City union workers helping at Fred Victor Women’s Hostel

‘It’s become a highlight for our Local activists and volunteers to come out and make this remarkable place even more special for the people who need it’

By Kevin Wilson –

www.fredvictor.org (416) 364-8228

www.fredvictor.org (416) 364-8228

Volunteer members of the Toronto Civic Employees Union (TCEU), Local 416 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 416), today, joined with local politicians and fellow trade unionists to make it a Friday to Remember at the Fred Victor Women’s Hostel. Volunteers are spending June 21 cleaning and replanting the Hostel’s gardens, and hosting a barbecue for residents, volunteers and staff.

“This is the second year we’ve come to Fred Victor,” said CUPE 416 Vice-President Dave Hewitt. “It’s become a highlight for our Local activists and volunteers to come out and make this remarkable place even more special for the people who need it,” he added.

The volunteer members of Local 416 have been joined today by their office and clerical support staff who are members of Local 343 of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees (COPE 343), along with Toronto City Councillor Pam McConnell and Toronto Centre MPP and Infrastructure Minister Glenn Murray.

In addition to sprucing up and replanting the gardens at the hostel, CUPE and COPE volunteers also host an afternoon barbecue for all volunteers and residents of the hostel.

“It’s a really busy, but very special day for all of us-an opportunity to really connect with the community,” said Hewitt.

“We’re thrilled to be joined by our dedicated COPE staff, Councillor McConnell and Minister Murray this year,” he added.

Every year, Local 416 members take vacation days so that they can volunteer their time to assist a wide variety of worthwhile community initiatives. This year, Local 416 volunteers are participating in community Environment Days across the city, giving away bags of compost and helping members of the public to load the bags into their vehicles. As well, Local 416 is hosting family-friendly movie nights at public parks and other outdoor venues across the city this summer.