The Boilermaker Disaster Relief Fund

Helping each other through crises

The very nature of unionism is that members help one another. An injury to one is an injury to all. Donations to the Disaster Relief Fund go directly to help your union brothers and sisters and their families during a time of crisis. The entirety of your donation goes to help those in need.

Many of our brothers and sisters are out of work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wildfires in the Fort McMurray area of Alberta destroyed more than 2,400 homes and other buildings.

Hurricane Sandy, a deadly Category 3 hurricane, devastated areas of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States.

Floods in Alberta, Canada caused estimated losses of $5 billion (Canadian) and displaced more than 100,000 people.

Your donations make a difference. Money donated goes directly to Boilermaker members and their families. While Boilermaker assistance funds do not replace insurance, they do help defray the cost of deductibles, temporary housing, groceries and other expenses.

Indiana
Your donations helped 18 Boilermaker families recover following destructive tornadoes.

Alberta, Canada
We worked with local lodges to provide funding to 98 Boilermaker families affected by floods.

U.S. Eastern Seaboard
Boilermaker Disaster Relief assisted Boilermaker families impacted by the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy.

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Your generosity assisted three people suffering loss from an apartment fire.

Louisiana/Texas
Your donations aided three families impacted by flooding.

• Is there a way to donate online?

  Not at this time. To donate, make your check payable to:

  Kathy Stapp, IST (memo line: Disaster Relief Fund) and mail to:

  IBB Disaster Relief Fund
  c/o IST Kathy Stapp
  12200 N Ambassador Dr, Suite 301
  Kansas City, MO 64163

• Is my donation tax-deductible?

  Donations to the Boilermakers Disaster Relief Fund are not tax-deductible, but your donations go directly to help your brothers and sisters in need.

• How much of my money will go for administrative overhead?

  Zero. That’s right. Only a small percentage of your donation goes to cover required bank processing fees. The rest goes to brothers and sisters in need.

• Can I earmark my donation?

  At this time we are unable to earmark gifts donated to the Disaster Relief Fund. However, if you know of an area suffering from a disaster, donating directly to the local lodge is an alternative. Please contact the local near the affected area to find out if they are taking earmarked donations.

• Can I make a donation on behalf of a person or organization?

  Yes. Please indicate the name on your check's memo line, or include a note along with your check or money order.

• Can I do something in addition to sending money?

  When there is a disaster, the needs are usually vast. Often there is a call for help with clean up or rebuilding. If you want to help in other ways in addition to sending money, contact the local located in the area impacted by the disaster to inquire about possible volunteer opportunities.

• If I’m in need of disaster assistance, how do I apply?

  Please contact your local lodge. They can assist you in the process of applying for financial assistance.

• Do I have to pay taxes if I received financial assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund?

  With tax rules often changing, and because everyone’s tax situation is different, we are unable to provide information related to your taxes. We advise that you keep records of donations received and consult with your personal tax adviser.

• Is there anywhere else that offers help during a time of hardship?

  If you meet the criteria, Union Plus offers grants for union members. Hardship grants help those who are facing financial hardship. For more information visit Union Plus Hardship Help Benefits.

L-169 member thankful for disaster relief

RETIRED LOCAL 169 member Claude Phillips of Midland, Michigan, received a $1,000 disaster relief check in August from L-169 Business Manag-er/Secretary-Treasurer Bob Hutsell

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Hurricanes and fires affect dozens of Boilermakers

A STRING OF natural disasters hit North America in 2017, causing destruction across the U.S. and Canada. Boilermakers in several re-gions were impacted by fires, hurricanes and flooding.

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Hurricane Sandy destroyed members’ homes and left many without power for weeks. Although the road to recovery will take some time, I am proud to belong to an organization where the leadership and the membership came together to help those in need. On behalf of the members of Local 28 and myself, we are forever grateful.

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