Wildrose staff layoffs prompt crowdfunding campaign
The Canadian Press | Posted: December 19, 2014 10:23 PM | Last Updated: December 19, 2014
Thousands raised since site's launch Thursday evening
A crowdfunding website is raising money for some Alberta Wildrose caucus staff who have lost their jobs since their leader and eight others crossed over to the Progressive Conservatives.
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The gofundme page set up Thursday night, called "Wildrose for Wildrose," raised more than $14,000 by 7 p.m. on Friday.
Organizer Lisa Hansen-Zacharuk isn't aware of the exact number of laid-off workers, but says she knows a few of them.
She says four of them are expecting babies in the next few months. She describes the job losses as callous just before Christmas.
"A truly heartbreaking day as we layoff our dedicated staff after a difficult week," tweeted Wildrose MLA Heather Forsyth Friday afternoon.
Dozens of people have so far donated to the fund, including NDP MLA Brian Mason, who pitched in $500.