It’s a good thing that CN Railroader in the Community Wonda Warren requires very little sleep, because when she’s not working as a Senior Administration Clerk for the Mechanical department in Surrey, BC, she’s volunteering for two youth sports organizations.

“ I’ve always believed that every kid has the right to play sports, and the more people that help out, the better, .” says Wonda, who joined CN 20 years ago.

Wonda’s son, Fraser, and daughter, Hailey, played lacrosse with the Chilliwack Minor Lacrosse Association (CMLA) for many years. Since 2005, she has been team manager, secretary and now registrar/scheduler for the organization. The kids also play hockey, and since 2016, Wonda has been the managing director for the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association’s 87 hockey teams.

“ My children now coach lacrosse, do scorekeeping and refereeing, assist new managers and help with our summer and fall camps,.” says Wonda, who devotes more than 200 hours each year to both sports organizations.

“ Sports have given them confidence, and taught them leadership skills and communication. I’ve always wanted them to give back and be good citizens, so I’m very proud. .”

The CMLA has received CN Railroaders in the Community grants annually since 2010, and her children have also qualified for three grants each.

“ We’ve been extremely grateful to CN for helping us provide proper goalie gear; pads are extremely expensive, and they get trashed quickly in this sport. .”

CMLA president Chris Charlton praises Wonda’s efforts.
“ Wonda has been an integral part of the CMLA; she’s always there to help and was the 2016 recipient of the CMLA Lifetime Achievement, “ he says.