BURNABY— CUPE BC is making a $25,000 donation to the CUPE National Disaster Relief Fund to support members and families affected by the devastating wildfires in Alberta, which have caused the evacuation of Jasper and nearby regions.
“Wildfires in our province and across Canada devastate the lives of CUPE members,” said Karen Ranalletta, President of CUPE BC. “The destruction in Jasper this year is a terrifying example of the incredible power wildfires can have. CUPE members in Alberta and across the country need our support.”
In addition to offering much-needed assistance to affected locals and organizations in the Jasper area, the fund will provide further relief as fires rage elsewhere across the country, including British Columbia.
Among CUPE’s membership are thousands of community workers in areas at high risk of wildfire emergencies, where in recent years many have been forced from their homes while also working to maintain the public services communities rely on.
“CUPE BC is proud to be able to make this $25,000 donation to the CUPE National Disaster Relief Fund,” said Ranalletta. “We acknowledge the bravery and commitment of all those working to keep our communities safe, and we hope our donation can support the work of the National Union in providing relief to those who need it most.”
The National union has appealed to CUPE chartered organizations across the country to consider making donations to the National Disaster Relief Fund to support the work of rebuilding lost communities and supporting affected CUPE members.
Cheques can be made to CUPE National (memo line: Disaster Relief Fund) and sent to 1375 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 0Z7.
Chartered organizations and individuals can also provide a financial contribution by electronic transfer at wildfires@cupe.ca.
Please note that because CUPE is not a registered charity, charitable receipts for donations will not be provided.
