Unifor donates to B.C. flood appeal

VANCOUVER, May 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Unifor has donated $20,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to assist families and communities impacted by flooding in British Columbia.

"It's going to take time for people to recover," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "Many are returning to find that their homes can't be occupied due to structural damage or until cleared by health inspectors."

Unifor's donation will be used for immediate and ongoing relief efforts, long-term recovery, resiliency and preparedness in British Columbia. The emergency donation comes from Unifor's Social Justice Fund and the Canadian Community Fund.

"In addition to providing direct supplies to those who have been displaced the Red Cross is also supporting prevention and preparedness measures to help avoid future flooding crises," said Unifor Western Regional Director Joie Warnock.

Thousands of residents were placed under evacuation orders and alerts as Canadian military personnel were brought in to help cope with rising water caused by warm temperatures and a rapidly melting snow pack.

The Canadian Red Cross has set up a portal for individual Unifor members to donate directly at www.redcross.ca/BCfloods/Unifor

"It's during difficult times that people and communities come together and I'm grateful to the Unifor family for reaching out to provide assistance to those whose lives have been put in disarray by the floods," said Ben Williams, Chairperson of Unifor's B.C. Regional Council.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor