Elaine Hammel started with the Co-op in 1982 and now, 41 years later, she's retiring.

She started out as a pharmacy cashier, then moved to grocery at the 13th Ave food centre. She gained experience and senority there until she was transferred to the Northlands food centre as the head cashier when it opened back in the early aught's. In 2017, she moved to the Corporate Office in the HR department where she has been until today.

The office held a come-and-go luncheon in honour of Elaine's time with us and her retirement. Many happy memories, laughs, and tears were shared between friends.

Gizelle Chehab, HR Advisor, said, "Elaine is a hardworking, dedicated employee. You couldn’t ask for anyone different. She makes everyone laugh she’s the spirit of the Team. When you need something done, you go to Elaine and it gets done. I’m so appreciative of Elaine and her service, and her support within our Team as a whole and to the organization. Thank you for all your support, Elaine."

During Elaine's turn to speak, she spoke on her time with the company, her various positions, and how she wasn't even supposed to take on her first position for more than a few weeks!

"Thank you for joining me for this day I’ve been waiting for for a VERY long time. It’s really hard to say goodbye to the people you’ve gotten used to seeing everyday. I’ve learned a lot because of the constant support I’ve received from everyone. Whenever I’ve asked anyone to help me, they all jump in. I’ve always felt I was low on the totem pole, especially in HR. I wasn’t very savvy when it came to computers but I had experience behind me that no one could compare to.

"I was asked to come in for 2-4 weeks to cover off vacation time, just help out temporarily. I said, 'sure! Why not?' I went and here I still am, 41 years later."

When Elaine started in customer service, she helped with the phones, which included physically plugging calls into the lines for various departments. The cash registers were crank tills and only showed the prices of purchases, not the purchases themselves. When Elaine started, each item had to be written out by hand on the receipt. All the shelved items had stickers on them, so every time the price changed or there was a sale, the Team had to pick the stickers off and reapply them.

“I was volun-told to go to the Northlands store [when it opened] and I became the head cashier. I worked with Eric [Wittrock], one of my favourite jobs. [To Eric] You were a very good manager, you taught me a lot. I was privileged in helping to set up, to train the employees, and start the beginning of a new food store. That was probably the highlight of my Co-op career.

"Now I’m ending my career in Human Resources, a department I have immensely enjoyed, especially working with the Team that we have. I will miss them dearly. I’m so thankful for all the friendships I’ve made and the learning opportunities that I’ve had. I have to thank Gizelle; she has taught me so much in the few years that she’s been here. She has a lot of patience, and she taught me a lot.

"All of my work friends have become my second family. All of you guys. It’s amazing to have so many friends. I will miss being called Peaches and getting a daily hug from someone very special. I’ve had quite the life here, which I wouldn't change a thing. Well, maybe a few. The time has gone by so quickly, I can’t believe it’s time to say goodbye to this chapter in my life and start a new one.

"Someone asks me almost daily, 'what now?' My sister gave me the best response. She said to tell you all that I will be doing everything that I want and absolutely nothing that I don’t. I am eternally grateful for all the people I've met and worked with. You’ve been a huge part of my life and it will be very hard not to see you every day.

"Thank you all for coming today, celebrating this wonderful day with me. I’d like to share my sincere gratitude for my time in this company and all of you for making me who I am today."

Thank YOU, Elaine, for everything. You deserve your retirement and all the freedom that comes with it. We will miss you.