Stepping Up to the Plate

RetIReD wOMen teACheRS’ ASSOCIAtIOn

Stepping Up to the Plate

By Heather Emberley

RWTA’s 65th anniversary year coincided with the 25th anniversary year of a remarkable achievement by one of Manitoba’s finest teachers.

“It seemed like the right thing to do,” said June Gislason (1921-2014) as she reminisced about her involvement with Winnipeg Harvest during a visit I had with her at Misericordia Place.

An educator for 34 years, June was named Teacher of the Year in 1981 by the Canadian College of Teachers. She taught us, “we’re all in this together.” What a wonderful legacy June Gislason leaves Winnipeg Harvest, her children, 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

June started a Winnipeg Harvest Depot to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Unitarian Church in Winnipeg. From its beginnings on Banning Street to the weekly Thursday morning food bank at 603 Wellington Crescent, the venture is a tribute to the woman who lived her commitment to social justice.

The idea of a food bank “called to me,” said June and she set to work. A visit to David Northcott at Winnipeg Harvest resulted in an invitation to dinner with his family to discuss the possibility of a food bank with a concept like no other at that time in the city. “And the rest is history,” reflected June.

After a quarter century in operation, the UU Food Bank reflects June’s determination that people who come for assistance are to be treated with June Gislason the utmost respect. June was instrumental in pioneering a service where “visitors would be allowed to shop, to make choices, to feel like they can decide which items they need.”

June also initiated a annual Orange Appeal held each December whereby Harvest families receive a box of mandarin oranges. June reiterated many times that “a food bank can happen to anyone with two missed paycheques.” June’s motto of “whatever needs to be done,” was what she was prepared to do to make food available for those in need. For her efforts she received the Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Award.

June Gislason knew hungry kids can’t learn. Her legacy of compassion lives on and RWTA is pleased to accept donations of food and cloth bags at their annual February luncheons. n