WEYBURN, SK - CUPE 5999, along with the support of many community members, organized a donation drive for prom and bridal wear for evacuees from the Fort MacMurray forest fire.
“We put out a call to the community to donate graduation and bridal dresses, based on a social media post,” said Wanda Edwards, Vice President of CUPE Local 5999, which represents employees of the Sun Country Health Region in Saskatchewan. “The generous response from the community was overwhelming.”
The local got involved after seeing a call out for dresses online. Over 100 dresses were collected, and were sent to Edmonton.
“We have heard back from organizers in Edmonton who were touched and thankful for our donations,” added Sandra Seitz, president of the local. “It is inspiring to see CUPE members and the community pulling together to help out our neighbours in Alberta.”
CUPE National has set up a CUPE National Disaster Relief Fund – Wildfires in Northern Alberta which will go directly to the communities impacted by the fires. CUPE Saskatchewan and locals in Saskatchewan have also raised over 20,000 dollars for Fort Mac evacuees. Locals and individuals can also contribute to the fund.