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Volunteers from labour community recognized

January 29, 2010

CAW Local 1520 receives Images of Hope award

Over 300 people attended United Way's annual Labour Appreciation Night on Thursday, January 28, 2010.

Labour Appreciation Night is United Way's opportunity to thank the labour community as a whole and to give special recognition to some of its most dedicated volunteers who help make United Way workplace campaigns so successful.

The evening was hosted by Patti Dalton, president of the London and District Labour Council and a member of the United Way of London & Middlesex Board of Directors. The London and District Building Trades Council and the London and District Labour Council provided financial support to help make the dinner event possible.

Unionized workers and workplaces are by far the largest contributors to United Way of London & Middlesex's annual Campaign – making up over 60% of the annual donations. The connection between labour and United Way is long-standing and strong.

The evening’s guest speaker was Ken Lewenza, national president of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW). He spoke about the importance of the relationship between United Way and the labour movement. He also spoke passionately about the importance of a strong manufacturing sector and the relationship between good-paying jobs and the ability to take care of ourselves and each other, including into retirement. “We need to continue to fight for a pension for all Canadians, one that will allow our seniors to live above the poverty level.”

Lewenza spoke about learning a valuable lesson after the bankruptcies in the auto industry: an industry he’s worked in since he was 18 years old and represents today. “I learned a lesson of complacency,” he said. “I was born with a soother in my mouth. I had a good job and good benefits. No one thought that was going to change. I took my pension plan for granted.” He encouraged the group to continue to work together. “Everyone in this room is here because they have compassion toward their community. By coming together, we can work for the best interest of all Canadians.”

Lewenza had the privilege of presenting the distinguished Images of Hope award. Considered a lifetime achievement, Images of Hope recognizes extraordinary effort that has demonstrated leadership and provided outstanding volunteer service to United Way and the community. This is the first time in the award’s history that it was given to a group versus an individual.

The 2009 recipient was CAW Local 1520.

The members and leaders of CAW Local 1520 have always shown they care about the communities they live in. Whenever there is need, CAW Local 1520 has always decided how best to be involved and provide help - one of the best ways was through United Way.

In addition to the Images of Hope award, 12 incredible individuals were recognized with the Labour Appreciation Awards to commend their outstanding volunteer service to United Way. Campaign Cabinet chair, Chirag Shah (PriceWaterhouseCoopers), vice-chair, John Black (CAW Local 27) and Dalton presented volunteer appreciation awards to:

Cindy Aquilina
Canadian Auto Workers Local 1520
Ford Motor Company of Canada

Laura O’Brien Fargnoli
Ontario Public Service Employees Union 144
Vanier Children’s Services

Mark Mooney
Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association
London District Catholic School Board

Ingrid Gillies
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
Ministry of Transportation

Jackie Henry
London Police Association
London Police Services

Dianna Cooper
Ontario Nurses’ Association
Middlesex Hospital Alliance

Lorraine Green-Speiran
CUPW
Canada Post

Antoinette Martin
University of Western Ontario Staff Association
The University of Western Ontario

Marilyn Robinson
Ontario Public Service Employees Union 109
Fanshawe College

Donna Thompson
Canadian Auto Workers Local 27
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada

Donna Robinson
Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation
Thames Valley District School Board

Rebecca Ruddy
Canadian Union of Public Employees
City of London


Each year, nominations for the labour appreciation awards are brought forward to the Labour Campaign Committee – a subcommittee of United Way's Campaign Cabinet.

The labour appreciation event and awards demonstrate the passion and commitment that everyday, hard-working people have for their community, and the people within it. United Way is proud of, and grateful for, our continued partnership with the labour community.