On the road with the 10th annual Union Counsellors’ Agency Tour

On June 13th, the 10th annual Union Counsellors’ Agency Tour took activists from many unions to visit three United Way-funded agencies: Langley Seniors Resource Society, The Centre for Child Development and the Alexandra Neighbourhood House, both in Surrey. The 10th Annual Union Counsellors’ Agency Tour was presented by Vancity and led by George Davison, co-chair of United Way’s Campaign Cabinet Labour Committee. Unions represented by counsellors attending the tour included: BCGEU, CUPW, Unifor, FPSE, IBEW 258 and several CUPE locals. Representatives from each agency gave tours of their facilities and did presentations on the programs and services offered. At the Langley Seniors Resource Society, counsellors received an update on United Way’s Better at Home program, which provides non-medical home supports for seniors in Langley City and Township. At the Centre for Child Development, union counsellors toured the facilities for children with special needs and their families. Participants were most impressed with Sophie’s Place, a child advocacy centre focused on providing specialized services to physically, mentally or sexually abused children. The centre is named after Sophie Tweed-Simmons — daughter of legendary rocker Gene Simmons who lent her name to the centre. Union Counsellors also visited the beautiful Alexandra Neighbourhood House, which has been connecting Surrey area residents since 1894. All three agencies are excellent examples of United Way dollars at work to build a stronger community. A big thank-you from the group for all the hospitality of the agencies, showing them what a difference they make to the lives of so many! View photos from the Union Counsellors’ Agency Tour.