There is a misperception and stereotype that union workers are standing around being overpaid. Volunteering in the community puts our name out positively.
WIN House receives many donations of mini toiletries, which they can’t use for the women they serve. They put volunteers like L-146 to work repackaging them into gift bags to be sold as a fundraiser.
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Community service is an excellent way for Boilermaker lodges to give back and contribute as members of their communities while adding a dose of team building and positive public relations goodwill to promote the union.
Plus, it just feels good.
All of those reasons led the Women’s Committee and other Boilermaker women from Local 146 (Edmonton, Alberta) to WIN House, where they spent several hours together volunteering at a variety of tasks and learned more about the nonprofit. WIN House helps women and nonbinary people who have fled abusive situations, providing secure shelter, support and resources to help them heal and move forward safely.
“There are a million charities that are important, and we wanted to pick something that affected women,” said L-146 Boilermaker Monette Brownlee, who is part of the Women’s Committee. “We also thought, ‘Hey, if someone is looking for a new future, they may see us and realize this is a door that might be open to them in the trades. Not everyone looks at a trade and realizes girls can do that. And it pays well. A trade lets you earn a good wage and be self-sufficient.”
Among their volunteer tasks, the Boilermakers packaged donated toiletries into gift bags, which WIN House sells to raise money for their programs. Brownlee explained that the organization receives many travel-size toiletry donations they are unable to use for the women there. They realized they could be turned into a fundraiser if volunteers could do the work repackaging them into cute gift bags. The Boilermakers also sorted by size over 1,000 brand-new bras that were donated by a high-end lingerie company.
Brownlee said they had brought bags of gently used clothes they hoped WIN House could use. They learned that while WIN House doesn’t accept used clothing, they partner with a local Goodwill and directed the Boilermakers there. Those at WIN House are given gift cards to the Goodwill and can choose for themselves what they like best, maximizing the impact of both nonprofits and boosting the dignity and freedom of those served by WIN.
“It all opened my eyes. I didn’t know the extent WIN House helps people and that they’re so connected to other charities. It’s phenomenal,” Brownlee said. “It made your heart feel good to know you’re helping. It’s an amazing feeling. They’re busting their butts to get these women ahead.”
She said volunteering in the community also amplifies the Boilermaker name and shows they are real members of the community who contribute to giving back to their community. With five major plants being built around Edmonton, and unions not always getting the work, the positive PR is a help.
“There is a misperception and stereotype that union workers are standing around being overpaid,” Brownlee said. “Volunteering in the community puts our name out positively.”
She said the L-146 Women’s Committee plans to make WIN House a regular volunteer location, because the Boilermakers had such a good experience working there together. WIN House, which is also unionized, looks forward to having them back.
“As a unionized organization, CUPE 3341, it is really validating to see other unions, especially the Women’s Committee, supporting us and our work in such a meaningful and tangible way,” said Erin McNeill, Director of Development for WIN House. “We really enjoyed having the Boilermaker women come out and volunteer for WIN House. They were super fun and worked hard. We can’t wait to have them back!”
