This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
NUPGE is a participating union in Labour Gives and Giving Tuesday with contributions going to the Canadian Council for Refugees.
Ottawa (30 Nov. 2015) — This weekend, countless Canadians and Americans were tempted by the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in stores and online. Seeing how successful retailers have become over the American Thanksgiving weekend, 92Y, a cultural centre in New York City, wondered if there was a way to harness the same social media power to support communities rather than corporations. And so, four years ago, Giving Tuesday was born.
Over 3,500 Canadian organizations are participating in international movement to support change in communities
Observed on the Tuesday following American Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday has become an international movement that supports giving to make real change in our communities. Individuals, organizations (including labour unions), and businesses are encouraged to donate time, resources, and talents to address local challenges.
This year, Giving Tuesday falls on December 1, and more than 3,500 Canadian organizations are participating. Among them are the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and many individual union affiliates, labour councils, and provincial Federations of Labour, calling their campaign #LabourGives.
Labour Gives focus this year is on supporting Syrian refugees in Canada
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), representing 360,000 members across Canada, is an affiliate of the CLC and a participating union in Labour Gives. The contribution will be made to the Canadian Council for Refugees.
“Unions and their members give back to their communities in many ways. Labour Gives is a natural extension of that work — a celebration of solidarity in support of Giving Tuesday,” said CLC Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Byers.
“Whether it’s making a donation, volunteering time, helping a neighbour or spreading the word, Labour Gives is for everyone in the labour movement who wants to give something back to their communities,” Byers added.
The key priority for Labour Gives this year is supporting and welcoming Syrian refugees arriving in Canada. In order to make sure refugees from the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today are able to build a new life in Canada, there is need for funds, as well as donations of basic necessities like clothing, household items, and children’s toys.
Find a way to help on Giving Tuesday
“We’re urging those who want to participate in Labour Gives to contact their unions to find the best ways to support refugees arriving in their communities,” said Byers.
The CLC itself will be making a $3,000 donation to the United Way/Centraide Ottawa, which is working with local government and community organizations to raise funds for Syrian refugees and to direct resources to where they are most needed.
More information:
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE