SpiderMable takes on villians and inspires solidarity
EDMONTON, AB – In this very special edition of our #MemberMonday, we are proud to feature Yvonne Tooke, a proud UFCW Local 401 member working at Co-op in Edmonton (Millwoods). Yvonne is the grandmother of local Edmonton celebrity and superhero Mable Tooke, also known as SpiderMable.
Many Edmontonians will remember Mable’s story. When she was four years old, Mable’s heart was set on starting kindergarten and meeting new friends at school. Just two weeks in, she was diagnosed with leukemia, a form of blood cancer. Unable to continue with kindergarten, Mable made a special wish to fight crime with Spiderman, save Edmonton from an evil villain, and capture the hearts of an entire city.
Since that time, Mable’s picture has had a special place on a wall in the UFCW Local 401 Edmonton office, as her story – one of perseverance, empathy, courage, and knowing what to do to rise above adversity – is one that inspires the work our union does every day, fighting for the rights of our members, including her grandmother, Yvonne.
Recently, we had the great privilege of welcoming Yvonne, Mable, and Rick (Mable’s grandpa!) Tooke to our Edmonton office, where we saw first-hand something even more heartwarming than we could imagine: the love and support shared between Mable and her grandmother, Yvonne.
In an interview with us, Yvonne shared the following reflections on Mable’s heroism:
“I have so many precious memories that I’ll never forget. I’m so proud of Mable because she always wants to help. Mable’s heart is full of kindness and love, and she shines like the stars.”
As Yvonne shared these words, we saw how Mable feels exactly the same for her grandma, an unconditional kind of love.
Like most superheroes, behind their masks are everyday people who do extraordinary things motivated by empathy, love, and that feeling of solidarity that drives us all forward every day, no matter what we face as challenges in our lives. SpiderMable is no exception.
Mable’s story is a heartwarming tale of a real-life superhero, so it is no surprise that it is now the subject of a film, SpiderMable: A real life superhero story. The film premiered in Edmonton on November 5, 2020 and is now being shown at festivals and at special screenings across Canada.
On behalf of the members, leadership, and staff of UFCW Local 401, we wish to congratulate Yvonne, Mable, Rick, and their whole family on the release of the film (many of us were able to catch it!) and on the inspiring work that has helped all Edmontonians feel a part of a community that knows we can confront villains together – no matter who or what they are – as long as we start with empathy, courage, and solidarity.
For more information on the SpiderMable film, check out the film’s website here: https://spidermablethefilm.com/
SpiderMable’s picture as found in the UFCW Local 401 Edmonton office.
Posted on: November 09,2020