CALGARY – Calgary’s I.A.T.S.E. Local 212 has increased the momentum behind the Actors’ Fund of Canada’s 50th anniversary fundraising efforts with a $3,000 donation to the Fund.
The Actors’ Fund is the lifeline for Canada’s entertainment industry and assists entertainment workers experiencing severe financial hardship as a result of illness, injury or sudden unemployment. The Actors’ Fund provides short-term emergency financial aid to more than just actors. Performers and those working behind the scenes in film & television, theatre, music and dance may apply for assistance from the Fund, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2008. Demand on the Fund is at its highest level ever, with over half a million dollars paid out in the last year to help entertainment workers with rent payments, grocery money, utility bills, uninsured medical costs and other basic needs. The Fund has assisted over 10,000 individuals since it was founded in 1958 and has delivered over $3 million in financial aid in the last ten years.
I.A.T.S.E. Local 212 represents nearly 900 members in Southern Alberta who work behind the scenes of movies, television shows, rock concerts, stage productions, scene shops, special events and trade shows.
Local 212 President Damian Petti expressed his enthusiasm for the Actors’ Fund: “Local 212 is proud to support the Actors’ Fund of Canada and extends its congratulations on the Fund’s 50th anniversary. We’re convinced of the tremendous benefit the Fund offers to I.A.T.S.E. members and our entire industry and we will do all we can to support its work.”
Actors’ Fund Executive Director David Hope commented on Local 212’s contribution to the 50th anniversary campaign: “The campaign has two main goals: to raise the profile of the Actors’ Fund so that everyone in our industry knows we serve a broad spectrum of entertainment workers, and to raise a significant amount of new money to support this cause, which has had a life-changing impact on so many entertainment industry members. Local 212 has contributed to the Fund in previous years, but has increased the amount of their donation this year. Their support is helping us achieve both of our goals and we truly appreciate it.”
The Actors’ Fund of Canada is a registered charity. It receives no government funding and is wholly sustained by support from individuals and entertainment industry organizations.
