RED DEER, Alta. – As the mild autumn comes to an end, Red Deer College employees are launching their second annual coat drive.
Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) who work at Red Deer College are again asking staff, faculty, students and the general public to donate winter coats for the Salvation Army.
Last year, the union’s drive succeeded in collecting 100 coats. This year, CUPE Local 1445 President Jan Valentine says they want to collect twice as many.
“On the prairies proper winter gear isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Valentine, who is organizing the event. “Winter can be pretty hard to take at the best of times, but for those who are less fortunate, it’s not doable. That’s where we come in.”
CUPE has set up a donation box in the front lobby of the College, located at 100 College Blvd. (56th Ave and 32nd Street). The box will be there until December 15th. The union is also soliciting contributions from College employees, other unions, and the general public.
“If you have older coats, coats your kids have gotten to big to wear, or are willing to buy a coat you buy just for this drive, we want to hear from you,” said Valentine. “Christmas is a month away, so it’s time to get into the spirit and do something for our community.”
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For more news from CUPE Alberta, visit: www.alberta.cupe.ca