Members of NUPGE and its Component unions are encouraged to continue efforts to address the AIDS crisis in Africa - YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
Ottawa (25 Nov. 2009) – As Dec. 1, World AIDS Day approaches the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) wants to thank its members and the thousands of Canadians helping to fight the AIDS crisis in Africa.
"It is making a huge difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa," says NUPGE president James Clancy.
"But so much more needs to be done. We need to keep up the work."
Clancy expressed pride in the efforts of NUPGE's members and their Component unions.
"So many have taken every possible opportunity to speak to their locals and community groups about the crisis. They have drafted and argued for resolutions at their Conventions. Steadily they have pushed the agenda forward."
Clancy thanked activists for distributing thousands of posters and pamphlets with the goal of informing others about what they can do to make a difference.
"I am thrilled when I hear about all the effort our members have made to raise funds for organizations that seek to prevent the spread of HIV and improve the lives of people living with AIDS. They truly are demonstrating that working together we can make a difference."
Stephen Lewis and the Stephen Lewis Foundation
NUPGE and it's Components have been working closely with one of the global leaders of the movement for international action in support of people living with AIDS in Africa, Canadian Stephen Lewis.
Lewis was the United Nations' Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa from 2001-2006. His message – that all of us have a responsibility to respond – has struck home among National Union activists.
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Peter Olfert (MGEU/NUPGE), Stephen Lewis, James Clancy (NUPGE) |
The National Union and its Components have invited Lewis to speak many times at conventions and gatherings. To date tens of thousands of dollars have been donated to the Lewis Foundation.
Masai Clinic in Lesotho
NUPGE is also very involved in a campaign to encourage Canadians to purchase Bracelets of Hope to put in the Christmas stockings of their families and friends. All of the money raised will be used to support two African communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The beautiful red and white bracelets, available for a $5 donation, are made by members of the Inina Craft Agency – a cooperative of South African women. One African woman can make 50 bracelets in a day, raising enough income to feed her family and send them to school for two months.
Currently 100 African women are making the bracelets. That is 100 African women who have found hope for their future, the future of their children and freedom from poverty and despair. There is no greater Christmas gift.
The white beads in the bracelet represent the HIV orphans and widows of Africa and the red beads the victims of the HIV virus. The red and white colours, also of the Canadian flag, represent the compassion that individual Canadians feel for Africa.
Besides supporting the women of Inina, money from the sale of the bracelets also supports the Tsepong Clinic in Lesotho, Africa. The Tsepong Clinic, which opened in December 2004, is the first HIV/AIDS clinic in Lesotho. For more about the bracelets or to order click here.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring that our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
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