President’s Message – December 2024
Season’s greetings and happy holidays AESES folk!
As the old Andy Williams song proclaims, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” For many of us, this is true. It’s a time to reconnect with family and friends, to reflect on the year gone by, and to look forward with anticipation to the year ahead. This is a time to remember what is important to us in life. Family. Friends. Faith. Some of us will have different definitions of what these words mean to us, but in many ways, despite these differences, the fact that we all share in cherishing these values makes us more alike than most would think.
Things have been quite busy here at the AESES office, as well. In addition to the excellent advocacy and representative work the staff do, AESES held its annual children’s holiday party on December 1, this year renamed the Children’s Winter Holiday Extravaganza! With over 250 children and their families, it was a packed house with smiles all around. Brian Glow, International Illusionist and Comedy Magician entertained the crowd with mind-numbing illusions and amazing tricks with audience participation. And of course, Santa also stopped by for a visit. A huge thank you to the members of the Activities Committee and to those who volunteered and helped make the day possible!
Our Labour Team has also been busy with The University of Winnipeg Negotiations Committee, meeting regularly in preparation for the imminent bargaining. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
With the winter break fast approaching, I sincerely hope that everyone enjoys this very well-deserved break and all that comes with it, be it travelling home, visiting with family and friends, or just sleeping in to rest and recharge. But let’s not forget those who are less fortunate than us. The holidays can be a trying time for many, with some feeling lonely, stressed, and anxious.
If you find the holidays a rough time for any reason, please know that there are resources available to members and their families to help with the feelings of anxiety, stress, and isolation. You can find a list of wellness resources on our website and please don’t be afraid to access them.
To all, from all of us here at AESES,
please have a very safe and happy holiday season!
Respectfully and In Solidarity,
Rob
P.S. Hardly an afterthought, but we at AESES would all like to acknowledge the profound contribution Executive Director Lisa McKendry has made to AESES in her 20 years of employment with the organization and wish her much luck, love, and happiness in her well-earned retirement. Thank You, Lisa!