(L-R) GRANT TABIN (asst. dispatcher), ROCKY THOMPSON (dispatcher), KELLY SMITH (business agent), SCOTT MORRISON (executive committee), JOHN “JOHNNY CANUCK” COLLINS (executive committee & retired ECCW professional wrestler) AND TIM FARRELL (ILWU 2nd VP) pose behind the local 502 Union flag.
Surrey, British Columbia – The longshore brothers and sisters of local ILWU 502 came out to make a difference during the holiday season. Every year hundreds of pounds of food are collected at the union hall for the Surrey Food Bank. This year their initiate took a new turn. Along with the regular food drive they decided to embark on some extra fundraising to help those in need. Altogether they raised $2660 for the food bank.
These funds were collected by means of a 50/50 draw and other unique ideas formulated by Union member Grant Tabin. The generosity was further displayed when the winner of the draw, Sunny Grewal, donated all his winnings. The local’s dispatcher Rocky Thompson also made a substantial contribution by personally donating $300. Every year the local’s General Secretary Rob Ford and Business Agent Kenny O’Donnell help serve the annual Christmas dinner at the Legion. Unfortunately, this year they were not able to take part. Therefore, this second plan was embarked upon in addition to the food drive.
This photo was taken at the Battle of Ballantyne march in 2010. Some of local 502 members proudly posed with their International President. (L to R TJ Singh Nannar, Jas Singh Nannar, President, and Gary Kailey).
Over the years various Longshoremen locals in the Vancouver area have raised thousands of dollars for the various food banks. This fundraising by local 502 was in addition to the other regular programs. The food bank is thankful to all the brothers and sisters of local 502 for their generosity. In addition to the food bank local 502 is regularly making contribution to local charities and fund raising events.