We are thrilled to invite our community partners and other friends to help us decide who will receive $1000 and be the recipient of the 2024 “A Better Life Award“:
After you’ve read the 3 stories below, you’ll be ready to choose your nominee for the 2024 recipient of the $1000 A Better Life Award by clicking on the “Vote” button at the bottom of this email. The poll closes at 5:00 PM ET on March 8th, 2024.
You can watch a short video describing this award HERE from ABL’s President and Founder, PJ Ferguson. You can learn more about some previous award recipients HERE , HERE , and HERE !
ABL’s A Better Life Award recognizes an individual who has made an active outbound effort to create a better life for themselves and the people in their lives. It is not just a “good job” pat on the back, but rather an affirmation of positive action and accountability. While ABL is a part of this, these inspiring stories are truly about people who have influenced their own situation to create A Better Life.
Of hundreds of nominations this year for actions both big and small from ABL client companies, ABL temporary associates, and ABL internal staff, 15 were presented to the entire ABL team: we then voted to determine the top 3 finalists. While you are voting for the person who will receive the $1000 award, the 2 runner-ups will also receive a $250 award for being in the top 3.
We’d like to thank you for taking the time to read these wonderful stories, and for participating in the selection process!
Below are the stories of these ABL’rs, proudly told by the local team…
Jose’s origin story is one of upheaval and resilience, beginning in Venezuela amidst political turmoil. Forced to flee, he sought refuge first in Chile, before his journey took him to the shores of Florida, and finally to the rugged landscapes of Canada: each step a testament to his unyielding spirit. Possessing a magnetic personality, Jose’s warmth and dynamism light up any room he enters. Despite the challenges he faced, he approached each hurdle with unwavering bravery and perseverance, excelling in every position he accepted through ABL. Swiftly adapting to a new language and culture, he embraced adversity as an opportunity for growth, never shying away from a challenge. A model employee, Jose’s dedication is unwavering; his attendance impeccable.
It was during a serendipitous encounter on the streets of New Westminster, BC that he crossed paths with an ABL staffing consultant: a meeting that would prove fateful. From his registration in January 2023, to his tenure as a successful temporary worker for various ABL assignments, Jose’s journey ultimately culminated in securing a permanent position with a well-known trucking company. Jose’s story is a testament to his resilience and the power of human connection.
Kim has paired up with ABL a number of times over the years, starting as far back as 2005. Since then, we’ve seen Kim’s confidence and skills grow leaps and bounds. At her most recent position with ABL at a world-renowned steel company, she immediately started to make her mark.
Kim’s work ethic, adherence to H&S protocols and supportive nature lead to her being identified as a great candidate for a junior foreman position. Kim took this opportunity and ran with it, and is now a fully trained and competent foreman. Working in the elements and at all hours of the day, Kim’s generosity and leadership shines through when she comes prepared to help her co-workers and peers with an extra hoody, gloves, or hat, because she doesn’t want anyone to go without in the event of changing weather conditions. Kim also packs extra food in her lunch bag so she can offer a sandwich to anyone that may have forgotten their lunch.
Loss is a tragic part of life and when Kim and her teammates lost a fellow mentor and peer, Kim became a pillar of support for her teammates while leading by example on how to grieve while remaining strong and focused. Many staff have expressed their sentiments on how Kim really supported and helped them.
Upon hearing that she had been nominated for this award, Kim said: “ABL has helped me grow, helped me become a better person and has given me the opportunity to love my life. I have come so far in my journey, and it is long from over – I am so proud of myself and what I do – I LOVE my job. I will make myself better every single day to become the BEST me I can BE!”
Jason is a very impressive person who has a heart of gold, and ambition in spades! At his ABL assignment, he worked hard, humbly sought and accepted feedback from his team leaders, and went out of his way to take the initiative to help newcomers to the job get up to speed and feel welcome. His coworkers and managers remarked on his generous spirit, and positive can-do attitude, which is evident in how he has worked hard to overcome challenges that caused him to have a rough start in life.
These wonderful traits of perseverance and hard work have served him so well, that Jason was even invited to train for the 2023 Paralympic Games, all while holding down a full-time assignment! He is truly an example of seizing opportunities with both hands and forging a better life for himself.
Jason was recently hired on at our client company, and such was the positive impression he has made at that workplace, that the company chose to retroactively include him in their profit-sharing program, in acknowledgement of Jason’s performance and positive contributions to their team.
It’s been such a pleasure and an honour to partner with Jason – and the feeling appears to be mutual, since he continues to make multiple friend referrals to ABL, as well as stay in touch with our staffing team to keep us updated on his progress. Jason really does belong in the Winning Circle of life!
The 2024 award recipient will be announced in the coming weeks: Thank you for participating!