Unifor donates $150,000 to Canadian Red Cross B.C. fire relief

VANCOUVER, Sept. 4, 2018 /CNW/ - Unifor has donated $150,000 to the Canadian Red Cross B.C. fire appeal to aid British Columbians as they cope with the worse fire season on record.

"The damage is devastating, in 2018 more of B.C. has burned in wildfires than any year on record and the threat isn't over yet," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "The Canadian Red Cross will use this donation for immediate and ongoing relief efforts."

Thousands have been evacuated with more than 20,000 people on alert as a state of emergency remains in effect until September 12.

"Across the country, the Canadian Red Cross is ready to come to the aid of Canadians when they need it the most," said Kimberley Nemrava, Canadian Red Cross Vice-President, British Columbia and Yukon. "This welcome support from Unifor, along with donations from generous Canadians and the B.C. government, will allow us to continue providing support for those individuals and families who have been affected by this summer's fires."

Unifor's donation was made through the union's Social Justice Fund, Canadian Community Fund and Regional Councils. The Canadian Red Cross has also set up a portal for individual Unifor members to donate directly at www.redcross.ca/BCFires/Unifor.

"Unifor is proud to support the Canadian Red Cross with their work to provide urgent assistance and to help the long term recovery effort," said Unifor Western Regional Director Joie Warnock. "Our members believe in supporting our fellow citizens and our communities."

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