Local 79 President Tim Maguire recounts how unions came together to support Toronto’s communities through the United Way.
Dear Sisters & Brothers,
A few weeks ago, I thought I’d have some fun with my campaign for the CN Tower Climb for the United Way by making playful videos encouraging people to join the CUPE Local 79 team.
This year I’m also doing the Presidential Challenge, which is an invite-only climb attended mostly by CEOs and other corporate types. In order to amp up Labour’s presence, I thought I’d ask different unions to join me in spirit, by having their logos on the t-shirt I’d wear for the climb.
I thought only a few unions would participate, but boy, I got more support than I expected!
Over 20 unions from different sectors and different parts of Ontario overwhelmed me with donations. They came in waves, first helping me break my goal to raise $3000, then $4000, and just recently $5000 – making me the second highest fundraiser in the Presidential Challenge. Now I’ve raised my fundraising goal to $7500.
I’ve included a graphic interpretation of what the t-shirt will look like, because I think it’s such a beautiful symbol of what we can achieve together as a Labour Movement for Toronto’s communities.
In the Labour Movement, we’re so often isolated from each other — focused on our own sectors — that we sometimes forget we’re part of a larger family.
This t-shirt shows that all the different unions in Toronto are ready to step up with us and help Toronto’s communities. Thanks to everyone who’s joined the team and donated. If you’re able, you still have time to donate to Local 79’s climb by clicking here.
In solidarity,
Tim Maguire
President, CUPE Local 79
