Royal City residents are invited to attend a ceremony commemorating workers who have been killed or injured on the job.
The New Westminster and District Labour Council and the City of New Westminster are co-hosting the ceremony taking place on Saturday April 28 at 11 a.m. in Westminster Pier Park. Speakers will include Labour Council President Lori Mayhew, Mayor Jonathan Cote, Coun. Chuck Puchmayr, British Columbia Teachers’ Federation first vice-president Teri Mooring and Owen Goodwin of the United Steelworkers Union Local 2009.
“We will remember the 158 workers killed last year in BC,” said labour council president Lori Mayhew. “And we commit ourselves to ensuring the safety of workers in the future.”
This year’s ceremony, which will mark the 27th annual Day of Mourning, will highlight the Canadian Labour Congress’s campaign, Violence and Harassment: Not part of the job. The ceremony is being held at the Wow New Westminster (W) public art installation at Pier Park.
Youth program to start in New West
A recent fundraiser is providing the seed money for a new St. John Ambulance youth program in New Westminster.
Karen Baker-MacGrotty, honorary colonel of The Royal Westminster Regiment, said $2,000 was needed to get a program started in New Westminster. When Baker-MacGrotty and her husband David MacGrotty heard about the initiative, the New West couple agreed to personally match funds raised at the dinner – resulting in a $1,000 donation – and promote the fundraiser.
“Our gift, combined with a $300 donation from 78th Fraser Highlanders and a few other donations from committee members, resulted in raising over $3,100 in total. A fantastic accomplishment for a small group,” Baker MacGrotty said in an email to the Record. “The best news is the formation of a St. John Ambulance Youth Cadet Program in New Westminster with 17 young members all decked out with new SJA uniforms, weekly training taking place and lots of enthusiasm. I am impressed with what was accomplished in a short time and the great initiative of the dedicated youth leaders and mentors.”
St. John Ambulance’s youth program provides opportunities for young people age six to 17 years to become valued and vital members of the community through a variety of personal development activities such as first aid and health care training, volunteer community service, camping and recreational activities. By combining first aid and youth-oriented activities, the program strives to develop self-reliant and self-confident young people who will become responsible members of society with a sense of community service.
