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NSNU Locals Give Generously to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
They say a picture is worth a thousand words – and we think these photos are proof!
The President & CEO, Starr Cunningham, recently spoke at the NSNU 2023 Education Day in Truro. Her presentation, Mental Health is Health, truly resonated with the close to 300 nurses in attendance.
At the end of her talk, Starr was presented with a $1,500 cheque for the Foundation. It’s what happened next that is truly remarkable!
Dozens of Local representatives spontaneously stood and donated to the cause. This impromptu wave of support and generosity resulted in more than $11,000 being raised for mental health in a matter of minutes.
Thank you to all of our amazing Locals, the Board and staff who continue to give so tirelessly to Nova Scotians and Nova Scotian causes. You continue to inspire us all!
Donation to Red Cross
On May 28, a wildfire was reported in Upper Tantallon, about 25 kilometers northwest of downtown Halifax. It moved east and grew to over 800 hectares, displacing more than 16,000 individuals at the height of evacuations. Vehicles, daycares and at least 150 homes were destroyed in the fire, while some structures remain standing with significant damage.
Amid the extraordinary efforts to fight the fire in Halifax, the largest wildfire in the province’s history burns in the Shelburne area, forcing over 6,000 out of their homes and destroying over 200 structures (including 60 homes and cottages).
In response to this devastation and the lasting impact of the Nova Scotian wildfires, the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union made a financial donation to the Red Cross Wildfire Response in Atlantic Canada.
The Canadian Red Cross is on the ground providing support to those evacuated and dealing with the loss of their homes, belongings and pets. The NSNU contributed $5,000 to the wildfire response, which was matched by the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia, bringing the total donation to $15,000.
Donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be used for assisting those most impacted in the most affected areas with immediate and ongoing relief, recovery and resilience efforts, as well as supporting community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Atlantic Canada.
Many Nova Scotians have been impacted, including nurses represented by the NSNU. We hope that this donation helps to make a difference.
NSNU Demonstrates Support for Striking Unions
On May 18, NSNU president, Janet Hazelton joined other union leaders and Halifax-area school support staff including Assistive Technology Support Workers, Child and Youth Care Practitioners, Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Student Support Workers, African Nova Scotian School Support Workers, Schools Plus Community Outreach Workers, Educational Program Assistants, Early Childhood Educators and School Library Specialists at a rally in downtown Halifax.
Members of CUPE Local 5047, 1800 in total, have been on the picket line since May 10th. At issue is the wage package offered to those workers.
On April 20th, President Hazelton visited picket lines throughout Halifax in solidarity with striking PSAC members. Those workers and their union have since resolved their labour dispute.
Janet made donations to PSAC’s and CUPE’s strike funds on behalf of the NSNU. Lori Walton, PSAC Regional Representative accepted the cheque on her members’ behalf.
As always, NSNU stands in solidarity with our fellow unions and their dedicated members.
