BURNABY - British Columbia’s largest union, CUPE BC, has donated $25,000 to Oxfam Canada’s relief efforts in Nepal following the second of two deadly earthquakes that have ravaged the impoverished country.
“Delegates to our recent convention unanimously passed an emergency resolution to make this donation,” said CUPE BC President Mark Hancock. “It’s even more important that we step up given the second earthquake this week that has caused so much more devastation.”
Earlier this week, Oxfam Canada issued this statement:
“Oxfam currently has over 100 staff and volunteers working in seven districts in the country on the humanitarian response and all are safe. Oxfam is helping over 60,000 people over seven districts in Nepal, delivering clean water, emergency toilets, shelter, food assistance and hygiene kits. Reaching communities in the country’s rural districts has been challenging and initial reports suggest fresh landslides have cut off some areas.”
CUPE National contributed $35,000 to relief efforts after the first earthquake struck.
“We are so fortunate to live in this part of the world,” said CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Faoro. “While our province faces serious challenges, they pale in comparison to the tragedy we’re watching unfold in Nepal. When disasters strike in other parts of the world, our members want to help.”
For more information on Oxfam Canada’s relief efforts, or to make a donation, please visit www.oxfam.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Clay Suddaby, CUPE Communications Representative
604-313-1138 (cell)
csuddaby@cupe.ca
@CupeBCNews