Members of CUPE Local 543 hand our turkey dinners to families in need, October 8, 2021. (Photo by Maureen Revait) Members of CUPE Local 543 hand our turkey dinners to families in need, October 8, 2021. (Photo by Maureen Revait)
Windsor

CUPE members donate turkey dinners

Over 500 local families are going to have turkey dinners this Thanksgiving after donations from CUPE Local 543.

The union and its members handed out the turkeys along with potatoes, stuffing, and all the trimmings at the UHC Hub of Opportunities on Friday. Seven other organizations, including the Downtown Mission, will also benefit from the donation.

"Every year we're seeing an increase in the need. Our members work with the most vulnerable in our community every day, they see the need and they want to respond and help in the best way that they can," said CUPE Local 543 President David Petten.

This is the eighth year the union has raised funds to make sure many Windsor families have a Thanksgiving meal.

Executive Director of the UHC June Muir said she has noticed an increase in the demand for their services this year.

"I think we're feeling the pandemic now more than we have in the past. There are people that are still not back to work, things are getting tougher for a lot more people. Our numbers have doubled since last year," said Muir.

The UHC Hub of Opportunities runs a food bank year-round along with the community kitchen, and employment services. It will also be launching its Coats for Kids program shortly.

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