March 19, 2014 at 11:57 AM
Local 2002 women’s advocates Erin Draper and Jean Dube Demeule in Vancouver are strong social activists and educators all year round. International Women’s Day (IWD) observed annually on March 8 presented them with a perfect opportunity to celebrate women and help those in need.
Festivities began Friday March 7, 2014 at a dinner sponsored by the Vancouver District Labour Council Women’s Committee. Pacific region vice president Tim Cheung reserved a table at the Celebrating Women event for women from Air Canada, Aeroplan and Servisair. The sisters enjoyed an evening of solidarity with inspirational speakers, activists and musical guests, (appropriately named the
No Shit Shirleys).
The following day at Vancouver airport, Jean Dube Demeule decorated tables with colourful cloths and red roses in preparation for a bake sale. Delicious home baked cookies, squares and muffins donated by District 101 members (some on days off!) were "flying through the doors.”
Along with the goodies, Jean provided food for thought, displaying information on issues that union sisters and brothers care about: women’s rights, a national child care program, pay equity, bullying, domestic violence,
missing aboriginal women and the Highway of Tears. Information for
young workers and recent issues of Local 2002 Women’s newsletter,
The Rose Vine were also available.
The bake sale was a huge success, raising $427.00 for the Salvation Army’s Kate Booth House which provides a safe, caring environment for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
To celebrate IWD at Aeroplan, Erin Draper held a raffle to raise money for the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre. Local 2002 donated the funds for a gourmet food hamper, loaded with treats from Trader Joe's like wine, chocolates, exotic spices, oil, vinegar and pasta.
Members at District 104 participated in the fundraiser in a variety of ways, ultimately raising $710 for the women’s centre. Jeanette Manuel was the lucky winner of the basket.
But everyone who took part in the Vancouver workplace activities, pulling together for women in need and raising funds for the Kate Booth House and the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre came out a winner.
Congratulations to all of our sisters and brothers in Vancouver and across Canada for demonstrating the power of solidarity in our workplaces and in our communities.