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Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray, Atlantic Area Director Mike MacMullin, and members Rob Pearson and Kevin Shipley attended the NB Social Pediatrics annual general meeting this week to hear about the non-profit organization’s successful year of making positive impact in the Saint John area, which included a record-breaking fundraiser.
Earlier this year, President of Unifor Local 30 Rob Pearson invited Murray and other Unifor staff and members to join Joggin' the Goggins, his annual 24-hour rowing relay fundraiser event. Driven by Murray’s enthusiasm for the cause, the team raised a total of $28,000 for NB Social Pediatrics.
“Participating in Joggin’ the Goggins filled my heart because so many caring and dedicated people came together to support their community,” said Murray. “We knew we were part of something really special when we heard more about the work NB Social Pediatrics was doing to offer support and create opportunity for children and youth living in poverty.”
The event raised a grand total of $52,375 — more than double their original $25,000 goal.
At the annual general meeting, Executive Director Mollie McGuire and Board Chair Roxane McCarthy shared their appreciation for Unifor’s contribution to a very successful year of growth for the organization.
These funds allow the centre to continue to deliver evidence-based programs that support the health and wellness of children, families and the community like Cooking Up Justice.
Cooking Up Justice is an 8-week program designed to empower youth through culinary exploration and meaningful discussions on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention.
“Youth are given the opportunity to learn an important life skill, cooking, while also hearing about what healthy and respectful relationships look like,” said Murray. “This is the kind of caring community education that not only changes individual lives but creates the foundation we need to eliminate gender-based-violence through prevention and by growing healthy social connections.”
The 2026 Atlantic Regional Council will take place in Saint John just weeks before the next annual Joggin’ the Goggins event.
“We plan to be there again to row our hearts out in support of NB Social Pediatrics. I’m looking forward to continuing to support their work as part of our union’s commitment to build a better world for everyone,” said Murray.
