Steelworkers Humanity Fund Contributes $188,330 to 112 Food Banks Across Canada

TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2018 /CNW/ - The Steelworkers Humanity Fund is contributing $188,330 to 112 food banks and community food centres across Canada.

"The Steelworkers Humanity Fund is our union's tool to combat poverty at the global level, but also within our own communities. This is why we are very proud to contribute to food banks and community food centres where members of the United Steelworkers live and work. Year after year, these organizations play a crucial role in assisting vulnerable individuals and families that rely on these services to make ends meet," said Ken Neumann, President of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund and National Director of the United Steelworkers (USW).

"Members of our union make good neighbours. They are involved in their communities through volunteer work and they fundraise for different types of events and organizations for which our help is required. And with the resources pooled with the Steelworkers Humanity Fund, our support reaches food banks across the country," said Neumann.

"Unfortunately, food insecurity is still a reality in Canada today, a situation that is far from improving as poverty and inequalities gain more ground. For this reason, Steelworkers also know the importance of advocating for structural changes by engaging with our elected officials, such as by calling for a national anti-poverty strategy that sees the elimination of poverty as a human rights issue, as well as by supporting federal and provincial campaigns for fair minimum wages."

Founded in 1985, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund is a registered charitable organization that focuses primarily on development projects and emergency aid in developing countries, but also supports Canadian communities. USW members contribute to the fund through clauses negotiated into collective agreements. In some cases employers make matching contributions to the fund.

View the list of food banks and community food centres receiving 2018 contributions from the Steelworkers Humanity Fund.

SOURCE Steelworkers Humanity Fund

Ken Neumann, President, Steelworkers Humanity Fund, 416-544-5951; Doug Olthuis, Executive Director, Steelworkers Humanity Fund, 416-859-9953, [email protected]; Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434 2221, [email protected]