60 years of impact - United Way / Centraide Windsor Essex County

John McGivney
Taryn Elizabeth Matis
1960 International Play Card Strike – Les Dickirson far right
Les Dickirson
awards
Volunteer Spirit (City): John McGivney
John McGivney came to Windsor in 1955 and immediately became involved as a volunteer. As President of the
Rotary Club, John spearheaded the needs assessment and fundraising for a centre for children with physical disabilities
and neurological disorders. These efforts resulted in the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre of Essex County
opening its doors in 1978. In September 2005, Rotary 1918 bestowed John McGivney with a Life Membership for
being a positive role model in Service above Self and a mentor for other members. In June 2006, the Children’s
Rehabilitation Centre honoured Mr. McGivney by renaming the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre in his name.
Mr. McGivney has been on the University of Windsor’s Board of Governors, President of the Windsor Chamber of
Commerce and the Finance Chairperson at St. Mark’s by the Lake Anglican Church.
Focus Youth Award: Taryn Elizabeth Matis
Taryn Matis was recognized in the category on outstanding volunteer contributions of a person 24 years of age or
under.
18 years old, Taryn has been volunteering for the Brownie troop # 107 with the Optimist Club of Forest Glade and the
Forest Glade Community children’s programs for 7 years.
A volunteer with the Youth Group at the Church of Atonement, Taryn spends countless hours developing craft ideas
and Sunday school lessons. Taryn is an excellent role model who shows compassion and understanding for children.
Drawing on the Volunteer in Youth
Each year students at local grade schools and high schools are asked to draw what volunteering means to them.
From those works, a jury selects four pieces which are used to develop a poster promoting volunteering. The Drawing
on the Volunteer in Youth Program is done in partnership with the Windsor Essex Association for Volunteer
Administration and tremendous support from principals and teachers in our schools.
The students whose art work was selected in 2007 are Anika Duenk, Jessica Novosedlik, Gail O’Neil, and Jessica
Veneza.
Charles Brooks Award
In 1977, Windsor-Essex experienced a tragic loss with the untimely death of Charles Brooks, labour leader with UAW
Local 444. Charlie believed that everyone had a responsibility to make his or her community better. That’s how
he lived his life and he encouraged members of his union to do the same. In memory of Charlie, every year since
1977, United Way/Centraide of Windsor and Essex County and the Windsor and District Labour Council have joined
together to honour the exceptional contributions by a local trade unionist to the community through voluntary
service. It was perhaps fitting, although coincidental, that the recipient for 2007 has been an active contributor to
this community for almost as long as United Way has been around.
The 2007 recipient of the Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Service Award was Mr. Les Dickirson. Les became
a member of CAW Local 195 on November 13, 1952 and held the position of Plant Chairperson and CAW General
Council Delegate for 32 years until his retirement. He has been a delegate to the Windsor and District Labour Council
(WDLC) both during his working years and as a retiree.
Les Dickirson has devoted his passion, skill and time to a host of community organizations. His articles on human
rights have been published in the Windsor Star and many union publications. At a youthful age of 85, Les is still
busy. Les has a B.A. in Economics and Political Science and an Honours Degree in Asian Studies.
Clearly uncomfortable with the recognition he received when the award was presented, Les agreed to accept the
award on behalf his former colleagues at the now closed International Playing Card plant.
Presenters that evening included: Father Bill Capitano, WDLC Chaplain; Basil “Buzz” Hargrove, CAW National
President; Brian Hogan, OECTA President; Marion Overholt, WDLC Social Justice; Gary Parent, WDLC President;
Sheila Wisdom, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex.
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United Way – 60 Years of Impact