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Greg Dwulit
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SEIU members’ generosity goes international!

Friday, June 03, 2011

The generosity of SEIU’s members literally knows no bounds. What started as a simple idea turned into an incredibly rewarding trip to Jamaica, and is a true testament to the willingness of our membership to help those in need, no matter where they’re from.

The SEIU Multi-faith and Community Network (SMCN) was created to help, assist and support members of our communities through compassion, education and the love that we all share through the generosity of all our community partners. With a vision to be a catalyst for social justice, SEIU members go beyond the work place to make the world a better place.

Member leaders Beverley Baptiste, Angela Sterread, Nathalee Thompson are three such dedicated people. A personal support worker, a geriatric care specialist, and a registered practical nurse who not only spend their day serving the community, but who have gone beyond borders and across an ocean to help those truly in need.

Because of ingenuity and hard work of these three very special women, hundreds of people in the Caribbean now have the medical supplies they need to live a healthier and better life.

The team raised much-needed funds to deliver the medical supplies to St. Ann’s Bay Hospital in Jamaica. The network fundraised tirelessly, and even hosted the hugely successful Spring Gala [link to story] to raise as much money as possible for the hospital.

After months of dedicated work from all members of the SMCN and some SEIU staff, the team accomplished its mission: delivering medical equipment to the hospital. The items included wheelchairs, resuscitators, walkers, canes and support stands.

Dr Nicole Dawkins, Senior Medical Officer for St Ann's Bay hospital, and the hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Keith Richards, accepted the donations and expressed their deep gratitude to SEIU.

“It was incredible to be able to directly see the impact we’re having on people,” said Emanuel Carvalho, Executive Vice-President for SEIU Local 1 Canada.

SEIU Local 1 Canada is extremely proud of our members’ generosity and would like to thank Beverley, Angela and Nathalee for their dedication and hard work. The sky is truly the limit with this special group of people.

Click here to read an article in the Jamaica Gleaner.

Click here for a photo gallery of the trip.
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