Forestry workers have been facing the effects of shutdowns and job action on the Island for months.
To help, there is a fundraiser in Cumberland on Thursday evening to support families who support themselves in the forest sector.
The event takes place at the Cumberland Hotel on Dec. 12, with dinner specials beginning at 5 p.m. and music to start at 7 p.m.
“We have four different bands that will be playing that have all donated their time,” says Ian McLean, an organizer and CUPE representative.
RELATED STORY: B.C. forest industry facing uncertain future as mills close across province
RELATED STORY: 2,000 workers impacted by Vancouver Island forestry management shutdown
The event should run until about 11 p.m. and will include a silent auction.
“It’ll be by donation,” he says. “We’re just hoping people will come out.”
They approached the Cumberland Hotel, which was happy to help, as were business when asked to donate items for the silent auction. He says he and five or six others realized the work situation was serious for people in forestry communities, and they came up with the idea to hold the fundraiser a couple of weeks ago.
“These people are hurting,” he said. “We have members that are in all those communities.”
For more information about the fundraiser, see the Facebook page for Fundraiser for Forestry Families. The Cumberland Hotel is at 2714 Dunsmuir Ave.
mike.chouinard@comoxvalleyrecord.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.