Steelworkers Humanity Fund Donates $35,000 to Support Response to Alberta Wildfires

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF) is donating $35,000 to the Canadian Red Cross 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal to provide support in response to the current wildfires, as well as future fires that may occur during the Alberta wildfire season.

After more than three weeks, wildfires in northern Alberta are still raging, with over 50 still active in the province. Many Steelworkers members have had close calls, have been evacuated and been able to return safely to their homes, but that’s still not the case for over 10,000 Albertans.

The Steelworkers Humanity Fund is responding to the appeal sent by the Canadian Red Cross with a $35,000 donation to support people in need with emergency lodging and relief supplies, aid that will also be available to those affected by future fires that may occur during the Alberta wildfire season. The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta are matching every dollar given to the Red Cross, tripling the impact of this donation.

“The Alberta wildfire season came quickly and early and caused a lot of hardship for many communities, including many of our Steelworkers members in the province. Through the Steelworkers Humanity Fund, we are proud to lend a hand in response to disasters that are unfortunately increasingly frequent and longer lasting,” said Marty Warren, President of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund and National Director of the United Steelworkers union (USW).

For anyone wanting to donate, visit the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal website.

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