In May, 2004, the OPSEU Executive Board approved
the setting up of two distinct solidarity funds – the Live and Let Live Fund and
the Social Justice Fund.
Live and Let Live Fund
The Live and Let Live
Fund was set up exclusively to support organizations that are actively
involved in combatting HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa and Ontario.
OPSEU committees (e.g. Workers of Colour Caucus) and locals conduct their
own fundraising campaigns specifically for the OPSEU Live and Let Live Fund.
These additional funds are matched by OPSEU centrally.
In 2006, more than $30,000 was transferred by the
Live and Let Live Fund to two organizations – 75 per cent to the
Stephen Lewis Foundation
and 20 per cent to the Ontario
AIDS Network. In addition, each year OPSEU allocates $50,000 to the
Stephen Lewis Foundation from its central budget.. Both of these organizations
send these funds directly to grassroots organizations set up to combat HIV/AIDS
in communities throughout Southern Africa and in Ontario.
Social Justice Fund
The Social Justice Fund
was set up to build linkages with communities in developing countries. The
Social Justice Fund was set up to assist those in vulnerable communities in
Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia.
Specifically, the Fund will support exchanges;
development projects in education, health, water and combating poverty; and
emergency and humanitarian aid to those most vulnerable in the affected
communities.
The by-laws of each of these funds are available
at: By-laws – Live and Let Live Fund and
By-laws – Social Justice Fund.
