Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends: 

As you may know, wildfires are raging in Alberta, leading to the evacuation of the town of Jasper and other surrounding areas, and forcing members to leave behind their homes and all belongings. Some of our members have confirmed that their homes have been lost. The months ahead will be difficult for them, their families, and the entire community.

CUPE will be offering assistance to the affected locals and to organizations in the area to support the tremendous work that will be needed to help these communities. Support will be provided through our National Disaster Relief Fund.

The members of Locals 1458 and 1357 and the entire community of Jasper need our help! We also expect further relief to be needed as fires rage elsewhere in the country and members are impacted. We are appealing to CUPE chartered organizations across the country to consider making a donation to the National Disaster Relief Fund to support the work of rebuilding the community of Jasper.

Your cheques can be made to CUPE National (Alberta Wildfires) and sent to1375 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 0Z7.

Chartered organizations and individuals can also provide a financial contribution by electronic transfer at wildfires@cupe.ca.

Please note that because CUPE is not a registered charity, we cannot provide a charitable receipt for your donation.   

In solidarity,

MARK HANCOCK                  CANDACE RENNICK

National President                  National Secretary-Treasurer