Photo: (Left to right), Anne Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Blue Cross; Award recipient Laurie Larsen; Award recipient David Black; Award recipient Rachel Tutte; Dr. Jacline Arbray-Nyman, President & CEO United Way Centraide Canada; Joey Hartman, President Vancouver & District Labour Council; Amber Hockin, Director, Pacific Region, Canadian Labour Congress

Common good, common goal: United Way salutes Labour!

United Way's partnership with Labour was highlighted last night at the 19th annual Labour Appreciation Dinner presented by Pacific Blue Cross. Three individuals were recognized for their passion, commitment and extraordinary contributions to our communities.

The Vancouver and District Labour Council Syd Thompson Community Service Award was presented to Rachel Tutte, a passionate supporter of public services, peace, and social justice. Rachel served as a Regional Director with the Health Services Association and today co-chairs the BC Health Coalition, and is a Board member of the World Peace Forum Society.

The New Westminster and District Labour Council Community Service Award was presented to Laurie Larsen, a committed volunteer. Laurie served as the President of CUPE Local 402, and on the New Westminster & District Labour Council and CUPE BC. Laurie helped found the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society and is actively involved with the Surrey Food Bank and with Front Room, Surrey’s 24-hour Drop-in Centre.

United Way of the Lower Mainland Board Chair Yuri Fulmer presented the Joe Morris Labour Community Service Award to David Black, president of COPE 378. David is a tireless volunteer, concentrating his efforts in East Vancouver. He helped found the North Hastings Community Police office and served on the boards of the Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women and the REACH Community Health Clinic. David has been a United Way supporter and activist for many years serving as a Labour member on UWLM’s Board of Directors.

The crowd of nearly 200 also heard from Dr. Jacline Abray-Nyman, the new President and CEO of United Way Centraide Canada. Dr. Abray-Nyman praised the Labour movement pointing out United Way and Labour’s common goal of the preservation of human dignity.

Working together we can improve our communities. Sharing a common goal for common good is what makes the Labour community’s partnership with United Way so special.