One Windsor-Essex union local is once again making sure that no one goes without a festive dinner this Thanksgiving.
Members of CUPE Local 543 will be at the Unemployed Help Centre in Windsor Thursday to distribute holiday meals to people in the community who are less fortunate. The need is more acute this year with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the wallets of many area residents.
Local 543 president Dave Petten said the union is more pleased than ever to be able to help out.
"This is truly about giving back to our community and it is wonderful that the CUPE 543 family can do this for those who are in the greatest need at this time of the year. Especially this year," said Petten,
The UHC's Unifor Local 200 People's Choice Pantry has been especially busy during the pandemic. Since the middle of March, emergency assistance has been provided by the pantry to over 50,000 residents. The story is similar at food banks across Windsor-Essex.
UHC executive director June Muir said the agency is privileged once again to be part of the effort to give a Thanksgiving dinner to people who may not otherwise be able to afford it.
"I don’t know that anyone thought we’d still be in this situation when the pandemic hit earlier this year, but we are and we’re learning to adjust all the time," said Muir. "The fact that Thanksgiving meals can still be provided and we can work with longtime partners like CUPE Local 543 is absolutely wonderful."
Turkeys will be given out along with potatoes, stuffing, carrots, fruit and dessert.
The food will be handed out at the UHC's drive-through food hub, located at its headquarters at 6955 Cantelon Drive in Windsor, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
