Investing where we live
The strength of unions has always had its roots in the communities where we live. When our neighbourhoods are safe they thrive. That’s when we all have the ability to succeed. Healthy communities are the foundation upon which everything else is built.
But not all communities are created equal. Different communities have different challenges to overcome.
In 2019, the Union of Safety and Justice Employees set out on an ambitious program to begin supporting the communities we live in, one project at a time. There are so many excellent non-profit organizations that need partners and support. If we want to help our communities survive and thrive, we all have an important role to play.
ApplyRecent projects
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USJE donation boosts Search and Rescue’s ability to support vulnerable community members
Saskatoon, SK – Following a donation from the Union of Safety and Justice Employees (USJE), Saskatoon Search and Rescue (SSAR) has been able to purchase additional lifesaving bracelets to support the safety of highly vulnerable community members. These bracelets are provided, at no cost, to individuals who are at high risk of becoming lost due to cognitive differences such as dementia and autism.
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Federal Union to Highlight Investment in Turning Leaf Community Support Services in Winnipeg
In 2022, USJE’s Community Investment Initiative invested $20,000 in Turning Leaf Community Support Services to purchase a truck for a new home-moving business that will be added to their bed-bug heat treatment service. The business will be part of Turning Leaf’s Social Enterprise Department Program, which battles poverty and facilitates mental health supports to low-income individuals who are employed to undertake valuable and impactful part-time work.
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USJE Joins Community Leaders to Highlight Investment in Children North in La Ronge
In 2022, USJE’s Community Investment Initiative invested $25,000 into Children North in La Ronge, Saskatchewan. This Organization provides extensive support programs for children and residents of Northern Saskatchewan. The USJE Community Investment Initiative (CII) funds were used to support the purchase of a bus that enables children using mobility devices (including wheelchairs) to receive these life-changing therapies.
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Mission
Unions play a big role in confronting the social and economic inequities that impact the lives of workers and families in Canadian communities. The Community Investment Initiative is USJE’s contribution to this effort.
The Mission is to invest in local community development projects, building safer and stronger neighbourhoods across Canada.
Mandate
Our members understand that to create positive, lasting social change we must partner with and invest in the communities where we live.
The Community Investment Initiative is dedicated to improving public safety in our neighbourhoods and supporting local projects that focus on at least one of the following areas:
- Providing access to quality education
- Alleviating poverty
- Helping at-risk populations
- Increasing worker solidarity
- Improving communities
- Offering mental health supports
Additional donations
Date: February 16, 2022
Amount: $10,000
Purpose: To assist the individuals and community of Lytton, BC who have lost everything as a result of forest fires.
Rationale: The town was almost completely destroyed by fire on June 30, 2021, including most homes and almost all of the infrastructure. The rebuild plan includes many sustainability goals such as a geothermal grid and extensive use of green energy. It also includes measures to protect the town from future fire and drought, such as planting drought tolerant trees and plants and using fire resistant building materials. Lytton was one of the communities most devastated by last year’s extensive wildfire season in BC, and their efforts to build back better and safer are inspiring.
If you would like to donate to the Lytton Rebuild Fund head to their website.
Date: November 22, 2021
Amount: $20,000
Purpose: To assist with the flooding and mudslide situation in BC
Rationale: USJE has many Members residing in these Communities. Some were affected greatly by the wildfires this past summer and now many have been flooded to the point of evacuation and are in a State of Emergency. Some of these communities have lost access via roads having been washed out or destroyed. This limits necessary supplies and food to these communities. In addition, many are without accommodations.
If you would like to donate to the British Columbia and Yukon Canadian Red Cross head to their website.
Date: November 8, 2021
Amount: $5,000
Purpose: To assist with the strike happening with NB Provincial employees.
Rationale: CUPE NB has gone 3 years without a contract. The Provincial Government is bargaining in bad faith. Recently they tried to lay off/lock out the Education Assistants and utilize on-line learning (which was implemented for the pandemic) during the strike. This is scab like action. Union busting at it’s worst.
Date: November 2, 2021
Amount: $10,000
Purpose: To assist in obtaining and distributing water and food supplies to the people of Iqaluit.
Rationale: USJE has many members residing in Iqaluit and they have declared a State of Emergency due to fuel contamination in the water treatment plant. It is unknown how this happened, or the length of time it will take to resolve. Currently the government of Iqaluit is providing bottles of water, but the residents need more. The Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre provides free daily meals to residents, which has seen a dramatic increase due to the water contamination and has just hired a full-time driver to deliver water/food etc. to those that are unable to get to the distribution centers. Water in stores, when available, is being sold at over $20/gallon. They are in desperate need of supplies and food.
If you would like to donate to the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre head to their website.
