Celebrating Solidarity: 2024 Labour Appreciation Awards Night Honors Community Champions and Raises Critical Funds
On Tuesday, May 27, the spirit of solidarity soared once again as United Way Elgin Middlesex and Labour United hosted the annual Labour Appreciation Awards Night, this year held at the historic Jet Aircraft Museum in London. With nearly 100 guests in attendance—including labour advocates, supporters, donors, and families—the evening served as both a heartfelt celebration and a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together in service of our community.
Nine dedicated labour members and advocates were recognized for their outstanding contributions throughout 2024, each nominated by peers for their commitment to social justice and their efforts to help local people overcome barriers to a better life. These recipients exemplify the values of solidarity, compassion, and action that define the labour movement.
Guests were inspired by keynote speaker Elyssa Rose, Executive Director of the Women’s Rural Resource Centre. Rose shared powerful insights about the New Beginnings Loan Fund, a vital initiative that helps women and children escape cycles of familial abuse and rebuild their lives.
“Applying for the New Beginnings Loan is not just a transaction, it’s an act of courage. Without your support we cannot turn words into promises, promises into actions.”
In a new addition to the event, guests took part in a silent auction— in support of the New Beginnings Loan Fund. In 2024 alone, 128 women and children found support through this fund, thanks in part to the ongoing leadership and generosity of the labour community.
“We are truly thankful for each and every member of the labour community,” said Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex. “Time and again, they show up—putting the needs of others before their own and helping build a more compassionate, equitable region.”
Thank you to everyone who attended, nominated, donated, and supported. We are stronger together—and we can’t wait to see what we achieve next.
In solidarity, united.
See more photos from the event on our Facebook page.
Congratulations to this year’s Labour Appreciation Award recipients:
Patti Dalton
retired OSSTF, current LDLC president
Images of Hope, Lifetime Achievement Award
Patti is an educator, both inside and outside the classroom. She is a proud member of OSSTF, having taught English as a Secondary School Teacher from 1989 to 2022. For those of us who know her, it is no surprise that her teaching is from a social justice perspective. She co-founded EDGE, Educators for Gender Equity, a southwest regional group of educators who did pioneering work on equity in curriculum and equity policies and procedures from 1991 to 1995. She was part of the writing team at the London Board of Education for the first equity curriculum document 1990 to1994. In her union activism, she chaired the OSSTF Status of Women Committee from 1990 to1994 and continues to serve on the OSSTF Political Action Committee. She has served on local NDP Executive Boards and ran as an Ontario NDP candidate in the 2003 provincial election. Patti has been a delegate to the London and District Labour Council since 1996. In 2008, she was elected the President of LDLC and still serves in that role today.
Rebecca Avey
CUPE Local 7575, TVDSB EAs and Student Support Supervisor
Labour Appreciation Award Winner
Rebecca is the President of CUPE Local 7575 and a tireless activist for the community. Rebecca is dedicated to her members, providing guidance, direction, and a shoulder to lean on at all hours of the day, ready to jump in and help anyone in need. She works collaboratively with other locals and unions to better working conditions and our community as a whole, including being at the forefront of organizing and leading local initiatives during the 2022 labour protest against the Ford government. Rebecca does not hesitate to stand up for what is right. This tenacity extends to strengthening and expanding membership for CUPE Local 7575, organizing and protecting more workers and welcoming them with open arms, creating space, a home, and protection for many.
Amy Stark
OPSEU Local 109, Fanshawe College Support Staff
Labour Appreciation Award Winner
Amy is a member of OPSEU Local 109 and is deeply committed to social justice and community engagement. Amy is not unfamiliar with United Way as she is a dedicated volunteer and Champion for Fanshawe College. She actively advocates for meaningful change and supports initiatives that improve the lives of others. Amy takes part in hands-on community-building efforts such as painting women’s shelters and visiting community organizations in efforts to create safe and welcoming spaces for those in need. Her passion for service and social responsibility makes her an invaluable contributor to creating a more just and equitable society. Amy never fails to go above and beyond, bringing infectious energy, enthusiasm, and inspiration in everything she does for the community.
