In an unprecedented gesture of support, the CUPE National office confirmed that it will match CUPE Local 4318’s pledge of $25,000 to The Banff Centre Staff Campaign.
Jay Pratt, President of CUPE Local 4318, confirmed the match from the National organization in August. The new funding will establish a $50,000 endowment fund in support of artists at The Banff Centre and be eligible for additional matching funds from a Federal government program.
In discussing the gift, Pratt explained, “We are
investing in our future. The Staff Campaign is a way
for all of us here to have a say in the future of the
Centre and to make it even better.” Pratt spearheaded
the request for the National donation and he reported
that “CUPE National was impressed by the level
of support for the campaign and the plans for the
revitalization of The Banff Centre.”
“CUPE National is very proud to be a part of this
endowment fund and to extend our sincere best wishes for its success” said Kirk Oates, CUPE
National representative. “CUPE is committed
to the need to strengthen our communities
whenever possible, and recognizes the special
nature of The Banff Centre and its artistic
endeavors.”
The new CUPE Scholarship Endowment will
provide scholarships to artists in perpetuity
and be available to artists across all disciplines.
The CUPE Scholarship Endowment is the
second endowment created as a result of the Staff Campaign; with The Banff Centre Staff
Scholarship also providing new support
for artists.
“We are tremendously proud to have CUPE
National’s support of the Staff Campaign, and
thankful to Jay and the executive for making
this happen” said Staff Campaign co-chair
Karen Schoorstra. “The fact that this was an
unprecedented gift speaks to the strength of
our staff support and their commitment to
our future.”