WINDSOR, ON – Members of Local 543 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 543) have packed up 600 hampers containing everything needed for a complete Thanksgiving dinner, as part of their sixth annual ‘Operation Giveback,’ in partnership with the Windsor-Essex Food Bank Association. The dinner hampers will be distributed to families in the Windsor area on Friday.
The Thanksgiving hampers will contain a turkey (for families) or a chicken (for single residents), reusable grocery and insulated thermos bags, along with carrots, potatoes, onions, stuffing, apples, cookies, and a bag of candy for families with children. They will be distributed at ten locations throughout the City of Windsor. The main distribution point will be the Unemployed Help Centre (6955 Cantelon Drive, Windsor, ON), starting at 10:00 a.m. and running until 3:30 p.m.
“Our members know that Thanksgiving is an important holiday for many families, and that a good meal is at the heart of this celebration. We don’t want to see anyone miss out on the chance to celebrate with their loved ones,” said Jason Parent, President of CUPE 543. “Just yesterday, a report was released showing that 33 percent of children in Windsor are living in poverty. This is not acceptable. While charity is never going to close that gap, our members want to do their part on this holiday weekend.”
“We’d like to thank the Food Bank Association, and the community partners who donated some key components for our hampers,” said Parent. “In particular, we thank Pier C Farms in Leamington, which donated the onions and carrots, and E & B Medel Orchards for the apples. We support buying local produce, and we are grateful for their support of us. We’d also like to thank the Real Canadian Superstore in Windsor. Their manager Frank Culmone was a true partner in this effort.”
CUPE 543 represents more than 1,500 dedicated public service workers in Windsor, including the City of Windsor inside workers, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, ABC Day Nursery of Windsor, Windsor-Essex Community Housing Corporation, Synagro, Seasons Retirement Communities in Amherstburg, and Great Beginnings Child Centered Co-operative.
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For more information:
Jason Parent, President, CUPE Local 543, 226-350-4543
Andrea Addario, CUPE Communications, 416-738-4329
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