Robin Cooper, a tireless volunteer with the Shelter House and other community organizations, today took home the 2019 respect. Award at Diversity Thunder Bay’s 13th Annual Celebration Breakfast for the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The annual award recognizes an individual, business or organization that promotes the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of respect through leadership and fostering positive relationships with others.

“While it was a tough decision narrowing the choices down to one winner from so many worthy individuals nominated in the community, ultimately Robin Cooper stood out as deserving of the award for her exemplary leadership skills and ability to foster respect among a diverse group of people,” said Tina Tucker, Chair of the respect. Working Group.

As a regular volunteer with the Shelter House, Robin leads a biweekly group of dinner service volunteers, as well as assists all who come through the doors with an open mind and empathetic heart. She does not discriminate, as she recognizes we are all part of a community, and in order to thrive, we must help each other.

Robin has recruited dozens of new individual volunteers, as well as several groups for the Shelter House. She never backs down from a challenge and is always looking for ways to improve on services offered to the community. In addition to her time at the Shelter House, she has also dedicated countless hours to the Red Rock Folk Festival, Thunder Pride, the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, and she recently took a lead role in organizing and planning for Empty Bowls, Caring Hearts. While this may seem like more than one person can manage, Robin also organizes “New Home Kits” that consist of gently used houseware items, which she distributes to people newly set up in housing.

“Robin truly exemplifies all the qualities of a respect. Champion in our community,” said Lee-Ann Chevrette, Coordinator, Crime Prevention Council. “She leads with an open heart and gently empowers people she works with to join her efforts to support one another.”

respect. is an Initiative of the City of Thunder Bay’s Anti-Racism & Respect Advisory Committee and the Crime Prevention Council, and the respect. Award is sponsored by Diversity Thunder Bay. Currently there are almost 80 organizations that have committed to respect. Other organizations in the community are invited to sign up as well and help the respect. list reach 100! For more information, visit: thunderbay.ca/respect

 

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Contact:       Lee-Ann Chevrette, Crime Prevention Council Coordinator, 807-625-2554