PFLAG Canada Gets A Boost From Canadian Auto Workers Union

Filed Under GLBT Equality, GLBT Parents, Gay Awards, Life | January 30th, 2009 

PFLAG Canada Accepts $20,000 Donation From Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)

MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK (Marketwire) — In a generous expression of its continued commitment to issues of equality and social justice, the staff from the Canadian Auto Workers Union has donated $20,000 to PFLAG Canada. PFLAG Canada supports diversity initiatives in schools and the workplace by providing education and resources. The grant is a significant contribution to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) movement.

“Many people experience difficulty coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans-identified and PFLAG Canada offers support and understanding to parents, family members and friends who have questions and concerns of their own,” says Cherie MacLeod, PFLAG Canada Executive Director. “Because of the CAW’s generosity and commitment, we can continue our important work in PFLAG Canada chapter communities, and create critically important conversations across the country.”

The grant was provided by CAW staff in support of PFLAG Canada’s 2009-program schedule, which includes a planned expansion of the organization’s community-based support network, investment in school anti-homophobia initiatives, and additional resources for parents, youth, teachers and people confronting issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.

“There is growing public interest to understand sexual and gender diversity, particularly among professionals working in education, business and health care fields,” notes MacLeod. “The CAW staff contribution comes at a time when an increasing number of Canadians are turning to PFLAG Canada for help.”

For over 20 years the CAW has been tackling LGBT issues, such as anti-harassment policy, same-sex benefit inclusion and transgender rights, as well as the creation of an LGBT Advisory Committee to CAW Council, activism on a host of legal initiatives including the addition to the Criminal Code of hate crimes against the LGBT community, inclusion of gender identity within human rights codes, amendment of documents that assume heterosexual parents, and the right to same-sex marriage.

Related Links:
- Canadian Auto Workers Union
- PFLAG Canada