Steelworkers union sends $15K in emergency aid to Islamic Relief Canada amid Pakistan floods

A charity under the United Steelworkers union (USW) is sending $15,000 in emergency aid to humanitarian efforts in Pakistan as the country continues to recover from massive flooding.

The union is the largest private sector union in North America and represents ArcelorMittal (in Quebec), Stelco, CN and other companies. 

The Steelworkers Humanity Fund said in a media release the money will go to Islamic Relief Canada "to provide medical aid, food, clean water, hygiene items and emergency shelter through its emergency teams on the ground."

"As we are witnessing in Pakistan right now, the consequences of climate change are being felt more strongly in countries that lack the resources and infrastructure to face such devastation, even if their contribution to this global phenomenon is minor," said Marty Warren, the USW's Canadian national director.

"Lending a hand is the least we can do in the face of this unjust situation."

It comes as other local efforts from Jinnah Cultural Society of Hamilton sets up plans to fundraise and as the Muslim Association of Hamilton is raising money through regular donation drives.

• WATCH | UN warns flooding expected to continue

UN warns more rain expected in flood-ravaged Pakistan

2 years ago

Duration 2:13

Catastrophic flooding in Pakistan has affected more than 30 million people and could get even worse, the UN warns, with more rain forecast in the coming weeks.

The flooding has been going on since mid-June. It has killed at least 1,343 people and affected as many as 33 million people among a national population of 220 million.

Hundreds of thousands have been made homeless by the floods, which officials estimate caused losses of at least $10 billion US.

The Pakistani government, which has boosted cash handouts for flood victims, said it will buy 200,000 tents to house displaced families

The United Nations has called for $160 million US in aid to help the flood victims.