SEIU Helps Raise Relief Funds for Haiti

SEIU Helps Raise Relief Funds for Haiti

Dear Local 1 Members and Families,

It is terribly sad for us all to watch the devastation from last week’s earthquake in Haiti. Estimates of 200 000 killed and as high as 1.5 million homeless are hard to hear, so many souls left with nothing but prayers and a resilient attitude. It’s at times like these Unions and other progressive organizations need to reach out to our brothers and sisters around the world to offer aid, support and solidarity.

The history of Haiti has been one of struggle against oppression and outside interference. For over 200 years rebellions, coups, dictatorships, resistance to occupation, and an economic system designed to benefit the demands of foreign consumers rather than the people have been the legacy of Haiti.

Clearly poverty has amplified the effects of the earthquake, yet despite it all Haitians have displayed a most noble response to the crisis. While the media focuses on small pockets of violence caused by desperation the vast majority of the affected continue to work to help one another.

It is with this spirit of solidarity demonstrated by the people of Haiti that I pledge SEIU will not forget. SEIU has chosen to recommend “Partners in Health” for support and donations. Partners in Health is a Haitian run network of medical clinics serving the most vulnerable citizens in need.

SEIU is also proud to join the Canadian Labour Congress in its appeal for online donations through the Red Cross. The funds received will be distributed to Haitian unions through the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas; disaster relief through the Red Cross; and relief and reconstruction initiatives through OXFAM and the Humanitarian Coalition. Each donation will be matched by the federal government.

https://www.paypaq.com/redcross/en/corporation/index.php?login=clc&password=support

SEIU stands with Haiti in its time of need.

In Solidarity,

Sharleen Stewart
President
SEIU Local 1 Canada