Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 488, Edmonton, Alberta hosted two successful fundraisers in support of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. The funds donated went toward helping people in Ukraine and the Ukrainians who have arrived in Canada seeking refuge.
On May 14, 2022, Local 488 and the Retired Members Association (RMA) hosted a BBQ fundraiser at the Local 488 Dorm Darbyshire Dispatch Hall. Volunteers grilled hot dogs and burgers for the nearly 500 people who attended.
Together, they raised $22,298. Local 488 was awarded $15,000 from the 50/50 drawing at the 2021 UA Convention in Calgary, AB and decided to donate all of it to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
At the RMA’s monthly luncheon on June 1, Orysia Boychuk, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Alberta, gave a heartfelt thank you speech to the RMA and Local 488 for raising money to help the families affected by the war in Ukraine.
Jack and Shirlee Hubler Memorial Golf Tournament
In July 2022, the RMA and Local 488 hosted the inaugural Jack and Shirlee Hubler Memorial Golf Tournament to raise money for the Canadian-Ukraine Foundation.
Jack and Shirlee both passed away recently. Jack was a retired member of Local 488, an RMA member and a great supporter of the tournament. Shirlee was a close friend of the Local.
Local 488 has hosted a charitable golf tournament for over 50 years and every year, Jack and Shirlee were largely involved.
“You cannot mention organized labor in Alberta without mentioning Jack’s name, so we decided to have a celebration of life and change the golf tournament name to the Jack and Shirlee Hubler Memorial Golf Tournament,” Local 488 Business Manager Rod McKay said.
Jim Homenuik, a retired member of Local 488 and RMA member, said the first tournament without Jack and Shirlee was emotional for everyone.
“It was a beautiful sunny day and we said, ‘The Hublers are shining on us,” Homenuik said.
Everyone from first-year apprentices to 58-year members volunteered for and participated in the golf tournament. Jack and Shirlee’s two sons, who are both Local 488 members, also participated in the tournament.
The donations and prizes for the tournament were donated by Local 488 contractors. The 50/50 raffle also helped raise money for the event.
Local 488 thanks all the primary sponsors, hole sponsors, RMA volunteers, Local 488 staff and those who attended the event.
McKay and Homeniuk felt it was important to support the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. Canada is home to the third-largest Ukrainian population in the world.
“To be successful you have to support your community,” McKay said. “I tell our officers that we are so fortunate to be a part of this organization and when you have an opportunity to give back to people struggling and those who are less fortunate, it is a must.”
Local 488 has one of the strongest and most active RMAs in the UA.
