This summer, United Steelworkers Local 8327 made a lasting impact at Camp Smitty, an overnight camp operated by the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, which provides a safe and supportive space for children from low-income families. Instead of funding a single camper’s tuition, Local 8327 decided to do something that would touch every child who attended. With the help of Universal Promotions, the local donated 400 t-shirts for campers to tie-dye during their stay.
For Amanda McMillan, Vice-President of Local 8327, the initiative was deeply personal. A proud member and former camper herself, Amanda understood the value of creating tangible memories. “If we just pay tuition for one child, it’s invisible to everyone else,” she explained. “This way, every child got something special to take home, and they’ll remember that it came from USW.”
Amanda described the joy of visiting the camp and seeing the children light up as they tie-dyed their shirts, some pulling them on immediately. “If you can impress a 13-year-old boy, you can impress anyone,” she laughed. “It was magical – kids jumping up and down, cheering, so excited to have something of their own.”
The project also sparked meaningful conversations. Amanda shared how campers inquired about unions, wages and benefits, opening the door to introduce them to the concepts of solidarity and fairness at a young age. “Kids are the future, and this was a way of showing them what unions stand for – community, support and care.”
For Amanda, who grew up benefiting from the Boys and Girls Club, the donation was a full-circle moment. “Someone’s generosity saved my life. Now I get to give back,” she said. “Local 8327 gave these kids more than a shirt – we gave them memories, confidence, and a glimpse of what collective action can achieve.”
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