CALGARY – The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) today handed over a cheque for $25,000 to the Alberta Red Cross for flood relief. The cheque represents the latest installment in the unions fundraising efforts that have collected $136,850 for victims of Alberta’s spring floods.
CUPE Alberta President Marle Roberts handed the cheque over to Red Cross officials, saying the $25,000 represents a donation from the union’s national office, but it was only part of what CUPE is doing to offset the flood damage.
“CUPE locals across Calgary and Alberta have made contributions, and we continue to collect funds from our members,” said Roberts. “This is very important to our members and our union.”
CUPE National President Paul Moist said the union will always help people in need.
“CUPE is about building strong communities, and when the communities in Alberta need a hand, we are happy to give it,” said Moist.
Roberts said that in addition to today’s cheques, individual CUPE locals have contributed over $65,000 to various flood relief organizations, as well as almost $7,000 worth of grocery store gift cards for CUPE members displaced by floods. In addition, the union has collected about $40,000 from members to be divided among CUPE members in 22 Alberta communities affected by flood damage.
“Every member of CUPE was shocked by the devastation here in southern Alberta and Fort McMurray, and we have found a real desire on the part of our members to pitch in and help out.”
Contact:
Lou Arab
Communications Representative
780.271.2722
CUPE Donations to flood relief
CUPE 38: $25,000 to Calgary Foundation Flood Relief
CUPE 37: $20,000 Flood Relief (specific agency still to be chosen)
CUPE 70: $100.00 to the Red Cross concerning High River
CUPE 709: $20,000 to the Red Cross
CUPE 1846: $2,500.00 gift cards to members.
CUPE 4318: $4,250.00 in gift cards to staff and CUPE Members.
CUPE National: $25,000 dollars to Red Cross
Collection from CUPE members, CUPE AB and CUPE BC: $40,000 to date