Province honours social service workers
November 9, 2009 | Community News
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Left to right: MGEU President Peter Olefert; Clerk of the Executive Council for the Province of Manitoba & United Way Campaign Cabinet member Paul Vogt; CNIB Speaker Shirley Matheson; Minister of Family Services and Housing Gord McIntosh
During a special luncheon organized by the Manitoba Government Employees Union (MGEU), Gord McIntosh, Minister of Family Services and Housing, made a proclamation, marking November 6 as Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day. Manitoba is the first province to do so.
"We're celebrating the front lines," said McIntosh. "And we don't do that enough. I think it's so important that we're the first in Canada so we can spread this. And it's way more than a proclamation that's necessary. It's daily respect."
As an organization that supports a network of almost 100 agency partners delivering social services in every corner of our city, United Way was honoured with an invitation to participate.
Speakers' Bureau member Shirley Matheson talked about the supports she received from staff at United Way agency partner CNIB when she lost her vision a few years ago.
"Suddenly I was faced with a very different normal...a very different life," says Matheson. "And CNIB was there for me when I needed them."
Their staff helped Shirley through the emotional devastation and taught her to regain her independence. Today she is an HR Consultant with the provincial government and also travels all over the country visiting friends and family. "I've come a long way and it's all thanks to staff at CNIB."
"Shirley's story really does underline how important this kind of work is," said Peter Olefert, MGEU President. "I want to thank those who work so hard and so selflessly each and every day in community based social services. The work you do makes Manitoba one of the best places in Canada to work and raise our families."
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