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Tuesday, January 19, 2021

CLAC Foundation to the Rescue

Last spring’s flooding in Fort McMurray, Alberta, caused over $228 million in insured damages—and more for those not insured. Close to 13,000 people had to leave their homes in late April when an ice jam formed on the Athabasca River and caused water levels to rise, flooding the entire downtown area. 

Many of those affected were Local 301 members employed by two Save-On-Foods stores in the city. The downtown store was completely flooded and had to close. 

CLAC helped 19 members through the CLAC Foundation, with members receiving $500 to $2,000, depending on need. In total, CLAC provided $22,500 to members through the foundation. 

In addition, the CLAC Foundation donated $5,000 to the Wood Buffalo Food Bank, which serves the Fort McMurray area. It too was flooded and had to move, while still serving many people in the area affected by the natural disaster. 

“We couldn’t support our community without the support of others,” says Dan Edwards, food bank executive director. “Thank you so much to the CLAC Foundation for dropping off a donation to help us.” 

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, members of the Confederation of Democratic Workers of the Philippines (CDWP), a member of the World Organization of Workers (WOW)—of which CLAC is also a member—were suffering after months without work due to the pandemic. These are street vendors and day labourers in the informal economy, without contracts, benefits, or sick time. With no work, no savings, and little government help, they had difficulty just feeding their families. 

In response, the CLAC Foundation sent $36,000 of emergency relief to the CDWP through WOW. A number of other WOW members also contributed to the relief fund. 

“This help will go a long way for our affected members,” says Necie Lucero, CDWP secretary general. “You are all heaven-sent in extending your help. Thank you for your compassion.” 

For more on the work of the CLAC Foundation, visit clacfoundation.ca