L-203 raises $50,000 for cancer facility

Local 203 officers and staff present a $50,000 check to Rose Daley (far right) of the Daffodil Place Campaign. L. to r., BM-ST Tom Walsh, Darlene Ryan, Heather Greely, and Pres. Bill Healey.

Daffodil Place to provide housing, support for patients and their families

MEMBERS OF LOCAL 203 (St. John’s, Newfoundland) raised $50,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Place, a 24-suite housing facility expected to open in 2009. The new facility will provide accommodations for patients and their families who must travel to St. John’s for cancer treatment.

“I want to thank our members for their help in raising $50,000 for such a worthy cause,” said Local 203 BM-ST Tom Walsh. “We are very proud that the members of Local 203 came through to support Daffodil Place. Unions were built on the concept of people helping people. What better way to show we care than to support a great project that will have many benefits for not only our members, but for all of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

On July 3, Walsh presented the funds to Rose Daley for the Daffodil Place Campaign. So far $4.7 million has been rasied for the facility, and construction is underway.

John Steele, chairperson of the Daffodil Place Campaign, applauded Local 203 for its efforts. “We are pleased that the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Union has made this very generous contribution to the Daffodil Place Campaign,” Steele said. “This donation shows a commitment to improving lives of cancer patients throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Local 203 raised the funds by selling raffle tickets for a chance to win cash prizes and a 2008 Honda ATV. The drawing took place June 15.