Members of OPSEU Local 501 who work at the Casey House HIV/AIDS hospice in Toronto, have voted unanimously in favour of donating $1,000 to the Casey House Rebuilding Lives Capital Campaign. The campaign has currently raised 75 per cent of its $10 million fundraising goal. The money will fund expansion of Casey House to include a day health program.

"Our members know better than most that HIV/AIDS has changed tremendously in the last 25 years," said Amy Mackinnon, a registered nurse and president of the local. "We are no longer providing the amount of palliative care we used to when Casey House first opened its doors on March 1, 1988. Our clients are now facing multiple health concerns from mental health to wound care to issues similar to those seen in the general aging population.

“The members of Local 501 along with all the staff at Casey House are getting very excited as the development plans get closer. We look forward to improvements and upgrades to programs and facilities that will be more suited to the current HIV/AIDS population allowing us to continue to provide excellent, compassionate care, “she added.

"Our members are passionate about the work that they do and are very proud to support the future of that work here at Casey House.”

Casey House is hoping to break ground for this new building this autumn.

More than 50 OPSEU members work at Casey House, including registered nurses, health care aides, receptionists, cooks, social workers and therapists.

More information:

Paul Myers
OPSEU Staff Representative
416-443-8888