December 17, 2020 at 1:03 PM
2020: ‘Tis the season – Giving thanks during a pandemic!
What a year 2020 has been! I don’t have to remind anyone that the pandemic will drastically change how our holidays will look and feel this year. We have faced so many challenges already this year. Despite the positive news of the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine to Canada, the fight against the pandemic is not over and we will continue to face challenges in 2021. We are all feeling varying degrees of frustration and anxiety. I hope that despite that, you can reflect on the things you are grateful for this holiday season.
I would like to recognize all the members who have been directly impacted by COVID-19: those members and their families who are fighting the virus, those who have lost loved ones, and those who have been laid off. A special thank you is due to our members who have been deemed essential and have been working the frontlines during this pandemic. I would like to acknowledge the activists, leaders, and staff that have kept defending the rights of workers despite the pandemic restrictions. We have explored new ways to operate, but we didn’t stop. Through it all, we have remained united, and in so doing, have strengthened our resolve in each other.
During this season of gratitude, I would encourage you to reach out to those in need in our community. Whether it be a donation to a charity, dropping off canned goods at the food bank, providing toiletries and baby formula to a women’s shelter, or volunteering your time, these efforts all make a difference to many. Taking care of each other and the community, during times of unpredictability, stress, and turmoil is what our members do best.
I hope we all choose to remember 2020, as not just the year of the pandemic and of great change but also a testament to our member’s resiliency. Undoubtedly there will be more challenging times ahead but we are heading into 2021 with renewed hope of better times.
The Local 2002 Executive Board and I extend our best wishes to you and your family for a safe and joyous holiday season.
In Solidarity,
Don Ross
Interim President
(On behalf of Euila Leonard Local 2002 President)