Labour
The United Way and Organized Labour have a long history of working together. The United Ways of BC, the Canadian Labour Congress (Pacific Region) and the BC Federation of Labour entered into an agreement in 1979 as partners in social change.
In 1988, United Way of Canada signed a formal partnership agreement with the Canadian Labour Congress, which represents more than three million members. The partnership agreement is aimed at having the two organizations work toward goals they have in common. For the United Way, it is to create healthy, thriving communities where people help each other to live full lives. For Labour, it is about supporting working men and women. Both groups understand that workers live in communities, and communities depend on workers. Improving lives and strengthening communities is their common goal.
United Way of the Fraser Valley has a strong relationship with the Fraser Valley Labour Council, and has workplace campaigns at 29 organizations and 90 locations that have Union relationships.
Emil Anderson New Supporters
While on a three-day tour of Emil Anderson Maintenance’s Fraser Valley locations, Mary Partridge, BCGEU Senior Staff Rep and Rory Smith, Local Chairperson, 1004, were accompanied by United Way rep Lori Masse.
Emil Anderson’s employees are happy to support United Way of the Fraser Valley, an organization that covers the same geographic area as the Fraser Valley Highways District.
Starting in Abbotsford on Monday, March 29, Partridge, Smith and Masse spoke to the staff at the seven Emil Anderson Maintenance’s Fraser Valley locations.
“Not only did Emil Anderson employees learn about what United Way is doing to make their community safer and healthier, but I learned what they are doing to keep it safe, as well,” said Masse, who runs the annual United Way campaign.
United Way’s efforts provide grants to 27 local charities, and provide funding for programs that help ensure children 0 to 6 succeed, look for solutions to homelessness and affordable housing, and ways to reduce poverty.
Recently United Way entered into a partnership with Reading Tree to distribute free books to children in the Fraser Valley.
“People donate books by placing them in the blue metal bins you’ve probably seen pop up around the communities,” said Masse. “They are sorted and the children’s books in good condition are sent to schools that have the greatest need.”
The expectation is that with books available, parents will be more likely to read to their children, giving them a good foundation for further learning.
“Without your help, we are creating an unbearable stress on our social services in the future,” said Masse.
United Way is supported by the BC Federation of Labour and the Canadian Labour Congress. Any company interested in supporting the United Way though a workplace campaign is invited to call Lori Masse at 604-852-1234 or email lori@uwfv.bc.ca.
Fraser Valley Labour Council wins award
The FVLC members were out in full force at the 2010 United Way Spirit Awards on March 30, 2011.
The council's members were honoured for their assistance in promoting United Way at their workplaces, on the Board of Directors, and at their Council meetings.
Charitable Business Number: 11927 8430 RR0001