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Unifor Local 103 members at Ontario Northland, DSI, Gateway Cascades Casino, and Dyno Nobel hosted its 30th annual toy drive on December 5, a tradition of giving back to Northern Ontario communities through a partnership with Low-Income Peoples Involvement (LIPI).
This year’s drive marks three decades of solidarity between LIPI and Unifor, dating back to an 88-day lock-out of former Canadian Auto Workers in 1994.
“This tradition began when Ontario Northland workers were locked out just before Christmas, leaving families uncertain about how they would celebrate,” said Jeremy Rodgers, President of Unifor Local 103. “LIPI’s incredible support for locked out workers and our families created a mutual commitment that has continued to this day.”
Since its inception, the toy drive has raised more than $170,000 and gathered 60 half-ton truckloads of toys for families in need. In light of rising inflation, rising rents, and homelessness, this year’s campaign has expanded to include a GoFundMe page and contributions from management and Unifor members at Gateway Cascades Casino, Dyno Nobel, and DSI in Sturgeon Falls.
“Community solidarity is a core value of our union,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “The generosity of Unifor members over the past 30 years has brightened the holidays for countless families.”
Unifor Local 103 remains committed to the community and Northern Ontario, proving year after year that union solidarity extends far beyond the workplace.
