TORONTO, April 27, 2016 – The Steelworkers Humanity Fund is contributing $15,000 to Oxfam Canada to support families and communities recover from a devastating earthquake that struck off the north coast of Ecuador on April 16, 2016.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake is reported to have resulted in 654 deaths, more than 16,000 injuries and an estimated $3 billion in damage. According to preliminary evaluations 13% of Esmeraldas and Manabí (some 220,000 persons) are affected by the earthquake.
The main issues people face now in Portoviejo, Pedernales and other places hit hardest by the earthquake are clean water and sanitation to prevent water-borne diseases, especially among children and the elderly. Oxfam will focus on providing access to safe water and plans to maintain its humanitarian assistance in Ecuador for at least the next three months.
“The earthquake not only had a traumatic impact in terms of loss of life and injuries, but it also left thousands of people without the tools or jobs they need to support their families” said Ken Neumann, President of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund.
Founded in1985, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund is a registered charitable organization which focuses primarily on development projects and emergency aid in developing countries, but also supports Canadian communities in crisis. United Steelworkers (USW) members contribute to the fund through clauses negotiated into collective agreements. In some cases employers make matching contributions.
Ken Neumann, President, Steelworkers Humanity Fund, 416-544-5951
Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434-2221, bgallagher@usw.ca
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