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NUPGE collectively contributes more than $60,000 to international aid organizations. Union reminds members that the federal government will match contributions to Philippines relief until December 23rd (date extended from previous deadline).
Ottawa (5 Dec. 2013) – On November 8, 2013, one of the worst Typhoons in history wrought widespread devastation on the nation of the Philippines. Approximately 6,000 people have been killed and, according to the UN Refugee Agency, an estimated 4 million Filipinos have been displaced by the storm.
Unions at forefront of supporting calls for aid
People and organizations from around the world have displayed incredible generosity. The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and its members are among the country's most generous contributors. Thousands of members donated money individually and through their unions, joining so many other Canadians who answered the call for help.
NUPGE's National President James Clancy explained that "Canada's, indeed the world's, labour movement has stepped forward to offer assistance in a way that many other organizations have not. The values that inform and inspire the labour movement are not restricted to borders and political boundaries. What we want for ourselves we wish for all!"
More than $60,000 contributed
NUPGE gave $10,000 to Oxfam Canada and $500 to the Ontario Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines. Among Component contributions are:
- British Columbia Government and General Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) Donated to Oxfam – $10,000
- Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE) Donated to Canadian Medical Assistance Teams – $10,000
- Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU/NUPGE) Donated to Canadian Medical Assistance Teams – $2,000
- Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) Donated to Oxfam – $20,000
- Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) Donated to Oxfam – $5,000
Federal government extends program to match contributions
Help is urgently needed. The Canadian government has extended the deadline they set to match individual contributions to charities providing support to the Philippines.
NUPGE is encouraging members to work with OXFAM as their workers are already on the ground in the Philippines delivering aid to where it is most needed. Your donation to Oxfam qualifies for a matching contribution from the Canadian government. Click here
to make your donation now.
The Canadian government is matching individual donations until December 23, 2013.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE