CUPE members to support annual fundraiser for youth emergency shelter
EDMONTON – The President of the union representing over 2,000 support staff at Edmonton Public Schools is again going homeless to raise funds for the Youth Emergency Shelter.
Trudy Grebenstein, President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3550, has agreed to participate in the Edmonton Youth Emergency Shelter’s annual ‘homeless for a night’ campaign for the third year in a row.
“Working in the schools, our members get to know some of the kids who rely upon the shelter for a warm bed on a cold night,” said Grebenstein. “It’s amazing how the shelter helps kids who have been kicked out of their homes continue to get an education.”
Grebenstein has secured support from school trustees Wendy Kiever and Gerry Gibeault, and David Fraser, Director of Human Resources for the school district.
“I’ve put the challenge out to all junior high and high school principals to join me,” said Grebenstein. “I hope they can set an example for the staff and kids in their schools.”
“The shelter staff are kind and caring adults that respond to these troubled young people when they have no where else to turn to,” said Grebenstein. “The shelter deserves our support, life on the streets continues to be a dangerous and daunting choice and the shelter offers an alternative for the area’s youth.”
Contact: Trudy Grebenstein
President, CUPE 3550
780.455.1435
780.914.8673
Lou Arab
Communications Representative
780.271.2722
For more information about CUPE Alberta, visit www.alberta.cupe.ca
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