OPSEU/SEFPO correctional workers will be caring for their communities by raising money for local charities during the sixth annual Corrections Cares Week, February 25-March 8, 2023.
Correctional workers don’t just work in their communities – they live in them and care deeply about them. They know that helping the most vulnerable people in their midst not only builds stronger communities, but safer ones as well.
“When our members chose careers in Corrections, we did it to help people, and to make our communities safer,” said Chad Oldfield, Chair of the OPSEU/SEFPO Correctional Bargaining Unit. “By holding Corrections Cares events every year, we help out local charities and strengthen ties with our neighbours. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with our communities in this way.”
Since 2018, OPSEU/SEFPO correctional workers have raised more than $73,000 and 5,365 lbs of food donations for local charities across the province through annual Corrections Cares events.
Find an event near you!
Quinte Detention Centre – OPSEU/SEFPO Local 467
Contact: Mike Cranley, Local 467 President – [email protected]
Local 467 will participate in two upcoming events, with all proceeds going to Morningstar Relief Mission or the Salvation Army in Napanee.
Coldest Night Walk in Napanee
When: February 25, 4 p.m.
Workplace BBQ fundraising lunches
When: March 2 and 3, 2023
Where: Onsite at QDC
Local 467 also participated in a polar plunge on February 12 in Kingston, which raised $6,270 for the Special Olympics.
Thunder Bay Correctional Centre and Thunder Bay Jail – OPSEU/SEFPO Locals 708 and 737
Contacts: Shawn Bradshaw, Local 708 President – [email protected]; Bill Hayes, Local 737 President – [email protected], Dana Bruno – [email protected]
Correctional officers from Local 708 and 737 will be at all three Pet Valu locations in Thunder Bay, fundraising for a different rescue organization at each location, and holding a meet-and-greet with the rescue animals. They will be selling pup cakes, cookies and cupcakes with all proceeds going to the rescues.
When: Sunday, February 26, 2023, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Arthur Street Pet Valu, 2826 Arthur Street East, Thunder Bay
Rescue Organization: Thunder Dog Rescue – meet-and-greet with 7 shepherd-mix puppies
Golf Links Road Pet Valu, 1171 Golf Links Road, Thunder Bay
Rescue Organization: Thunder Bird Rescue – meet-and-greet with a Harris Hawk
Dawson Road Pet Valu, 1075 Dawson Road, Thunder Bay
Rescue Organization: Murillo Mutts Rescue – meet-and-greet with kittens and other animals
Fort Frances Jail – OPSEU/SEFPO Local 718
Contact: Tom Kenney, Local 718 President – [email protected]
Local 718 will hold a food drive at the Fort Frances Jail and local probation and parole office, with donations going to the Rainy River District Victim Services Program.
Dates: February 27 – March 3, 2023
Toronto East Detention Centre – OPSEU/SEFPO Local 582
Contact: Jason Mushynski, Local 582 President – [email protected]
Local 582 is running a “Red Shirt” fundraiser, with all proceeds being donated to the Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care in Scarborough, a long-term care home for veterans.
Where: Donation Presentation at the Tony Stacey Centre, 59 Lawson Road, Scarborough
When: Tuesday, February 28
South West Detention Centre – OPSEU/SEFPO Local 135
Contact: Kat DiGiacinto, Local 135 President – [email protected]
Local 135 members will hold a donation drive with all proceeds going to the Socks and Bottoms drive by the Windsor-Essex Rotary Club.
Where: South West Detention Centre, main lunchroom
When: Friday, March 3, 2023, 11:30 a.m.
Niagara Detention Centre – OPSEU/SEFPO Local 252
Contact: Richard Geronimo, Local 252 President – [email protected]
Local 252 will do a food drive and a two-day BBQ within the institution, with all proceeds going to Community Care Thorold, an organization that provides clothing and food to those who need it, and has a store where they sell donated items to help people in need.
Where: Cheque presentation at Community Care Thorold, 19 Albert St. W., Thorold
When: March 3, 2023, at 3 p.m.
Maplehurst Correctional Complex/Vanier Centre for Women – OPSEU/SEFPO Local 234
Contacts: Peter Figliola, Local 234 President – [email protected]; Stryder McCormack, Local 234 2nd VP – [email protected]
Local 234 will hold a charity hockey game and family skate: MHCC vs VCFW with all proceeds going to the Milton Food Bank.
Where: John Tonelli Sports Centre, 217 Laurier Ave., Milton
When: Saturday, March 4, 2023, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Kenora Jail – OPSEU/SEFPO Local 719
Contact: Dave McConomy, Local 719 President – [email protected]
Local 719 staff will be fundraising at Kenora Jail for Boots on the Ground, and will present them with the cheque during the Boots on the Ground speaking event.
Where: Kenora City Fire Hall, 100 Fourteenth St. N., Kenora
When: March 8, 2023 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.