The Steelworkers Humanity Fund is contributing $40,000 to provide emergency relief to victims of hurricane Fiona in Atlantic Canada.
On the morning of Sept. 24, hurricane Fiona landed as a category 4 storm, with winds over 160 km/h. Families and communities are facing the devastating impacts of torrential rain, strong winds and widespread flooding in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and parts of Quebec.
In order to address some of the urgent humanitarian needs created by this catastrophe, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund has contributed $15,000 to the Canadian Red Cross, which is working closely with governments, Indigenous leadership and communities across the region to provide emergency assistance such as shelter, food, clothing and psychosocial support.
Damages in Channel-Port aux Basques, N.L., were significant, with record high water levels causing at least 20 homes to be washed away. The Port aux Basques Lions Club has received $10,000 and local organization Gateway Status of Women Centre $5,000 to respond this emergency. In Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Que., Entraide communautaire des Îles received $10,000 to address the surge in prices of staple food items affecting the most marginalized, due to supply chain disturbances felt in the aftermath of the storm.
“Our contribution will help with the reconstruction efforts in Atlantic Canada, but this storm will leave important scars in the region, adding to the list of natural disasters boosted by climate change that have affected the country in the past few years,” said Marty Warren, President of the Steelworkers Humanity Fund and National Director of the United Steelworkers union (USW).
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.