​Society of United Professionals Bruce Local donates to area food banks

The Society of United Professionals Bruce Local has donated $2,000 each to the Kincardine Food Bank, the Saugeen Shores Food Bank, and the Saugeen First Nation Food Bank.

“It is a priority for our union to give back to the community,” said vice-president Dave Ceksters. “These food banks are a vital support for so many struggling families. We are truly grateful to everyone who pitched in to donate.”

The society ran a campaign, from April to Labour Day, to raise funds which came from union T-shirt sales, and contributions from other local unions as part of the society’s “Union Strong” and “Canada United” campaigns.

Hundreds of families in these communities rely on food banks to meet their dietary needs, with demand frequently outpacing supply. With roughly one-third of families in the area at, or below, the poverty line, the demand on local food banks, unfortunately, continues to grow.

“Our communities are so much stronger when we pull together in solidarity with each other,” said Ceksters. “We’re glad to do our part to help support these important community programs.”



Lori Kohl (left), administrative assistant, and Dave Cekstsers, vice-president, of the Society of United Professionals Bruce Local, present a $2,000 donation to Karen Friis, community ministries team lead, at the Saugeen Shores Food Bank



On hand for the presentation of $2,000 to the co-ordinators of the Kincardine Food Bank, are Nan Grant (left) of the food bank, Society of United Professionals Bruce Local unit director Kevin Schmidt, Lorrie Alexander of the food bank, unit director Eric Tiisler, and Jane Calcutt of the food bank



Matthew Besito (right) of the Saugeen First Nation Food Bank accepts a $2,000 donation from Society of United Professionals Bruce Local unit directors Geoff Lawson (left) and Sarah Beirnes