The Society recently contributed to three organizations doing vital work on humanitarian aid, distributing COVID vaccines and undertaking reconciliation initiatives to aid Canada’s reconciliation journey with Indigenous communities.
In the wake of this summer’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti, the Society contributed $5,000 to Global Medic’s relief efforts. Between the earthquake and a tropical depression that hit the Caribbean island-nation just two days later, 171 schools were destroyed, 83,000 homes were damaged and a further 53,000 homes were destroyed. Global Medic was able to provide clean drinking water and assist people facing increased levels of food insecurity.
The Society also contributed $5,000 to UNICEF Canada’s Covax fund, which was matched by the Government of Canada for a total impact of $10,000. Covax is the global effort to ensure equitable vaccine access across the world. Covax works with partners across the world to manufacture and procure vaccines, as well as on logistics, storage and preparing for local vaccine administration. While Canada has been at the front of the global vaccine line, ensuring equitable access across the globe will help prevent new variants of concern and bring an end to the pandemic.
A third donation of $10,000 was made to the Downie Wenjack Foundation (DWF). DWF was created in commemoration of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack. Wenjack ran away from abuse at an Indian Residential School, dying of starvation and exposure to the elements just one week later at the age of 12. Downie was a settler committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and the lead singer of The Tragically Hip who died of cancer in 2017. DWF conducts its work to encourage reconciliation and support Indigenous communities through a number of programs that promote education, arts and community events.
The Society contributes to a variety of charitable and community causes through a fund comprised of some of the proceeds of the union’s investments.
