District 3 Top Volunteer Profile
USW Jefferson Award Winner: Julie Charbonneau
Local Union: 1944
Location: Burnaby, BC
Service Work: Julie not only lends her decades of experience to serve as one of her unit’s most active stewards, but she also finds the time to either spearhead or support every labor-related or charitable event you can imagine throughout the year. From Pinkshirt Day, Women's International Day, “Tampon Tuesday,” #GotYourBack, and Labor Day to every community event that supports labor, equality and fairness. On a frigid December evening last year, Julie brought friends, colleagues, strangers, and local businesses together to distribute jackets and care kits to the homeless at the Central Surrey Tent City; this year she was asked by Lookout Society to act as a tenant support worker. Julie is most dedicated to helping those in the most marginalized factions of her community. She is there for those dealing with addiction, homelessness, poverty and mental health.
Hours: 500+ hours
Community Impact: Julie single-handedly coordinated an event that managed to collect multiple truckloads worth of several thousand in-kind donations, as well as $500.00 in cash for 130 individuals living at a homeless camp. Union and community members brought their young and teenage children, which allowed them to experience amazing acts of compassion and generosity, helping shape them for the rest of their lives - in short, her impact on this community is priceless.
Outstanding Quality: What Julie does is not easy or glamorous work; she contributes without praise or thanks but continues with full dedication, energy and passion year after year.
Prize money donated to: Lookout Housing and Health Society
