugs is a fantastic place to work. Their open, friendly, and overall positive environment helps to make it a very enjoyable place to be. The people who work there always make me smile, always willing to help. I will always look back on my experience working there with fondness.”
— Kaela Duffield, Career and Employment Preparation Program (Maple Ridge)
The consistent efforts of these five London Drugs locations have made them a valued partner and an exemplary leader in accessibility and inclusion.
Program Award: Brittany Casey
DRNBC is thrilled to recognize Brittany Casey of Douglas College’s VEST Program with the 2025 Program Award. Nominated by Meaghen Taylor-Reid of PLAN, Brittany stands out as a compassionate educator who champions the academic and personal growth of her students.
“Brittany Casey has been instrumental in supporting my daughter Kaela Duffield last fall. Brittany has a unique and compassionate way to help her students feel seen, heard and supported so they can discover their own true greatness and gain confidence in their abilities and contributions to society.
With Brittany’s support and encouragement Kaela has discovered her strengths, developed her interpersonal communication skills, and her ability to self advocate. She has helped Kaela to see future possibilities for herself that she may have never imagined before.”
— Karen Duffield, parent of a student
With ten years in inclusive education, Brittany continues to collaborate with college departments and community organizations, supporting students beyond the classroom and fostering lasting relationships and opportunities.