We regret to report that fellow CUPE members were amongst those injured and killed on Monday in the horrendous attack that took place on Yonge Street.
Our very own Local 79 member Amaresh Tesfamariam, a Registered Practical Nurse at Fudger House, was gravely injured and remains in critical condition at Sunnybrook Hospital. We are keeping her in our thoughts and will seek updates on her condition.
Renuka Amarasinghe, a member of CUPE Local 4400, representing employees at the Toronto District School Board, was killed in the attack. Renuka was a Nutrition Services worker and single mother. A GoFundMe page has been set up to provide an education fund for her young son: www.gofundme.com/helpdiyontoday.
CUPE 3904 member and Chief Steward, Amir Kiumarsi, remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Sunnybrook Hospital. Amir is a chemistry teacher at Ryerson University’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education.
We extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by Monday’s attack.
Statement on the Yonge St. attack
CUPE Local 79 would like to express our sincere condolences to the families affected by yesterday’s tragic incident on Yonge St. in North York.
We are grateful for the actions of Toronto’s first responders for their professionalism, courage and dedication under extreme pressure. We are also proud of the exemplary work performed by our members in the EMS call centre, 311 and other affected divisions.
CUPE Local 79 is working with the City to ensure our members have access to the Employee Assistance Program and grief counselling.
We share in the grief of all Torontonians and condemn acts of violence.
We pledge to come together and support one another through this tragedy. We are #TorontoStrong.