Last Thursday night United Way celebrated its first ever virtual Labour Appreciation Awards Night. The event, hosted annually in January, is an awards ceremony and celebration surrounding the incredible efforts and generosity of local labour activists working to improve lives locally.
“Labour Appreciation Awards Night highlights the good work local people are doing to make life better for their neighbours. At a time filled with uncertainty and fear due to the pandemic, these individuals really stepped up to improve lives locally.”
This year’s event, titled a Labour of Love, was delivered in an online format to meet with COVID-19 gathering restrictions. In total, 17 awards were given out for efforts ranging from local collections of food and clothing, to teachers going the extra mile to connect with their students and ensure their students felt supported as classrooms moved from class room learn to online.
“Labour Appreciation Awards Night highlights the good work local people are doing to make life better for their neighbours,” said Kelly Ziegner, CEO & President, United Way Elgin Middlesex. “At a time filled with uncertainty and fear due to the pandemic, these individuals really stepped up to improve lives locally.”
For the first time ever, United Way unveiled the brand-new Labour’s Choice Award. This unique award put the voting power into the hands of event attendees to choose the winner from the pool of nominees. It was a close vote, but congratulations to the first ever Labour Choice Award Recipient, Bruce Hoskins, Unifor Local 27.
Keynote speaker Nancy Brown, a United Way 2020 Sponsored Employee, shared her personal story of Intimate Partner Violence. Nancy shared how United Way funded programs helped give her the strength and tools she needed to go on to a better life. To learn more about building resiliency and supports in our community, check out a video featuring the work of United Way funded partner My Sisters Place.
Attendees were also treated to a special live performance by Aaron Allen. Aaron is a raw and honest songwriter who found his voice with his guitar. He is CMA Ontario’s Rising star and gave his time to honour and entertain this year’s award recipients and guests.
Labour United, Labour of Love community conversation with My Sisters’ Place
Partnering with a Purpose Award winner, London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership
