It was a family affair for Erika Lickman at Local 1000A’s Community Action Network (CAN) BBQ picnic in London, Ontario. Lickman, who brought her daughter, son and husband to the event, was among the many local union members who gathered at Springbank Park on July 10, 2010 for a day of games, family activities and an all-you-can-eat BBQ.
Lickman, who works in merchandising at a Real Canadian Superstore in London, said the union should do more of these events as they boost morale and provide a good way to interact with co-workers. “We had a great time, the kids loved it,” said Lickman, whose daughter, Keira, took part in face-painting.
Members’ children and grandchildren participated in everything from a jumping castle to colouring to soccer games to sumo wrestling.
“Our members work hard at their jobs, they deserve to have fun, they deserve to have a break,” said Cindy Joyes, president of the London division for the local union. “We wanted to provide time for members and their families to get together and enjoy themselves.”
Liz Fournier, a night clerk at a Real Canadian Superstore in London, also came to the picnic with her children. “A lot of the people we work with, we don’t get to see their children or extended family, the picnic is a great way to meet them all,” said Fournier.
Lori Thyssen, who works on night crew at a Real Canadian Superstore in London, had the opportunity to meet several new people at the picnic. “Everyone gets to know each other.”
Debbie Gruber, a full-time produce clerk at Loblaw Great Food in London, said events like the picnic help new union members not only participate but understand what the union is about.
Earlier this summer, CAN hosted a BBQ picnic in Ottawa.. The next one will be held in North Bay on July 17 and one in Toronto on August 7. The $5 entry fee per family will be donated to the Sickle Cell Association, an organization that works to find a cure for sickle cell disease.
