| About OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHEER |
| CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVES |
|
| 2004 Christmas Food & Toy Campaign |
| Proudly Helping Union Families Since 2004 |
| Copyright 2004 |
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Operation - Cheer has been a complete success for 2004! The positive responses from labour in Ontario has been simply amazing. The 15 Christmas hampers were delivered to Pemboke this evening filled with everything needed for a traditional Christmas dinner including Toys R Us gift cards for the children - milk, bread, butter, eggs, fruit and vegetables. The members were surprised and very touched that so many people cared. We were all smiling, laughing and even took a few pictures in spite of the temperature being a brisk -39c. It was a great experience and I am glad I was a part of it. Everyone was so generous with the Toys R Us gift cards/donations that you also made Christmas brighter for 9 additional union families. CEP local 324 in Dryden has 9 members who have been on strike since Aug 2003. I sent them each a $100 grocery gift card (from a unionized grocery store) on behalf of organized labour to let them know we care, especially at Christmas time. Collectively you helped 24 families instead of 15 - that is incredible and I commend you. A special thank you to the locals, labour councils, individuals and offices listed below - your time and kindness made this happen;- Thank You - Thank You !!! Canadian Media Guild - AIL Ontario - Peter Boyle, Kingston District Labour Council - Lanark District labour Council - CEP 571, Ottawa - UFCW 175 & 633 - CAW 541, Guelph - AIL Manitoba - Cornwall District Labour Council - London District Labour Council - OPSEU 102, London - AIL Quebec - Ottawa & District Labour Council - CEP 247 eastern Canada - Technicians & Technologies Union - AIL Oregon - all CEP locals Kingston to Bathurst , Dennie Guenette - AIL home office - AIL Alberta - local 152 in Seaworth, Bev Broderick ( never included union with gift cards) - Richard, my husband for loading and unloading all the heavy boxes and all those darn frozen turkeys. Happy Holidays - Wishing you all the Best in 2005 ! Casandra Robinson Founder; Operation Christmas Cheer CEP Local 247 |
| I want to thank you for taking the innovative to provide help for the union families on strike at this time of year with a measure of true union solidarity and caring. I know the feeling you get while on a picket line, It's lonely at times, however support from other union folks injects a magnificent amount of good feeling and lets our brothers and sisters know they are not forgotten. Your efforts to organize support have surely made a difference for these members in a difficult situation at this time of year. Thank you, our council was proud to support your efforts! In solidarity, Peter Boyle, President Kingston & District Labour Council |
| Hi Casandra, The members of Local CEP 102-0 (Pembroke) would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all members who took the time and money to support us. All of you, truly went above and beyond to make the holidays easier. Not having everyone's email, to thank each and every local for their support, I would ask you to pass along our gratitude for this kind act. You have truly shown the meaning of Christmas as well as solidarity. The members of CEP local 102 |
| Dear Casandra, As President of Local 102-O, I want to personally thank you and all the volunteers that went with you to Pembroke and put smile on our 15 members faces, I received many calls telling me how surprised and grateful they are. I also would like to thank everyone who helped out and gave donations and time. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! In Solidarity, Kathleen Brady, President CEP Local 102-O Ottawa,Ontario |
| a non-profit organization |