USJE Donations

Unions play a big role in confronting the social and economic inequities that impact the lives of workers and families in Canadian communities. The Community Investment Initiative is USJE’s contribution to this effort.

The Mission is to invest in local community development projects, building safer and stronger neighbourhoods across Canada.

To learn more about USJE’s Community Investment Initiative or to apply for funding go to keepingcanadianssafe.ca/community-investment. The deadline to apply is July 5, 2024.

Date: February 16, 2022

Amount: $10,000

Purpose: To assist the individuals and community of Lytton, BC who have lost everything as a result of forest fires.

The town was almost completely destroyed by fire on June 30, 2021, including most homes and almost all of the infrastructure. The rebuild plan includes many sustainability goals such as a geothermal grid and extensive use of green energy. It also includes measures to protect the town from future fire and drought, such as planting drought tolerant trees and plants and using fire resistant building materials. Lytton was one of the communities most devastated by last year’s extensive wildfire season in BC, and their efforts to build back better and safer are inspiring.

If you would like to donate to the Lytton Rebuild Fund head to their website.

Date: November 22, 2021

Amount: $20,000

Purpose: To assist with the flooding and mudslide situation in BC

Rationale: USJE has many Members residing in these Communities.  Some were affected greatly by the Wildfires this past summer and now many have been flooded to the point of evacuation and are in a State of Emergency.  Some of these communities have lost access via roads having been washed out or destroyed.  This limits necessary supplies and food to these communities.   In addition, many are without accommodations.

If you would like to donate to the British Columbia and Yukon – Canadian Red Cross head to their website.

Date: November 8, 2021

Amount: $5,000

Purpose: To assist with the strike happening with NB Provincial employees.

Rationale: CUPE NB has gone 3 years without a contract.  The Provincial Government is bargaining in bad faith.  Recently they tried to lay off/lock out the Education Assistants and utilize on-line learning (which was implemented for the pandemic) during the strike.  This is scab like action.  Union busting at it’s worst.

Date: November 2, 2021

Amount: $10,000

Purpose: To assist in obtaining and distributing water and food supplies to the people of Iqaluit.

Rationale: USJE has many members residing in Iqaluit and they have declared a State of Emergency due to fuel contamination in the water treatment plant.  It is unknown how this happened, or the length of time it will take to resolve.  Currently the government of Iqaluit is providing bottles of water, but the residents need more.  The Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre provides free daily meals to residents, which has seen a dramatic increase due to the water contamination and has just hired a full-time driver to deliver water/food etc. to those that are unable to get to the distribution centers. Water in stores, when available, is being sold at over $20/gallon.  They are in desperate need of supplies and food. 

If you would like to donate to the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre head to their website.