This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
Canadian public sector union urges members and the general public to make individual donations to the devastated Caribbean country.
Ottawa (14 Jan. 2010) – The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) will be providing $25,000 in financial assistance to international relief efforts to help deal with the tragic devastation of the massive earthquake in Haiti.
“The scope of the tragedy is so overwhelming,” said James Clancy, NUPGE national president.
“On behalf of the 340,000 members of NUPGE, I send sincere condolences to the people and nation of Haiti who are enduring unimaginable suffering.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Haiti was rocked by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake. The country's capital, Port-au-Prince, lies in ruins. Early reports suggest the earthquake may have killed tens of thousands of people or more. It has damaged or destroyed untold thousands of homes, heavily damaged the water system, destroyed hospitals and schools and knocked out electricity in much of the country.
 |
| The worst earthquake in Haiti's history |
 |
“These are very difficult and emotional times and it is important that we do our part to give the people of Haiti the support they need as they go through yet another catastrophe,” said Clancy.
The union will make a $25,000 donation from its Social Justice Solidarity Fund (SJSF) and it is currently exploring a number of organizations in Haiti which it can provide with donations.
The union would like to focus on organizations that are able to provide emergency relief in the short-term and in the longer-term help the Haitian people with the important task of rebuilding public services, institutions and infrastructure.
Clancy is also encouraging NUPGE members to make individual donations to help out earthquake victims in Haiti.
Direct donations
There are a number of organizations like Oxfam Canada, Canadian Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, Partners in Health and UNICEF Canada working hard in Haiti right now to do everything humanly possible to help the Haitian people rebuild their devastated lives.
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
More information:
Call the NUPGE national office at 613-228-9800.