August 15, 2017 - The United Steelworkers (USW), joining with the Steelworkers Humanity Fund, are contributing $100,000 to ongoing relief and recovery efforts for the continuing wildfire crisis in the BC Interior.

"The wildfires and evacuations have deeply affected individuals and families, and continue to create uncertainty about the future impacts on jobs in affected communities," said Steelworkers Canadian National Director and Steelworkers Humanity Fund President Ken Neumann.

"The Steelworkers and the Humanity Fund pledged support to the BC Red Cross and the Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way. We are pleased to be able to provide funds to these two outstanding agencies so they can continue their invaluable support for affected USW members in the BC Interior and their communities," said Steve Hunt, District 3 Director, United Steelworkers.

"We want to thank BC USW locals for responding to the crisis with on-the-ground support for evacuees and fire responders, and with the support of USW locals and SOAR chapters across Western Canada, setting aside additional emergency funds for members facing evacuation," said Hunt.

"This support is possible thanks to Humanity Fund contributions by thousands of individual USW members across Canada and to special contributions from the National and District offices of the USW," Neumann said.

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

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For further information:
Ken Neumann, President, Steelworkers Humanity Fund, 416-544-5951
Steve Hunt, Director, District 3, United Steelworkers, 604-683-1117
Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434-2221, bgallagher@usw.ca