Windsor, ON – On Thursday, November 15, 2025, United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, in partnership with the Windsor & District Labour Council (WDLC), will host the 48th annual Labour Appreciation Night at the Ciociaro Club of Windsor, honouring the recipient of the Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Service Award, Sue McKinnon, Member of Unifor Local 444.
Sue McKinnon has spent decades championing workers, vulnerable communities, and those too often unheard. A longtime employee of Caesars Windsor and proud Unifor Local 444 member, she has led with humility, courage, and compassion. Since 2007, Sue has chaired the Local 444 Women’s Committee, spearheading impactful initiatives like “Wear Purple,” Red Dress displays, and memorials for victims of gender-based violence. Her leadership has united people across workplaces and neighbourhoods while raising awareness of critical issues. Beyond her union role, she serves as Board President of the House of Sophrosyne and supports organizations including the Women’s Welcome Centre, BANA, and Take Back the Night. Recipient of honours like the Gary Parent Activist Award, Sue is most defined by her quiet strength and unwavering commitment to community.
“Sue McKinnon embodies the very spirit of community leadership. Her tireless advocacy, quiet strength, and unwavering compassion have created lasting change in Windsor-Essex and beyond,” says Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way. “We are honoured to celebrate her with this award, and deeply grateful for the difference she continues to make every single day.”
United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent and the Windsor & District Labour Council co-created the Charles E. Brooks Community Service Award, which is presented annually to a trade unionist in recognition of outstanding contributions in the area of voluntary community service. “The Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Service Award is a way for the Labour Community to honour this legacy, ensure it’s remembered, and remind activists that our work is ongoing.” Mario Spagnuolo, Interim – President of the Windsor and District Labour Council.
This year, United Way and WDLC will also present the Maureen Curtis Retiree Community Impact Award, recognizing retiree activists who continue to make a difference in their communities. Named in honour of Maureen Curtis, former United Way Manager of Labour Programs and Services, the award celebrates her lifelong dedication to solidarity, social justice, and community service. During her career, Maureen built bridges between Labour and United Way initiatives, including founding the Retiree Volunteer Council and introducing Period Promise —programs that continue to create meaningful and lasting impact across Windsor-Essex.
EVENT DETAILS: Labour Appreciation Night is Thursday, November 15th. Doors open at the Ciociaro Club at 5:00pm. Presentation begins at 6:00pm. Tickets are $65. Click here to buy tickets. Contact Leilani Logronio, Manager of Labour Programs and Services at United Way at [email protected] for more event information.
If you wish to pre-interview the recipient, Sue McKinnon, or wish to connect with someone from WDLC or United Way, please contact Shannon Barnwell. See contact details below.
Media Contact:
Shannon Barnwell, Manager, Marketing & Communications, United Way
[email protected] | M: 519-259-6188
Last updated on July 21, 2026
