Wasn’t that a party!
All I heard, as members left the hall with ninja blenders, pots & pans, waffle makers, coffee makers, bottles from LCBO, gift cards, iPads and a 50” colour TV.
COPE LOCAL 103 handed out over $5,000.00 in prizes to all the members who attended their first Annual Christmas Meeting.
The evening started out with the Knights of Columbus, opening the bar for those who might want a drink before supper, then we enjoyed a wonderful catered meal by The Kitchen Eatery, offering a variety of choices, sensitive as well to those with dietary needs.
This year the executive board decided to support a local charity and chose the St. Vincent de Paul Society asking all those attending to kindly donate dry food items. The local topped up the food drive by donating fourteen turkeys.
A photo booth was available for everyone with a variety of Christmas Hats, reindeer antlers, glasses etc. and funny sweaters, etc. giving members an opportunity to take some crazy pictures and have some fun with co-workers. Pictures were posted on our Facebook page for all to enjoy.
Never have I heard such squeals of joy and sounds of laughter as members opened their wrapped gift to unveil its contents. Several members commented that they felt like they were on Ellen. Our meeting ran smoothly as we lightly discussed union business and the fate of our benefit package. Members were having way too much fun to worry about anything that evening. The evening was a huge success as our goal was to bring members who had never been to a meeting and to encourage them to return.
We certainly surpassed our goal and plans are already in the works for next year’s event.
COPE Ontario held it's Triennial Convention the weekend of June 3rd and 4th, 2017. It was well attended by many COPE members from various locals. COPE Ontario held a New Delegates Orientation the evening before convention for first-time delegates, followed by a Hospitality Suite hosted by Locals 343 and 550.
The first day of convention started with a welcoming ceremony by Wabagoon Blooming in the Spring, followed by Keynote Speaker Fay Faraday, Social Justice Lawyer and Rosita Hall, a Motivational Speaker. COPE members also enjoyed an evening with dinner and music and a performance from comedian Martha Chaves.
On the closing day of convention, David Black, COPE National President addressed the membership and sworn in the new officers. Several elections were held for the positions on our Executive Board including the position of Director for COPE Ontario which was acclaimed by Patty Clancy.
Local 527 has supported and sponsored this event from it’s start 13 years ago. About 661 participants attended and 300 volunteers, many of whom were students from Saltfleet High School where the event is held every year.