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PETERBOROUGH, ON – Municipal workers in Peterborough kicked off the holiday season today with two community charity events.
The workers, all members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees brought thousands of dollars worth of new toys to the Country 105 Christmas Toy Drive, then hosted an Out of the Cold dinner for those in need of a hot meal.
“We all work in Peterborough. We’re part of this community, and that means we have a responsibility to take care of the community, whether we’re at work or on our own time,” said Pat Crough, President of CUPE Local 504.
Thousands of dollars in new toy donations came from members of CUPE Local 126 (inside workers), Local 504 (outside workers) and Local 1883 (library workers), a variety of CUPE locals in the area and others in the community.
“I think it’s great the way that our members come together to help out those in need. I live in Peterborough. I know how hard our members work every day to keep this community running, and it warms my heart every time that we get together outside work to make our community better for everyone,” said Candace Rennick, Secretary-Treasurer of CUPE Ontario.
After delivering the toys, the workers headed to Stone School, where they prepared and served an Out of the Cold dinner.
Guests at Out of the Cold dinners are usually homeless, marginalized and socially isolated people from across the city. The program is not just about feeding people, but about bringing people together to decrease the isolation so often caused by poverty.
“A lot of people don’t know how many vital services CUPE members provide in this city. Many of our members work every day to support the most marginalized and at-risk members of our community,” said Lynda Bolton, President of CUPE Local 126. “We’ve done these dinners before, and they’re an important way for us to help out. I hope today’s events mean more people in Peterborough will have a happy holiday.”
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For more information, please contact:
Lynda Bolton, President, CUPE Local 126 705-875-1422
Craig Saunders, CUPE Communications 416-576-7316
