PITTSBURGH, Nov. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) today congratulated Variety the Children's Charity on the eve of its 90th Annual Gala to be held Friday at Heinz Field and thanked the organization for its dedicated service to families in the Pittsburgh region.
Variety Pittsburgh serves 54 counties in Pennsylvania and West Virginia by providing adaptive strollers, bikes and communication devices that enable disabled children and their families to enjoy activities that they would not otherwise.
USW International President Leo W. Gerard, who will be honored with the 2017 Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Award at the gala, said that the charity's My Stroller, My Bike and My Voice programs have made a huge difference for thousands of families in the Pittsburgh region, including those of union members.
"In the communities hardest hit by job losses due to unfair trade, too many families with disabled children feel the additional isolation of poverty," Gerard said. "When given the opportunity to show these families that they are not alone and to change a child's life for the better, we must act on it every time."
Gerard credited Variety Pittsburgh CEO Charles LaVallee for uniting a wide range of organizations and individuals to benefit those in need, citing the inclusion of labor and business leaders as well as former governors from both political parties at Friday's event.
"Variety's longevity and success prove that we can still find common ground without regard to the superficial differences often used to polarize us," Gerard said. "The USW is proud to be part of this diverse coalition dedicated to giving children new experiences and empowering their families to realize new possibilities."
Founded in Pittsburgh in 1927, Variety has grown into an international organization with a network of 42 offices in 13 countries and has raised over $2 billion to help children in need.
The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector and service occupations.
More information, contact: Tony Montana – (412) 562-2592 or [email protected]
SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)
Share this article