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January 31, 2019
ST. JOHN’S – Unifor is donating $22,500 to the Community Food Sharing Association in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador after a fire wiped out its entire stock at the warehouse that supplies many area food banks.
“We have been a strong supporter of the Food Sharing Association and, like so many, we wanted to assist during this most difficult time. As a social union we understand the importance of social justice first and foremost, but also in supporting each other during times like these,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.
“This fire has had such a terrible impact on the food sharing organization and the thousands of people, struggling families, who depend on the food bank network,” said Lana Payne, Atlantic Regional Director. “It has been inspiring to see the outpouring of support since news of the fire yesterday. It is the kind of solidarity and sense of community that shows what we are capable of when we come together.”
Unifor Local 597 in Newfoundland and Labrador responded immediately to a call for support and contributed $2,500. Local 597 President Carolyn Wrice was in attendance with Lana Payne and Atlantic Regional Council Treasurer Adele Hackman to present the cheques to the Association.
The Atlantic Regional Council contributed $5,000 and Unifor’s Canadian Community Fund (CCF) gave $15,000 to the cause. As part of Unifor’s broader social mandate, the CCF supports projects to improve the lives of working people and those who are most vulnerable in Canada.
The CCF receives its funding from employer contributions negotiated by Unifor on behalf of members. There are currently 28 contributing employer partners, with the union working to increase that number in its ongoing collective bargaining process.
Since its inception in 2016, the CCF has donated more than $750,000 to multiple organizations to aid communities across the country.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing more than 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
For more information, please contact Unifor National Communications Representative Shelley Amyotte at @email or 902-717-7491 (cell).
Adele Hackman, Atlantic Regional Council Treasurer, and Lana Payne present a cheque for $15,000 to Eg Walters, Executive director of the Community Food Sharing Association.
Carolyn Wrice, President of Local 597, presents a $2,500 cheque on behalf of their members across Newfoundland and Labrador.
