OPSEU Social Justice Fund could only contribute $7,500 from its annual budget to the Umdoni &Vulamehlo HIV/AIDS Association (UHVAA) this year. Some of our members may remember Tom Potter who addressed the OPSEU convention in 2008. When he spoke of the work of UHVAA, our delegates raised over $50,000 on the floor of convention and then OPSEU matched this donation. Since then this great community organization has achieved the wonderful goal of begin funded by the South African state for its core programs on HIV/AIDS.

However, some programs still do not receive state support. Specifically the following are in crucial need of support:

• Crèches – funding for 2 crèches for vulnerable pre-school children at $200 per month($4800 total);
• Food Parcels – large boxes of food delivered to seriously destitute families, some Child Headed Households where the parents have died or cannot provide for their children. The cost of this is $75 per parcel x 12 months – $900 for each of 4 households ($3600 total);
• Soup Kitchens – usually located near school so that children from vulnerable households can receive some nutrition. The request for two soup kitchens is for $200 per month x 12 months ($4800 total).

The total request is for $14,200 and the OPSEU Social Justice Fund can only give $7500. And yet, the Board thinks this organization does amazing work. Therefore we challenge all members and locals who are looking for a worthwhile organization to support to raise another $7500 to support the work of UHVAA.

Please send your cheques and info to:

Social Justice Fund UHVAA Appeal
C/o Administrative Assistant to the Administrator of Communications
100 Lesmill Rd.
Toronto, ON M3B 3P8

Thank you in advance for your donations and support!

Social Justice Fund Board, OPSEU