CUPE BC’s Executive Board has voted to establish a Disaster Relief Fund to support CUPE members impacted by the recent catastrophic floods and mudslides.
“This past summer we established an emergency fund to assist members impacted by the wildfires, and we said that any unspent funds would be donated to charity,” said CUPE BC Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies. “In light of the terrible impact of the recent flooding and mudslides, the executive board has decided to convert the remaining funds to a Disaster Relief Fund to help any CUPE members who need financial assistance to make it through this situation.”
“I want to thank all the CUPE members—ambulance paramedics, emergency dispatchers, and municipal workers in particular—for the heroic efforts they’re making to keep people safe during this disaster,” said CUPE BC President Karen Ranalletta. “Like so many British Columbians who don’t live in the immediately impacted areas, my immediate thought turned to ‘how can we help our members,’ and the executive board felt the same way.”
“We’re encouraging all CUPE locals in B.C. to contribute to the fund if they are able to,” said Davies. “Any members who require assistance should contact their CUPE local directly. We have sent detailed information on how members can access support to all Locals in the province.”
“This year has been challenging, to say the least, for so many British Columbians who’ve had to cope with wildfires, the heat dome, and now catastrophic flooding and mudslides. CUPE members have been—and are—on the front lines of these crises, and we are doing all we can to support those members, especially those who have been directly impacted,” said Ranalletta.