An Amerstview man has earned his first workplace award after more than 20 years of helping others.

Brad Haffie, 43, smiles when informed he is the Employee of the Month for March 2022 at Helen Henderson Care Centre in Amherstview where he has worked as a Personal Support Worker for the past 16 years.

“I love my job,” he says in mid-February from the popular retirement lodge and long-term care home. “I love making the residents laugh and having fun with them. I like helping the staff, too.”

Brad knew at an early age that he wanted to go into health care. He estimates he has been helping people with their health care needs since he was 15.

At the long-term care home, Brad assists 104 residents with their daily living such as meals, baths, and personal care.

When he’s not at work, Brad can be found walking his dogs, hiking or enjoying day trips around the province. When he was younger, his family used to organize the Terry Fox Run/Walk in Napanee to celebrate the cancer Brad beat when he was four years old.

Asked to describe himself, he uses words such as outgoing and says he is always willing to lend a hand. “I’ll pretty much do anything for anybody,” he says with a smile.

As for his dreams, Brad is content with the current trajectory of his life.

“I don’t know if I have any dreams,” he admits thoughtfully. “I love coming into work every day. Someday I’d like to retire with a few bucks in my pocket…. Maybe win the lottery. My dream is to help people, be there for somebody. I’m living my dream, I guess.”