2025 Outstanding Member Achievement Awards

Leadership & Advancement of UFCW

RAFAEL BORI | JOLLIBEE

Rafael is known for his outstanding dedication, initiative, and unwavering support for his co-workers at Jollibee. As Chief Steward, Rafael has been instrumental in organizing and successfully bringing UFCW Local 175 to the Jollibee workplace, making it the first and only unionized location of the franchise in Canada.

Rafael fosters a workplace culture with a strong sense of community that reflects the true spirit of union solidarity. He actively promotes the union’s resources, including the webCampus and scholarship opportunities, and ensures members are informed and empowered to take advantage of what the Local Union has to offer.

In bargaining, Rafael has served on two negotiating committees, and as the members at Jollibee prepare for the next round of bargaining, Rafael has stepped up again, and is encouraging members to get involved and have their voices heard to help achieve the strongest possible contract.

Fundraising for the LLSC

BRENDA DEER | METRO

Brenda is a Union Steward and long-time supporter of fundraising events for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). This dedication to the LLSC led Brenda to become a canvasser for the Metro Payroll Deduction Campaign; a role she has taken on with passion for the last five years.

For the past two years, Brenda has been the Campaign coordinator, overseeing a number of stores and working hard to encourage other members to get active in the Campaign. From delivering kits and meeting with canvassers at other stores, to answering questions and training others, Brenda’s enthusiasm for giving back makes her a great source of inspiration.

Brenda also takes active community involvement outside the workplace. For 10 years, she has organized and taken part in events to raise money for the Kidney Foundation – a cause that is also close to Brenda’s heart.

Contributions to the Community

MOHIT HITENDRA | FOOD BASICS

Mohit is very involved in volunteering and community service. With his commitment to giving back and supporting others, Mohit is known for being a positive force across the Sudbury area.

Mohit takes part in numerous events and charitable initiatives: from the Northern Lights Festival Boreal to the Multicultural Festival, and numerous activities organized by the Laurentian University International Office, as well as supporting the local hospital and the Sudbury Food Bank – Mohit supports and engages with people from diverse backgrounds and, by doing so, contributes to building a welcoming community for all.

At work, Mohit is always looking for ways to assist customers with bagging groceries and providing friendly, reliable service. Currently, Mohit is working on an IT project for a non-profit organization, using his skills to help the organization strengthen its operations and serve the community better.

Improving Workplace H&S or Workers’ Comp

LEONOR SENA | MAPLE LODGE FARMS

Leonor is a dedicated and long-standing Union member at Maple Lodge Farms, where she has worked since 1988. For more than 20 years, Leonor has been an active member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). Her deep commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy workplace makes her a respected advocate and trusted resource for her co-workers.

To stay up to date, Leonor takes part in training opportunities about health and safety standards, best practices, and regulations. And she makes sure to share her knowledge and experience with her colleagues, which has helped foster a strong safety culture at Maple Lodge Farms.