CWA Chapters, CWB Group donate to Fort Mac Red Cross campaign

Several Canadian Welding Association (CWA) chapters and the Canadian Welding Bureau Group (CWB Group) came together to raise money for the Red Cross Fort McMurray fundraising initiative.

The fire raged through Fort McMurray on May 3 forcing more than 80,000 people from their homes. During its peak, the fire was moving 30-40 metres per minute, destroying over 2,400 buildings.

To help the Red Cross with their fundraising campaign, several CWA chapters stepped up in a big way and donated funds, while the CWB Group matched the chapters’ donations – totalling $18,000.

“Our chapters really came through in a big way to help those affected by the wild fire in Fort McMurray and I’m very proud of their commitment,” said Dan Tadic, Executive Director of the CWA. “It’s difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the devastation caused by the fire. What makes this special is everyone came together and showed that humility still exists.”

Once the request was sent out by CWA headquarters, the Hamilton chapter immediately jumped onboard. Chapter Chair Don Gemmell said the executive was quick to decide that donating $5,000 to help support the campaign to help out fellow Canadians.

“These types of disastrous situations rarely occur, but when they do, we all need to help out,” said Gemmell. “It’s a key part of what makes us all Canadians. We believe in one another, we help each other when in need. We wish we could have done more.”

The CWB Group not only matched the CWA chapters’ donation, but they also matched CWB Group employees’ donations in another fundraising camping for the Red Cross Fort McMurray initiative. The total of that campaign was $10,000 which will go directly to those affected by the wild fire.

“This was the least we could do to assist,” said Doug Luciani, President and CEO of the CWB Group. “It’s refreshing knowing colleagues came together to support this worthy cause when friends, family members and the wider Fort McMurray community needed them during this tragedy. The next thing we all hope for is some sort of normalcy for everyone affected and the transition is as smooth as possible.”

CWA Chapters

• Calgary

• Conestoga College Student Chapter

• Edmonton

• Fort McMurray

• Golden Triangle

• Halifax

• Hamilton

• Montréal

• New Brunswick

• Newfoundland and Labrador

• Northeastern Ontario

• Nova Scotia

• Okanagan /Southern Interior BC

• Ottawa

• Regina

• Saskatoon

• Southeastern Ontario

• Southwestern Ontario

• Thunder Bay

• Toronto

• University of Alberta Student Chapter

• University of Waterloo Student Chapter

• Vancouver

• Winnipeg