The United Steelworkers Local 480 expect to drill the community for support in memory of Gordy Steep.
Steep was an active member in the union that worked wherever he was needed. Unfortunately, he passed away from cancer three years ago.
“He was a big part of this union,” said Doug Jones, the president of United Steelworkers Local 480. “And unions play a big part in communities like this.”
Jones described Steep’s influential work at Local 480 and explained that the organization wanted to give back to the community. Recently, the Gordy Steep Memorial Sick Children’s Fund has been providing financial assistance for local steelworkers and their families, but Local 480 wanted to give back to the entire Kootenay Boundary region.
“He was very, very passionate about helping young children and their families,” said Jones.
“Whether it was helping them get gas money or finding accommodation. We wanted the memorial fund to be accessible for the entire community.”
The United Steelworkers Local 480 have created a partnership with the KBRH that provides financial aid for families within the Kootenay Boundary region. Requests for assistance are being screened through KBRH social workers.
“This fund is different,” said Lisa Pasin, the director of development at the Kootenay Boundary Region Hospital (KBRH) Health Foundation. “Other funds have been dedicated to children, but this fund will support the family and the sick child. For example, if a sick child needs to fly to Vancouver for medical attention—we can help their families go with them.”
Both organizations are collecting donations and have been involved with a number of local initiatives. The United Steelworkers Local 480 are currently asking people to bring in their pennies.
Since the penny has been discontinued, the fundraising group is collecting old pennies for contributions to the fund.
The Gordy Steep fund will receive 10 per cent of the profits earned at the Blooming Creative Art Sale. Rachel Jansen and Erin Fance organized the sale at the Riverbelle on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“Each sale is a fundraising event,” said Rachel Jansen, one of the event organizers. “The $2 door entry is donated directly back to the local charity or cause, and each vendor donates $10 of the day’s sales or orders.”
For more information about the Gordy Steep Memorial Sick Children’s Fund, contact United Steelworkers at 250-368-9131 or the KBRH Foundation at 250-364-3424. For more information about the Blooming Creative Art Sale, e-mail ShoppingForCharity@gmail.com.