Helping Our Communities During a Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic took root in BC this spring, HSA members working as health science and community social service professionals were on the frontlines where they saw the immediate impacts of this pandemic.
As the pandemic has continued, HSA members have also seen other impacts of COVID-19 in their workplaces and their communities, including a troubling increase in domestic violence, child abuse, and food insecurity. That’s why when our national organization, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), made a generous offer to join us in a joint contribution to charity, HSA’s Board of Directors chose to support two important organizations:
- The Ending Violence Association of BC, a highly respected organization that HSA has supported and worked with for years, that provides a wide range of resources and supports in the areas of sexual abuse, domestic violence and child abuse.
- The Union Protein Project, a non-profit started by unions and the United Way, which uses donations to subsidize food bank purchases of canned salmon and peanut butter. Food banks regularly experience shortages of protein-based food, a key nutrient that is expensive and much needed by the vulnerable people they serve.
HSA and NUPGE combined to donate $10,351.50 to each group – money that will be used to offer resources, supports and prevention programs around BC.
"We are pleased to be able to make a contribution, along with HSA, to 2 vital community organizations,” said Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer. “If our donation helps support those fleeing violence and abuse and those in need of greater food security then we have stayed true to our core values of respect, dignity and equality.”
“As union members, we are happy to offer support to our communities at times like this. We also know that we can’t forget about these problems when the pandemic eventually ends – that’s why we need to keep working to ensure we rebuild a resilient, safe, and inclusive post-COVID economy,” said Val Avery, HSA President.