Steelworkers Humanity Fund Contributes $10,000 to Guatemalan Communities Affected by Severe Drought

TORONTO, March 17, 2017 /CNW/ - The Steelworkers Humanity Fund is contributing $10,000 to assist four drought stricken communities in south-eastern Guatemala. Already facing high levels of poverty, families in this region have lost their corn and bean crops due to five consecutive drought seasons.  

The aid will be channelled through the Steelworkers Humanity Fund's long-term partner in Guatemala, ASDENA (Health and Community Development Organization New Dawn in Spanish) to help 210 families whose needs are critical. ASDENA will provide beans to these families to bridge them to the next harvest season.

"Poor communities are increasingly suffering the impacts of climate change in Guatemala. In addition to supporting ongoing development projects to build the resilience and sustainability of peasant communities, the Humanity Fund felt we had to respond to this emergency" said Ken Neumann, President of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund and National Director of the United Steelworkers.

The Steelworkers Humanity Fund is a registered charitable organization that contributes to development projects and emergency aid in developing countries, as well as supporting Canadian communities in crisis. United Steelworkers members contribute to the fund through clauses negotiated into collective agreements. In some cases employers make matching contributions to the fund.   

SOURCE Steelworkers Humanity Fund

Ken Neumann, USW National Director, 416-544-5951; Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966 / 416-434-2221 / [email protected]