Building Communities Winners!
Twice per year (June and December), CLAC awards donations of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,500 to up to 15 local causes nominated by members. All causes and amounts are selected at random from qualified nominations. Three causes nominated by Local 68 members won donations in the December 2021 draw: Backpack Buddies, Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue, and YANA.
Backpack Buddies , nominated by Michael Reece (PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.) received a $1,000 donation
“Backpack Buddies provides a weekly bag of food including meals and snacks to feed children through the weekend and beyond,” says Michael. “There are many BC families that struggle to put food on the table every day, and this organization helps to fill the hunger gap over the weekend—a time when children go without the support of school breakfast and lunch programs. The Backpack Buddies program partners with teachers, administrators, and social workers who provide advice on the needs of their students. This donation will go toward providing meals, fruit, veggies, and healthy snacks for our children and youth.”
Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue, nominated by Denis Dionne (Matcon Civil Constructors Ltd.) received a $1,000 donation.
“Founded in 1978, Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue assists police in evidence recovery and search and rescue missions,” says Denis. “The foundation is comprised of 30 unpaid professionals who have undergone extensive mandatory search and rescue training. The team assists with water rescues, mountainous terrain, high angle rope, or urban searches from the west border of Chilliwack to the east border of Surrey. Donations like this help make our efforts possible—from personal protective equipment to vehicles that carry members gear.”
Yana nominated by Steven Conelley (Peace River Hydro Partners Construction Ltd.) received a $1,500 donation.
“My wife, Jolene Wall, and a friend started Prairie Christmas because they realized how lonely seniors were in long term care homes due to COVID-19 restrictions,” says Steven. “They decided to take it on themselves to raise and get donations to provide gift baskets for seniors in the local care home in Warman, Saskatchewan. Jolene did all of this selfless work while going through her own breast cancer battle, which she has successfully defeated! One hundred percent of donations received will go to purchasing gifts and other services for residences at long term care homes to provide some Christmas cheer.”