Gifts that Make a Difference
Gail Miller - Chair
VIDC Communications Committee
Delegates to the Vancouver Island District Council warrant recognition and respect for the time, energy, and commitment they give on behalf of CUPE members in virtually every community and every facet of the public sector on "our Island". They don't demand or garner special privileges, or expect gratitude for their contributions to the cause. Rather, they give selflessly in aid of others, and through their efforts hope that somehow, somewhere along the way, they'll be able to say that they've made a difference. And, there's such a difference to try to make.
As this "festive" season approaches, residents of our Island are facing unprecedented challenges. Never before have so many workers been displaced, particularly in resource-based sectors. Fishers and forestry workers wonder if they have any future at all to look forward to. And, while all the evident signs around us suggest a season to celebrate, there are other activists - not necessarily in the labour movement - who know that this season is not one in which everyone has cause to celebrate. An unacceptable number of people must rely on the food banks to put a meal on the table, and on other charities to put clothes on the backs of themselves and their children. Transition houses around the province prepare for an influx of women and children, for this season of "joy" elicits increased episodes of violence and abuse, a reflection of the growing sense of impotence when dreams are shattered, and expectations are seemingly impossible to meet.
The 'goodwill' of activists has never been so necessary. Where we can elicit donations ~ of cash, time, energy and other resources from our memberships, and the organizations with which we are associated, we need to encourage even more generosity now. No contribution is too small.
May your holiday season be a happy one, and may the gifts you give and receive include the most precious ones…those that come from the heart - like the GIFTS suggested here, in an Island Views contribution from Jackie Vensel, CUPE Local 358.
ISLAND VIEWS is produced quarterly on behalf of the Vancouver Island District Council of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, and provides a forum through which CUPE members on Vancouver Island can express their perspectives on matters that impact the labour movement today. Contributions need not reflect agreement with the official positions of our union, or the labour movement on the whole. However, we do request that perspectives be respectfully stated, and that contributors accept our assertion that publication does not necessarily imply agreement with, or endorsement by, the VIDC and/or CUPE. The names of contributors will be entered in a draw to be conducted at the next scheduled VIDC meeting. The winner of each draw will receive $50. Forward submissions to: 1052 Arrowsmith Avenue, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 8M8 Fax: (250) 897-0271
E-mail attachments to: miller@nic.bc.ca
This issue of Island Views will be reaching CUPE members on Vancouver Island as the holiday season approaches. For many, it's a frantic time of year, but also one in which we can create treasured memories if we choose to do so.
