SURREY – It’s hard to imagine that it was only four years ago that the campaign to raise funds for the BC Children’s Hospital was started by the local Longshore Union local 502. Every year the fundraising has beaten previous records. This year the record was beaten by $9,000 and the local raised $41,502 which brought the four year total to an amazing $126,008.
“This is a collective effort in which everyone digs deep to help. From the newest casual recruit to the most senior member they really put their heart and soul into this fundraising effort. Our executive and officers work hard to make it a success”.
ILWU generosity is greatly appreciated by the Hospital which helped raise over $18 million dollars this year. The TV Telethon helps to fund and provide medical aid that is not subsidized by the government. Lauren Wagner from the Children’s Hospital stated thankfully, “The donations have helped in pediatric cancer research as discovery of a drug with no side effects has improved the three year survival rate from 20 to 75%, enabled us to upgrade and purchase over 55 pieces of equipment including the EEG/ICU inpatient monitoring system in Pediatric ICU. The time, energy and dedication that you put into organizing your team’s fundraising activities are not only inspiring but greatly appreciated. It’s my honor to recognize and thank you for your achievement and for making a difference”.
ILWU 502 has started planning and collecting for next year’s presentation and hope to beat their record again. In the meantime their annual Christmas drive for the Surrey food bank will be kicking off shortly. Several charities and organizations have benefited from the generosity of this Union that has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in the past few years. The Link is proud of this great effort that makes a difference in the community.
