The Southeast branch of the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW) is honouring Weyburn local Fred Sandeski for his work with the Community Low Income Center (CLIC).
Treasurer of Southeast SASW, Carrie Thorn Langer, describes Sandeski as a pillar in the community. He has a degree in social work that he achieved later in life, after health challenges forced him to find a new career path.
“Fred was, for many reasons, not able to get work with the government when he attempted to, but that didn't stop him. It actually, I think, made him more determined to help people. What Fred did is he started noticing holes in our community and filling them.”
Sandeski has run a non-profit organization in Weyburn for many years where he provided a free legal clinic, housing registry, budget counselling, and tax filing services.
“He had all kinds of things, he really supported any hole that he saw in the community and that's so admirable. He didn't take a wage for this. He did this out of the goodness of his heart.”
In recognition of Sandeski’s contributions, Southeast SASW has started a Random Acts of Kindness Challenge in his honour. This idea was sparked when Sandeski was forced to close his centre due to his declining health.
“But Fred being Fred, he wasn't just closing the center. What he was doing is working really hard with people and relationships he'd established in the community to roll over the services that he was providing to other people or agencies in our community. He didn't want to leave people hanging or without that support.”
Thorn Langer says Southeast SASW likes to call attention to unsung heroes in local communities saying, “the general community isn't necessarily aware of them because they don't call a lot of attention to themselves, they don't do it to get notoriety.”
They went on to begin the Random Acts of Kindness challenge in his name to reflect the good he has done in his community and his penchant for helping those in need.
Thorn Langer explains it started on their Facebook page, but everyone is encouraged to participate by performing an act of kindness.
“We encourage anyone in our community to go and do a random act of kindness. If they want to do that in Fred's name, either post on our Facebook page or people are welcome to send a message to myself.”
"Snap a picture, say something about what you've done, and we can make a post or share your post in honour of Fred because we really would love for this to grow and just really show Fred how much the community appreciates him.”
She also encourages that any other unsung heroes be brought to SASW’s attention, as they’re always looking to recognize the people that make the good things happen in our communities.