Christine Firby
Unifor Loacl 27, 3M
Labour Appreciation Award Winner
Christine is a member of Unifor Local 27 and is unwavering in her commitment and genuine care for the community. Christine’s commitment to safety goes beyond her professional responsibilities as the London Plant Safety Union Representative. She consistently demonstrates her passion for ensuring a safe working environment, always prioritizing the wellbeing of her colleagues. Christine is a pillar of the community within the plant – always first to volunteer for initiatives that foster a sense of unity and support others. She exemplifies selfless efforts to enhance the community and inspires everyone around her to strike for a supportive environment.
Dario Novoa
CUPE Local 107, City of London
Labour Appreciation Award Winner
Dario is a member of CUPE Local 107 and is truly dedicated to an inclusive community. Dario is the founder of Simple Reflections for Artists, a volunteer-run collective of diverse artists that works in partnership with local venues with a mandate of fusion culture and community through the visual and performing arts. Dario acts as an intermediary between artists and organizers, providing encouragement, language support, and guidance for all those in need. His commitment to social justice is reflected in everything Simple Reflections stands for: inclusion, representation, and community connection. As a refugee from El Salvador who arrived in London in the 1980s, Dario experienced isolation and barriers that many newcomers face. He now takes his own experiences and helps others facing those same barriers through his volunteering, working tirelessly to emphasize community building.
Debbie Fisher
LiUNA Local 1059
Labour Appreciation Award Winner
Debbie is a tireless advocate for justice, equity, and compassion. Deeply rooted in her community, Debbie has spent countless hours volunteering to support those most in need. Whether she’s assembling and distributing “go bags” for people experiencing homelessness, collecting clothing and essential supplies for women’s organizations, or simply ensuring no one is left behind, Debbie leads with empathy and action. Her commitment extends beyond charity—Debbie is also a fierce union advocate who stands up for the rights of workers with unwavering dedication. She believes in fairness, dignity, and the power of collective action to create real change. Through her union activism, Debbie has championed safer workplaces, equitable treatment, and the importance of solidarity. Debbie’s selfless contributions and grassroots activism embody the spirit of this award. She doesn’t just talk about change—she lives it every day. We are proud to honour Debbie Fisher for her exceptional leadership, compassion, and impact on the lives of so many in her community.
Georgiana Slack
Unifor Local 27, St. Joseph’s Hospital
Labour Appreciation Award Winner
Georgiana led a robust portfolio of workplace campaigns, played a key role in St. Joseph’s Share the Spirit campaign, and co-led United Way’s internal campaign—rallying and inspiring staff with professionalism, authenticity, and a personal story that resonated widely. Her heartfelt presentations reached hundreds and her ability to connect her own journey of finding community in London to the broader mission of United Way brought the power of local giving to life. Her impact extended well beyond the workplace. Georgiana also volunteered with food security and diabetes education initiatives; she lived her values every day. Her connection to the Type Diabeat it greenhouse project—sparked by a chance encounter at the library—exemplified her belief that small moments can lead to powerful community change.
Thomas Lincoln
Unifor Local 27, General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada
Labour Appreciation Award Winner
Thomas, a member of Unifor Local 27, exemplified what it means to lead with heart and purpose as a Sponsored Employee for the 2024 United Way Campaign. Always ready to step up, Tom consistently went above and beyond—often outside his comfort zone—to support his community and colleagues. Whether he was presenting to his peers at General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada, recording impactful videos, or energizing a high school pep rally, Tom approached each challenge with enthusiasm, integrity, and a sense of responsibility. It was inspiring to witness his growth as he embraced new experiences, gained fresh perspectives on local neighbourhoods, and formed genuine, lasting connections. Tom’s work perfectly embodied the values of the labour movement—solidarity, community, and equity. His unwavering commitment, strong work ethic, and natural leadership played a key role in the campaign’s success.
Picture available at a later date.
Sean Nolan
Royal Fence
Jim MacKinnon Community Builder Award
Sean consistently invests in his community and recognizes the importance and quality for unionized work. For years, Sean has directly employed LiUNA Local 1059 members through Royal Fence Limited. In addition to contributing to the London community through building trades, Sean is a philanthropist. He donates to a number of charities and causes including United Way Elgin Middlesex. LiUNA Local 1059 highly values the longstanding history and partnership with Sean, and he embodies the spirit of the Jim MacKinnon Community Builder Award in every way.
Topics : Labour
