Leading up to the holiday season, the Winnipeg Human Rights Committee (HRC) purchased scarves, mittens and touques for children in Winnipeg’s inner city communities. The recipient of the donation was Kookum's Place Daycare, a division of the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resources Development (CAHRD).
Lindsey Sparks, PSAC Winnipeg Regional Rep, presented the Daycare Director with the donation and a card from the Committee.
“She was very surprised and happy,” explains Sparks of his drop-in donation. “She expressed her appreciation to the HRC and PSAC, and indicated that these were items the children at the daycare really needed. This is the kind of thing that brings a smile to my face.”
Darlene McClure, HRC Co-Chair, suggested the idea to the Committee and ultimately purchased the goods for donation.
“I was a single mom from the time my twins were three months old and know how hard it can be to get the things your little ones need,” says McClure. “It just breaks my heart to see little ones walking around in the cold not covered up. They need extra help to stay warm.”
McClure works for Agriculture Canada and has been an active PSAC member for 12 years.
“It’s great that the Committee can give back to the community. It’s important to support groups like this. We all lean on each other at one time or another.”
On September 14, 2012, the Manitoba Labour Board certified PSAC as the bargaining agent for all non-managerial employees at CAHRD, ranging from employment counselors to childcare workers and teachers.