ST. CATHARINES, Ontario — In a joint effort between GM of Canada and CAW Local 199, employees of GM's Engine and Components Plants here dug deeply into pockets and purses, raising over $25,000 in gate collections for the disaster relief effort following the terrorist attacks in the U.S.
The total amount — $25,355.43, collected over one day, on three shifts at each plant's main gate last Friday — will be matched by the General Motors Foundation and forwarded to the Red Cross.
In a joint statement, Engine Plant Manager Bill Shaw and Components Plant Manager Dave Drew said that, "The response from all of our employees was outstanding. No one has been unmoved by what happened on September 11 and this is perfect proof that when there is a demonstrated need GM of Canada's employees are always ready to work together and to respond in a positive manner."
Ron McIntosh, president of CAW Local 199, said that, "When the call went out for volunteers to take up the collections there was an immediate and gratifying response from the workforce. The generosity of the individual donors was exceptional and confirmed that the people in these plants recognize that when there's a need, they'll be there to help."