Former Unifor Local 444 President and current National Auto Director Dino Chiodo collected some hardware honouring his community contributions.
Chiodo accepted the 2018 Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Award in front of a packed house as part of the 40th Annual Labour Appreciation Night at the Ciociaro Club Friday night.
The labour-leader has handed out the award as President of the Windsor and District Labour Council for the past seven years — making the recognition even more special.
"I used to think, wow, this is the most prestigious award that labour gives in south-western Ontario," says Chiodo. "It was always an amazing night and I never ever anticipated winning the award, I'm honoured."
The annual award from the United Way and WDLC is presented to a trade unionist in recognition of outstanding contributions in the area of voluntary community service.
He tells AM800 News it’s an individual award, but it took the work of so many people to get things done in the community.
"It's a bit overwhelming, it's really amazing, but it's not me, it's my job that gives me the ability to do things through my membership and every person in this room to be able to do what I do," he says. "I'm just proud, I'm proud of everybody here, I'm proud of the community coming together."
Chiodo says having his family there for his big day means everything.
"They're all here supporting me and I'm just excited about that. My daughter is just absolutely number-one, 10 years old, Brooklynn's just fabulous. She's probably my number one fan," says Chiodo. "Right beside her is my wife, I absolutely adore her and I wouldn't be able to do the things I do without her support."
Chiodo was recently appointed National Auto Director for Unifor Canada. He splits time between London and Windsor to stay close to home as much as possible