Impact Report 2018-19
The Canadian Labour Congress and United Way have partnered with a purpose for over 50 years, working together to build a fair and equitable community that includes everyone. Jointly dedicated to the vision of a strong, healthy and prosperous region offering a wide range of accessible and high-quality social services for people in need, Labour United was formed.
Labour United works tirelessly in the community through volunteerism and activism to raise the social conscience of our members through communication, education, engagement and actualization to create a community where everyone matters and is able to reach their full potential.
Labour United collects over $14,000 for New Beginnings Loan Fund
1 IN 4
women will experience
domestic violence in
their lifetime
New Beginnings Loan Fund gives women and children emergency financial support to help them leave family violence and begin a new life.
Labour United rallied its fundraising efforts around New Beginnings Loan Fund in the 2018/19 campaign year. Spearheaded by the GIVE committee, Labour volunteers sought new partners to replenish the fund and ensure more women have access to this life-changing program.
Interest free micro-loans of up to $500 help women with urgent expenses such as moving, storage, home repairs, home security, transportation and providing basic needs for children. Sometimes, all it takes is cab fare to begin a better life.
To date, $14,000 has been raised. Loan repayments are returned to the fund to help more people facing family violence. The average loan was $327.
” I find it overwhelming that one would invest in a complete stranger without hesitation. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. You took a very dark and worried person and brought her into the light. “
Your support helped 114
women and 158 children
start a better life
Labour volunteers help raise funds and awareness through Sleepless in our City
It was uncomfortable, difficult and cold. But for Brian Tansy, LoriAnn Baetz, Jim Wilkes and 28 other sleepers, it was an opportunity to raise awareness and dollars to fight homelessness in our region. Sleepless in our City participants bundled up and slept outside in their cars for one night, collectively raising over $40,000 for United Way funded programs and services.
Bringing attention to the need for affordable housing and the need to help solve homelessness is a step in the right direction.
Brian Tansy
ATU Local 741 | Labour United Chair
It’s just one night for me. I choose to take this challenge for my neighbours in order to feel the growing impact that homelessness has on this community.
LoriAnn Baetz
OPSEU Local 159 | Steward
We know having a job in today’s reality doesn’t mean you have the means to live with dignity. I am sleeping in my car because I know folks in our community don’t always have a choice where they spend the night.
Jim Wilkes
Unifor Local 27 | Financial Secretary
GIVE
Brian Tansy, Labour United Chair, helped launch the 2018/19 campaign. Joining the Local Love bus tour, Brian travelled the region raising awareness and dollars for people in need.
1 IN 5
people across our region used a United Way funded program or service last year
– that’s more than 100,000 of us
LOCAL LOVE in action
LiUNA Local 1059 showed its Local Love in action again this year by raising $118,450 from their annual golf tournament! Committed to improving lives locally, LiUNA members have raised over $1 million in eight years to help build a stronger, more resilient community for everyone.
Labour United’s GIVE Chair Dana Copeland led Labour’s fundraising charge for the 2018/19 United Way campaign as she rallied support for United Way funded programs and services. Using her passion as a catalyst, Dana worked to build new Labour partners in the community.
” When we support programs that give women financial independence, we give them the opportunity to build a better life. “
ACT
Tampon Tuesday celebrates 10 years of dignity for women
Tampon Tuesday turned 10 this year! Six events were hosted across Elgin and Middlesex counties throughout the month of March, with well over 30,000 donated menstrual products collected. United Way Centraide Canada partnered with the Canadian Labour Congress to take Tampon Tuesday from coast to coast. Over 33 United Ways now take part in Tampon Tuesday, hosting events to raise awareness of the challenges women experiencing poverty and homelessness might face.
Labour unites to support mental health in the workplace
On Oct. 13, Labour United participated in a one-day forum on Mental Health for over 200 delegates. Highlights included special guests Dr. Javeed Sukhera, Senior Designate Physician Lead for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at London Health Sciences Centre, and Dr. Geoffrey Reaume, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health, York University. Speakers inspired and enlightened attendees with personal, family and professional examples highlighting the impact of mental illness. In addition, attendees participated in 10 workshops covering topics related to mental health and wellness.
Tawny Edwards, Unifor Local 27 and Labour United ACT Chair, led the 2018/19 ACT Committee. Always ready to lend a hand, Tawny did everything from painting bathrooms to supporting Tampon Tuesday events.
VOLUNTEER
Labour volunteers donated supplies and built 160 menstrual hygiene kits filled with products and a $5 gift card for women experiencing homelessness.
Labour United collected 400 back packs in support of Indigenous schools in our region.
Labour United knows full tummies help young minds learn
Labour volunteers served breakfast 12 times, feeding over 500 young people and helping them get a good start at school.
Nancy Richter, President of PSAC London and Area Council, Labour United Volunteer Chair, and Labour Appreciation Award winner.
Sue Fairweather, OPSEU Provincial Women’s Committee, will lead the 2018/19 charge for Labour Gives Back. Whether collecting backpacks or building camp kits for underprivileged kids, Sue inspires volunteerism.
Labour appreciation awards
Local Labour activists celebrated a stellar year at the 2019 Labour Appreciation Awards Night. Hosted by United Way, award winners and guests celebrated their combined accomplishments in building a community where everyone matters.
Brian Tansy, ATU Local 741 and Labour United Chair, took home the Images of Hope award. This lifetime achievement award is given annually to a Labour leader who has made a substantial contribution to United Way and the Labour movement. Congratulations Brian!
In total, 23 awards were given to individuals and groups who have a passion for local activism. Whether protecting the environment, fighting for gender equality, or demanding workers’ rights, these individuals are improving lives locally.
WINNERS
This year’s award winners stand for social justice and work for a community where everyone matters. They educate, advocate and change local lives.
Brian Tansy
Images of Hope
Jean Simpson
United Experience
Brea Hickey
GenNext
Jim Wilkes
London for All
Larry Baird
Pat Blaney
Linda Davis
Tim Davis
Tawny Edwards
Sue Fairweather
Loreta Giusti
David Heap
Terence Kernaghan
Blair Middleton
Nancy Richter
Jeff Robinson
Philip Shearer
Steve Stokan
Beverley Wright
CAMI Strike Committee
Unifor Local 88
ChangeMaker
We Own It
OPSEU
Partnering with a Purpose
Check out the full winner bios
Labour United 2018-19 Committee
Brian Tansy
Chair
ATU 741
Dana Copeland
GIVE Chair
OPSEU 109
Nancy Richter
VOLUNTEER Chair
PSAC AGR 17
Tawny Edwards
ACT Chair
Unifor Local 27
Jody Jones
Past Chair
ODRT Prevention Link
Sue Fairweather
Recording Secretary, OPSEU
Simone Fraser
EFTO Thames Valley
Joe Graves
Unifor Local 88
Phil Hames
UFCW
Jim Kennedy
Unifor Local 27
Rebecca Officer
OPSEU
Timothy Organ
Teamster Canada Rail
Rick Robson
London Police Association
Lori Smyth
OPSEU
Ange Thompson
OPSEU
Sharon Young-Kipp
OSSTF District 11