Local 27 hosted a retirement reception for Jim Wilkes on June 24th. Jim has been an active member of the union for many years and has been the Local’s Financial Secretary for twenty years. Friends, family and associates spoke with admiration and affection of the many contributions Jim has made to the union and the community in his many years of service.

Jim has been a good friend of the retiree chapter and the executive were pleased to present a card and a gift to Jim on behalf of the entire chapter wishing Jim a long and happy retirement!

Jim wrote the following as a thank you for the many good wishes, cards and presents he received at the reception.

From Jim:

It was really nice to have you at my retirement party on Saturday, as our relationship has meant a lot to me over the years, Thanks for the nice card and gift I will certainly remember your kind words and well wishes and treasure the friendships we have developed.

I know that as retirees you bring your heart, your understanding and talent to Local 27 and do a great job advocating for retired workers. Our local has a long history and tradition of supporting the community and the broader labour movement and the relationships that we have developed over the years are important ones working together we have done many things to be proud of.

Working together with other locals and the community we have supported many good causes from fighting to deal with aids in Africa to building homes in London with Habitat for Humanity to now building needed homes at Oneida with the Imagine Build. There are many more instances like rebuilding the Coach House at My Sisters place and raising money for women's shelters and the food bank, we have ays believed it is our duty not only to give back but to be seen as important leaders while doing it and I know that retirees have always been a part of that tradition.

Thank you for being an important part of my retirement day, it was wonderful to have all of my family there to witness the love that I felt, my kids went back home to Toronto last night I think with a different understanding of what my life has been. I thought Patrick was sitting beside me to keep me company and keep me calm, what a surprise it was when he took the microphone that was a real treat for me.

I am going to step back a bit but I certainly won't be going away and will still be involved when called upon and always available if you need anything, you know the old saying "Retired from the job but not from the fight" that will be me.

With sincere thanks,

Jim

One of the many times Jim joined in the retirees' chapter events, having his Movember "stashe" shaved off for donations.