Meet Our Team: Matthew Charles

Matthew Charles, AAEJATC/IBEW Local 252 Apprentice

Matthew Charles is a 2nd year apprentice at the Ann Arbor Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Center. Matthew has been on the Union 4 Life team since he was accepted into the Apprenticeship Program in 2015. Matthew said he wanted to join Union 4 Life because his grandma and aunt have both battled breast cancer.

“I wanted to get involved to show my support for the cause, and to bring the awareness to other people,” Matthew said.

Matthew said being involved in the Union 4 Life charity has had a big impact on him.

“I’ve gotten to meet a lot of other people within the local,” Matthew said. “It’s just a good feeling to bring people together, have fun, and know that what we are doing is going to such a great cause.”

Matthew said it’s very important to him to stay involved in the charity after he graduates from the five-year inside program at the AAEJATC.

“It’s important to stay involved so I can mentor the other classes coming into the charity/union,” Matthew said. “I myself want to be involved for as long as I can because I know what it’s like to have a loved one dealing with cancer. I want to be able to do everything I can to raise as much money as I can and make sure no one has to go through it.”

Matthew said his favorite memory from a Union 4 Life event was the 3rd Annual Union 4 Life Charity Golf Outing.

“It wasn’t a huge turnout last year, but everyone still had tons of fun,” Matthew said. “It started to rain and I looked out across the course to see people still playing, laughing, and just really enjoying themselves.”

Matthew said the one thing he wants people to know about Union 4 Life is that the money the charity raises is what’s donated.

“I take pride in saying I’m part of Union 4 Life,” Matthew said. “I want people to know we are doing our best to make a difference.”