On 19 August, 2021, the IAM in Canada was the recipient of the United Way’s Thanks a Million award. The award goes to those labour organisations whose members helped to raise more than $1 million in support of Untied Ways Centraide’s work in local communities.
The labour movement in Canada and the United Way share a common vision of “building a society which provides a wide range of social and public services which are accessible, universal and of the highest quality”.
The IAM has been one of the most dedicated supporters of the United Way Centraide in Canada for more than 50 years. Every General Vice-President sends appeals to locals and districts to help with the United Way in their local community.
“During tough times – and these times are very difficult – it’s important that members help the less fortunate in their communities,” said David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice-President. “The global economy and the global pandemic have done great damage to families. The Fighting Machinists have never been content to just stand by. The award we received is a badge of honour for every single member in Canada and I want to personally thank all our members and activists for contributing their time and money.”
In 2019, Directing Business Representative of Northwest District 250, Walter Gerlach, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
The IAM’s motto is “Justice on the Job. Service to the Community.” In Canada, we live up to that every single day!
United Way Centraide Canada (French: Centraide United Way Canada) is the national organization for the 79 autonomous, volunteer-based United Ways and Centraides across Canada. The movement began in 1917, when charities in Montreal and Toronto started community collectives and now serves more than 5,000 communities across Canada. Each United Way works locally to raise funds and invest in improving lives in its community. (Wikipedia)
