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Communities big and small endorsing CSS Appreciation Day

Acknowledging the vital role that community social service workers play

 

Ottawa (31 Oct. 2008) - Plans for the first annual Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day, to be celebrated on Nov. 6, are fast gaining momentum.

The list of communities across the country that have officially recognized the day now include Edmonton, Alta., and a long list of towns and cities across Ontario. The list includes Barrie, Timmins, North Bay, Aurora, Ajax, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Elliot Lake, Hearst, Milton, Port Hope and Atikokan.

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has taken the lead in organizing observations for Nov. 6. It will be the first annual Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day in Canada.


The union is urging everyone to mark the occasion by taking time to appreciate the contribution these workers make to strengthen communities across the country.

The idea for the day originated at a 2007 NUPGE conference of community social service workers. It was envisaged as a day to focus attention on the importance of the sector to the well-being of the country and to acknowledge the contributions that these workers make.

"These members work hard to provide services that ensure a decent standard of living for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities," said James Clancy, NUPGE president.

“We hope to see other communities follow suit and recognize this new Appreciation Day.”

Earlier this month the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) sent letters to 400 mayors and reeves urging councils to adopt the annual Appreciation Day.

A website devoted to community social service workers includes resources to help organize appreciation day events. Everything from posters, media releases, sample resolutions, videos, news, and research is readily available at cssworkerscare.ca.

More information:

Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day