IBEW Refinery Draw

         News Winter 2010

It seems an appropriate time to review some of the acheivements of 2009. First and foremost more than $20,000.00 was donated to charities or worthy community causes. Around $35,000.00 was spent at locally owned businesses on prizez and donations. This supports and stimulates our economy and helps keep local people in jobs. Many thousands more were handed out in cash prizes including over $7000.00 that was shared between four winners during the fall turnaround. Going forward into 2010 we have retained our two most enthusiastic partners, Bens Clothing and Wacky Wheatleys. They have embraced the partnership by donating to our draws at strategic times (more than $1000 in the Christmas Draw alone) and assisting us with some of the charitable causes. We also teamed up to have a refinery / IBEW sale that proved to be a huge success with incredible discounts.

BREAKING NEWS: Having teamed up to support a number of worthy projects in 2009, volunteers with the Carpenters and Electrical Draws will endeavor in 2010 to provide some wishes for children with high-risk illnesses in our community. Saint John Radio 103.5 / 95.1 KV will host the public release of the news on it's popular 12 noon talk show with Mark Lee and Graham Brown interviewing Ray and Eamon on Friday, February 5th. Follow up announcements will be made throughout local print media soon after.

Pictured below, IBEW 502 member Arron Ellis, passing a cheque to Captain Darren Wiseman of the Salvation Army. This fundraiser was orgaized by Saint John Radio 103.5 / 95.1 KV to promote the Salvation Army's annual Turkey Drive. We were pleased once again to partner with Ray Cormier's Carpenters Draw which gave a matching donation enabling the promotion to purchase 80 of the targeted 100 turkeys.

We are happy to welcome our Brothers and Sisters from the Potash Mine project. As well as contibuting to the Electrical Union Assistance Fund their weekly draw has already donated $1400.00 to the Families of Christmas Fund and the proceeds from the first draw of each month have been dedicated to the Sussex Transition House Shelter for abused women and children - a great cause. Thanks to all who participate and volunteer.

Many of you have seen the Olympic Torch carried through the steets of Saint John in the media. Debbie Cooper, executive director of the Saint John Boys and Girls Club was one local bestowed with that honour. When Debbie wrote us a letter requesting assistance with the clubs lunchtime program we were glad of the opportunity to help such a worthwhile local cause. IBEW 502 member Norm Deschenes, pictured below with Debbie, took the full tour of the impressive facility and is committed to further helping the club in 2010.

Letters requesting assistance should be addressed to Electrical Union Assistance Fund and can be passed on through any of our volunteers or mailed to 26 Kiwanis Court Saint John NB E2K 4L2. A huge thanks to all the volunteers that continue to contribute to our draws, without your help it would not be possible.

Please remember to support our local partners!