National President Meinema with Oxfam Canada's Robert Fox (on right) and Beth Dimsdale (on left)

Toronto – February 17, 2014 – Oxfam Canada has recognized UFCW Canada's National Office, Local Unions, and members for their tremendous fundraising in support of Oxfam Canada's relief efforts in the Philippines following the catastrophic Super Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013.

In response to the intense devastation inflicted on the Philippines by the typhoon, UFCW Canada's National Office, Local Unions, and members took swift action by raising a total of $42,000 to support Oxfam Canada's on-the-ground efforts in the Philippines helping those impacted by the disaster obtain food, clean water, dry shelter, and warm clothes.

Those efforts were detailed by Oxfam Canada's Executive Director Robert Fox and Development Officer Beth Dimsdale, who recently met with National President Meinema to outline Oxfam Canada's work in the Philippines, as well as present a plaque of recognition for UFCW Canada's combined fundraising in response to the Haiyan disaster.

"Super Typhoon Haiyan affected more than 11 million people and tens of thousands of families lost their homes," Fox told Meinema. "However, thanks in part to the support of UFCW Canada's National Office, Local Unions, and members, Oxfam Canada is conducting vital work to rebuild the Philippines in the aftermath of Haiyan."

"On behalf of 250,000 UFCW Canada members, it is an honour to receive this plaque of recognition," said President Meinema. "Many Filipino UFCW Canada members have friends and family who were affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, and the destruction caused by this disaster drew us together as a union to show that our strength lies in helping people in need."