Saskatchewan unions launched the Foodstock Lottery today to raise funds for Station 20 West, the community-inspired project now under construction in Saskatoon.
Saskatchewan Federation of Labour President Larry Hubich told the crowd at today’s lottery launch that the labour movement is extremely proud to have partnered with Station 20 in its earliest days. “The Foodstock Lottery is the next step in getting the project up and running,” he added.
Sheila Pocha, chairperson of Station 20 West, commended the labour movement for its unwavering support and solidarity for the project. “You are a true ally in the quest for poverty reduction and social justice,” she said at the launch.
Pocha paid special tribute to the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses who came through with financial support totalling $550,000 at a critical time in the project’s development. “That support was very important in our decision to keep going with our vision,” she said.
Station 20 West – a project that has been years in the dreaming – will feature a community grocery store, offering healthy food, collective cooking groups and nutrition education.
CUPE Saskatchewan President Tom Graham praised all the individuals and groups who worked so hard to make Station 20 a reality. “It is because of your dedication and commitment that this project is now under construction,” he said.
Tickets for the Foodstock Lottery are $20 each. The lottery’s grand prize is a 2012 Silverado Truck and Rockwood Trailer. The prize draw will be made at the SFL convention in Saskatoon on November 2. Tickets are available on-line at: station20west.org. or by calling the CUPE Saskatchewan office in Regina at 757-1009.
View pictures of the lottery launch at: www.cupe.ca/gallery