UNION NEWS
Date : Tuesday, 12th April 2016Volunteer Toronto’s Legacy Awards celebrates 25 Toronto volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the community. From mentors to fundraisers to educators, the Awards shine a light on the secret superheroes whose efforts are often unknown outside their local community.
Gerry O'Connor has been awarded a volunteer Toronto award from among 100 nominations.
Gerry O’Connor emigrated from Ireland to Canada 45 years ago. Since 2012, he has supported hundreds of Irish youth at the Eamonn O’Loghlin Irish Canadian Immigration Centre through his employment preparation workshops. Come sleet or snow, or whatever Mother Nature has in store, Gerry is always willing to give his time and offer his advice and support. Gerry’s two-hour seminars offer tips on all the critical aspects of the employment-seeking process, everything from the differences between Canadian resumes and interview styles to how to dress for an interview to how to network in your new country. Beyond his group workshops, Gerry will individually mentor job seekers on their search, review resumes and even meet for coffee to offer guidance along the way. Hundreds of young people have been positively impacted by Gerry’s work and his commitment has inspired others to give back to their communities through volunteering.
Cathy Murphy, his nominator, has these kind words to say about Gerry:
“Gerry’s call to service has greatly impacted volunteerism in the Irish diaspora community of Toronto. His work as a dedicated volunteer at the immigration centre has fostered an informal mentorship program, developing new, “Generation Y and Z” volunteers. I cannot tell you how many emails and phone calls we receive from those who have completed Gerry’s program, offering to volunteer for the immigration centre themselves, to give back in any way we might envision.”
To find out more about teh awards follow the link.....
