The Children’s Wish Foundation, Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter, is the recipient of an outpouring of generosity from CUPE members and locals attending the union’s provincial annual convention in Gander this week.
CUPE NL President Wayne Lucas says, “There was a motion put on the floor at our banquet on Tuesday evening to dispense with most of the speeches and instead support an idea from two of our local presidents to take up a collection for the Foundation.
“The two presidents were Ed O’Keefe of Local 1860, NL Provincial Housing Authority and Warrick Cluney, Local 3034, Town of Conception Bay South. It was unanimously supported and the locals, members and staff in attendance collected over $5,000. That was then graciously matched by our National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury,” explains Lucas. The total collected was $10,141.
Says O’Keefe, “To say I was blown away is putting it mildly. I myself am a volunteer for the Foundation (CBS Sub-Chapter Coordinator) and to see one wish – which typically costs about $10,000 – reached in one night was very emotional for me. As someone who works with the children who receives these wishes, it is always a very moving experience.”
Edie Newton, the Foundation’s NL chapter director, says, “We are so grateful for this very generous donation from CUPE and its members. It is because of the continued generosity of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that we are able to do what we do best; granting wishes for children living with a life-threatening illness in the province. On behalf of all our Wish Families, thank you.”