Operation Warm Unpacked

Last year, Nova Scotia was the pilot site for the Canadian Operation Warm partnership, involving the Canadian I.A.T.S.E. office, all NS I.A.T.S.E. Locals, and a local elementary school. Due to its success, the initiative has expanded to St. John’s, NL, and Winnipeg, MB.

On October 26, we distributed 191 winter coats and 153 pairs of shoes to children in need at a Dartmouth elementary school. Fourteen volunteers from Local 849, ICG Local 667, Local 680, and ADC 659, along with six school volunteers, helped unpack, greet families, and fit the clothing, all funded from generous donations by the Canadian office and all I.A.T.S.E. Locals serving this jurisdiction.

At the end of the event, Josh Denaro from Local 667 captured our sentiments by saying, "Thank you for having me. It was moving to see the need for this initiative and how well it was received. That was just one community in need, which makes me wonder how many more are out there."

Photos from Michael Tompkins, Local 667