Marien Landry, a retired member of USW Local Union 6951 in Quebec, Canada, was the District 5 Jefferson Award Winner for his work constructing education and health care facilities to benefit the children of Guatemala.
Landry worked for 30 years at ArcelorMittal as an inspector and casting tank preparer.
When Landry first visited Guatemmala seven years ago, he recognized the need for school buildings and adequate health care facilities. In an effort to create a better life for the people of the Central American country, he created “The Guatemala Project.”
Since retiring, Landry has worked on a variety of projects constructing and renovating vital buildings in small communities. He says the children of Guatemala are his main inspiration.
“My main goal is to give education to the greatest number of children by building schools,” said Landry, “Guatemala is very disadvantaged. They have a great need for help to be able to educate their children.”
Landry spends approximately six months a year in Guatemala and has successfully constructed 10 new school houses. In addition, he has renovated dozens of other facilities including an infirmary, physiotherapy and osteopathy center, and buildings to help care for disabled children.
In order to finance these projects, Landry spends a great deal of his time in his hometown Vecheres, Quebec organizing fundraisers for his organization. By selling paintings created by his brother, hosting events such as motorcycle runs, along with the assistance from the USW, he has currently raised over $165,000.
Despite all he has accomplished, Landry, shows no signs of slowing down. He hopes to build new schools in the cities of La Cueva, La Cumbre and Juvente this year. Provided he can continue to raise the funds, he hopes to continue these types of projects far into the future.
“I intend to help these people as long as my health will allow me and as long as I have the funds to carry out the projects,” Landry stated.
The time and effort that Marien Landry puts into his projects in Guatemala is just one example of the amazing things Steelworkers do to help others in need.
If you know a Steelworker who is doing something amazing in their community, we want to know about it! Use the #USWCares hashtag and give a shout-out to @Steelworkers when you post on social media. To nominate a fellow member or local for the 2018 USW Jefferson Awards, visit http://usw.to/rq.