International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 is donating $115,000 to the IUOE Disaster Fund to help Operating Engineers from Local 955 who have been affected by the Fort McMurray wildfire.
“Our thoughts are with our Brothers and Sisters in Alberta. They have gone through a harrowing ordeal over the last week,” says Local 115 Business Manager Brian Cochrane. He added, “it’s vitally important for us in times of hardship to stand together and provide whatever help we can.”
IUOE Local 115 members include the provincial aerial firefighters who help keep British Columbians safe from wildfires here at home. “For that reason, this tragedy is personal for IUOE Local 115. Our Brothers and Sisters know the risk first responders and firefighting crews are taking by staying behind to help get this fire under control, and the danger people faced as they evacuated,” says Cochrane.
The Local’s Executive Board decided on the $115,000 donation because it signifies $10 per Local member. Cochrane encouraged members and the public to also make a donation the Red Cross’ effort. “The federal government and Alberta government are matching donations. That means your $5 becomes $15. We need to stand together as a nation right now to help rebuild one of the economic centres of our country.”
