Monday, September 29, 2008

Did you ever want to participate in a community fundraising event, like the Terry Fox Run, a Dragon Boat Race or Run for the Cure?

I think it's important that Local 37 and its members are seen as being involved in our communities, and one of the best ways to do that is through participation in community fundraising efforts for health related causes. Every year there are dozens of events occurring throughout New Brunswick like the Terry Fox Run, Skate to Care, Dragon Boat Races and Run for the Cure. Not only can we help great causes, but we can have fun and get some exercise at the same time.

In order to help our members participate in these worthy causes, we created a special fund to help those who want to get involved. Applicable events must be for a non-profit fundraising event that is health related, involving physical activity by the participants, with the majority of the team comprised of Local 37 members. Members interested in organizing a team can apply for a grant that can be used to help pay registration fees and other costs necessary to participate in these activities.

An example of a recent event we sponsored was the IBEW 37 Saint John Dragon Boat team "Positive Energy"! The team made it in to the "B" group finals where they finished a close second to the Rothesay Regional Police Force team. More importantly though, the team raised over $18,000 for the St. Joseph's Hospital foundation. In October we're also sponsoring a "Run for the Cure" team in the Fredericton area that Annette Perry (our Training Trust Fund coordinator) has helped organize.

We'd love to work with you to get something going in your workplace! If you'd like to start up your own Dragon Boat team or Run for the Cure team, check out the Health, Wellness and Safety section of http://www.ibew37.com/ and look for the financial support application for Workplace Wellness and Community fundraising activities. More details on the application process and selection criteria are contained there, and if you'd like more information, please feel free to contact me at any time.

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