The community of Churchill has suffered numerous economic setbacks over the past couple of years. First, the town lost almost a hundred jobs when the Port of Churchill, a major employer in the area, was shuttered. Then the only rail line into town washed out last spring, and hasn’t been repaired, leaving the community cut off from the rest of the province.

Losing this vital connection pushed the already soaring prices on food and fuel even higher. Add to that government cuts, such as the reduction in benefits for those enrolled in the Manitoba Rent Assist program, and you have a perfect storm of economic instability in the region.

Recognizing all of these challenges, the MGEU hosted a gathering yesterday at the Churchill Complex Gymnasium to remind members in Churchill that their fellow MGEU members are fully behind them.  Churchill members and their families were treated to lunch, an afternoon visit, and a bit of fun with a bouncy castle.  

“We have many MGEU members here and we wanted them to know that we are with them during these trying times and we appreciate the services they provide in their community,” said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky.  “Despite all of the setbacks, it’s so inspiring to see just how positive the community is.”

About one out of every 10 people living in Churchill (a community of about 900) is an MGEU member, delivering a variety of vital public services in the community. Today, President Gawronsky took the opportunity to meet with members who work in Manitoba Housing, the health centre, and Manitoba Conservation. She also took a few moments this morning to present the Duke of Marlborough School with a $1,000 donation for their breakfast program.

The Breakfast program has been part of the school for about six years. It started off following a grant from the Breakfast Clubs of Canada, and requires anywhere from $35,000 to $45,000 to run the program each year.  The school relies heavily on donations from local businesses and grants to continue the program.  School officials say that without the program, many students would regularly go without a breakfast during the school year.