Outstanding Member Achievement Awards for 2018
April 11, 2019
Carol Watson – Contributions to the Community
Carol Watson is the Seafood Department Manager at Zehrs South Cambridge.
She is active on her workplace Joint Health & Safety Committee and social committee. Carol also dedicates a lot of time to her community.
Carol trains three service dogs: Blue, Storm, and Frost. She takes them to visit patients at hospices, nursing homes, and hospitals, and they visit emergency service and 911 centres too. These lovely animals help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and bring joy to the patients they visit. The pups also take part in Paws for Stress, providing student stress relief services at local high schools, colleges, and universities.
“When Carol came to the Union office with her amazing dogs, we all felt their calm and friendly energy, and saw how caring Carol is toward them,” said Union Rep Diane Sanvido. “Carol’s dedication to her community is inspiring.”
Gilberta Lacoursiere – Fundraising for the LLSC
Gilberta Lacoursiere is a Steward at Food Basics in Timmins and a member of the Joint Health & Safety Committee. She also dedicates time to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).During the annual Stars and Thunder festival in Timmins, Gilberta has helped raise money for the LLSC by asking concert-goers for donations to park in the Food Basics lot. Every afternoon and evening, Gilberta and other volunteers, stood and collected money through the heat, the rain, and more. Since 2017, volunteers have helped raise more than $20,000 at the festival.
“Gilberta lends a hand whenever she can,” said Union Rep John Beaton. “She is caring and generous with her time, and she’s an important part of her community and a great Steward for her co-workers.”
Kelly Carver – Leadership & Advancement of the UFCW
Kelly Carver is a Personal Support Worker (PSW) at Birchwood Terrace, a long-term care home in Kenora. Her hard work and effort show in the great care she provides for both the residents and the Union members at the home.As the go-to person for her co-workers, Kelly shows patience and compassion, and is a true leader in the workplace. She gives much of her own time to make her workplace better for everyone. From attending meetings with members, her Union Rep, and management, to talking one-on-one with those who need her assistance, Kelly is always available to help.
“Kelly’s genuine care for her co-workers is endless,” said Union Rep Tracy Stubbs. “She exemplifies dedication, warmth, and loyalty, and she asks nothing in return but to see her Union Sisters, Brothers, and Friends happy.”
Nelson Pereira – Improving Health & Safety and WSIB in the workplace
Nelson Pereira is a Steward and Co-Chair of the Joint Health & Safety Committee at Fearmans. He volunteers his time frequently at Union events and helps run Safety Day for the more than 800 members at the plant. Further, Nelson assists his co-workers by advocating for those who are in Return to Work programs following an injury or illness.“He goes above and beyond to help his co-workers,” said Union Rep Mike Mattioli. “Nelson is a great advocate for the Union and he works hard to make sure health and safety is a priority every day.”
Nelson also helps out with the Sofina Dream Builder campaign, which raises money for children’s charities across Canada. Often, he helps ensure things run smoothly by setting up audio and video at these events.