Volunteers Honored for Helping Others

751 members have helped make life easier and better for those in our surrounding communities by volunteering their time over the last five years through our Volunteer Recognition Program (VRP).

On March 30th, the Union recognized members and their families that have volunteered to make a difference. The top three volunteers in the member, steward and officer categories received awards for their efforts in the past year as follows:

MEMBERS:
1st Place - Bruce Bob Anderson
2nd Place - William J. Smith
3rd Place - Robert Copeman

OFFICERS:
1st Place - Ted Ogston
2nd Place - Garth Luark
3rd Place - Heather Barstow

STEWARDS:
1st Place - 3 way tie: Ron Bresher, Rick McKinney and Jason Redrup
2nd Place - Gerry Miller
3rd Place - Rebecca Pohl

In 2001, volunteers participated in 57 different community events around Puget Sound - everything from sorting food, collecting teddy bears, participating in the 3-day Avon Breast Cancer Walk, building wheelchair ramps, serving meals at missions, building playground equipment, and even adopt-a-road cleanups.

The highlight of the banquet was the presentation of the "Bill Johnson True Trade Unionist Award," which is presented to an individual who demonstrates the characteristics of a true trade unionist - whether it be volunteering or going beyond the call of duty as a Steward. Nominees can be submitted by any 751 member. VRP Chair Jon Holden received the award and was nominated by six different individuals. Jon has spearheaded the VRP program and was the top Officer volunteer all five years of the program. To give others a chance, he disqualified himself from the 2001 awards.

The VRP Committee presented 751 secretary Kay Haaland with a special award for her support and assistance with the program.

Special thanks to all who volunteered over the past five years. If you would like to sign up for an event or get added to the VRP mailing list, please call Kay at 425-235-3777 or 1-800-763-1301, ext. 3400.