USW members have again demonstrated that Steelworkers Make Good Neighbours, helping to raise $5,000 for relief efforts for victims of a devastating tornado in Barrie, Ont.
“I’m proud of our members, our local union and the Steelworkers Humanity Fund for stepping up to help those in need in our community,” said Chris Thompson, secretary of Unit 2311 of TC Local 1976 USW and a delivery driver with Canpar Express in Barrie.
“We’re proving once again that our union cares and that our members live up to our motto that Steelworkers Make Good Neighbours,” said Chris.
The tornado that ripped through Barrie on July 15 caused millions of dollars in property damage, left many families homeless and injured several residents. Fortunately there were no deaths.
The devastation led Chris to contact Local 1976 President Steve Hadden regarding a union donation to the relief efforts, and the local authorized a $1,000 contribution. The union also called on the Steelworkers Humanity Fund, which approved a $2,000 contribution. Chris then reached out to his employer, Canpar, which matched the Humanity Fund donation, resulting in a total of $5,000 to the tornado relief campaign.
“Like we do every day, our members and the company have delivered the goods in our community,” said Chris. “We’re happy that we could help out in a meaningful way.”
Photo caption: From left to right, Frank Schroeder, TC Local 1976 USW-Unit 2311 member, Chris Thompson, Unit 2311 secretary; Doug Tomlinson, Canpar area manager; Sheila Palmer, director of business, Salvation Army, Barrie.
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