As front-line workers in one of the already most hazardous jobs in the province, correctional workers have been severely tested over the last year with rising rates of COVID-19 in correctional facilities.
However, correctional staff are determined to keep helping their communities through their fourth annual Corrections Cares events.
The fundraisers collect money to support local causes.
“There’s no doubt this has been an extra tough year for us,” said Chad Oldfield, OPSEU/SEFPO MERC Co-Chair for the Corrections Division. “We’re exhausted physically, mentally and morally. But giving back to our communities is not optional. We recognize that our responsibility for their well-being goes beyond protecting them from violent offenders.
“In these very trying days for everyone, we want folks to know there’s one thing they can always count on: correctional workers’ support for the places they call home.”
“My time as a correctional officer gave me lots of opportunities to experience the love and concern staff had for the community,” said Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer. “Corrections Cares is a great initiative and I support them 100 per cent.”
OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said it speaks volumes that despite their challenging jobs, OPSEU/SEFPO’s Corrections members pour their hearts into their communities.
“These members have a really big heart. I’m extremely proud of their efforts – both on and off the job.”
Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre
Event: Charitable BBQ and Bake Sales
All proceeds to Cheo Hospital for Children, Rotel Foundation and United WayWhen: January to March 2021
Contact: Scott Forde
Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre
Event: Various events with proceeds to the SPCA, Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen, ARCH, CNIB, Christmas Cheer, Boots on the Ground and the Cancer SocietyWhen: January to March 2021
Contact: Josh Miller
Sarnia Jail
Event: Food Drive with all donations going to the Inn of the Good Shepherd shelterWhen: March 1-5, 2021
Contact: Joel Bissonnette
Fort Frances Jail and Fort Frances Probation and Parole
Event: Food drive with proceeds to the Rainy River District Victim Services ProgramWhen: March 1-5, 2021
Contact: Tom Kenny
Central North Correctional Centre
Event: Local raffles for iPad and gift cards with all funds to La Maison Rosewood Shelter, an emergency shelter in Midland providing support to abused and homeless women and their childrenWhen: March 1-5, 2021
Contact: Richard Dionne
Central East Correctional Centre
Event: Local donation to Kawartha Lakes Humane Society.
When: March 1-5, 2021
Contact: Sean Dunn
Quinte Detention Centre
Event: Food drive with proceeds to the Napanee Salvation Army Food BankWhen: March 1-5, 2021
Contact: Mike Cranley
Monteith Correctional Complex
Event: Monetary donations to Iroquois Falls Association For Community LivingWhen: March 1-5, 2021
Contact: Eric Davies
Maplehurst Correctional Complex/Vanier Centre for Women
Event: Monetary donation to Milton Salvation Army Food Bank
When: January to March, 2021
Contact: Peter Figliola
Niagara Detention Centre
Event: Barbecue/fundraiser for Camp Bucko
When: March 1-5, 2021
Contact: Marko Mrmak
Southwest Detention Centre
Event: Food drive with all proceeds to Windsor-Essex Food Bank
When: March 1-5, 2021
Contact: Leeann Crossey
Ottawa Probation and Parole Office
Event: OPSEU/SEFPO Local 424 will donate $2,000 to the Dr. Keith McFarlane Endowment Fund. Dr. McFarlane was a psychologist at the Ottawa Centre P&P Office, whom we lost suddenly. The fund provides psychological services for residents of the Ottawa Mission homeless shelter.
When: March 1-5, 2021
Contact: Crystal Dubbin-McCrea
Ontario Correctional Institute
Event: Monetary donation to Safe Centre of Peel offering support to adults, child and youth affected by abuse and violence in Peel
When: March 1-5, 2021
Contact: Adam Cygler
Thunder Bay Correctional Centre and Thunder Bay Jail
Event: Donations to Thunder Dog Rescue and donations to Caring Hearts Cat Sanctuary and Rescue
When: March 1-5, 2021
Contact: Shawn Bradshaw