ST. JOHN’S — Unifor is donating $20,000 to the Community Food Sharing Association in St. John’s after a fire wiped out its entire stock at the warehouse that supplies many area food banks.
“We’ve 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,” says 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,” says Lana Payne, Atlantic regional director, Unifor. “It’s been inspiring to see the outpouring of support since news of the fire. It’s the kind of solidarity and sense of community that shows what we are capable of when we come together.”
Unifor is encouraging its local unions in the province to do what they can to assist as well.
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.
