Wednesday, July 2, 2003

EDMONTON – Celebrating Canada Day three days early, between 800 and 1,000 AUPE members from throughout the Capital Region took part in the Edmonton Area Council’s summer barbecue and picnic June 28.

“The weather was perfect, attendance was great and everyone seemed to be having a good time,” said Edmonton Area Council Chair Kathie Milne (formerly Kathie MacDuff). “The event exceeded our expectations.

“We had cotton candy, pony rides and a petting zoo, so there was lots for the kids as well as their parents,” Milne added.

The weather may have been appropriately warm, but the water in the dunk tank wasn’t, observed AUPE President Dan MacLennan, who took his turn being dunked to raise money for the Edmonton Youth Emergency Shelter.

Others who took a dunking in the cause were AUPE Executive Secretary-Treasurer Ed Mardell, Membership Services Officer Sean Carter, Local 003 Chair Mike Rennich and numerous kids (all with their parents’ permission).

A 50/50 draw was also held to raise money for the Women’s Shelter.

Music at the event, which took place at Bar-B-Q Acres on Edmonton’s west side, was provided by the group Dangerous Guise and Alicia Nault.

“This event shows the kind of volunteer spirit that makes us extremely fortunate and proud,” MacLennan said.

“We’re a big union with members from different types of jobs and worksites. It’s great to see members and their families get together and enjoy themselves in events such as this put on by area councils all across the province.

“The Edmonton Area Council should be congratulated for organizing this terrific, fun event,” MacLennan concluded.

The next event on the area council’s calendar is the annual kids’ Christmas party at the Agricom on Nov. 28, said Milne.

AUPE’s area councils are set up geographically to serve the needs of AUPE members. They are financed through AUPE headquarters and organize seasonal parties, picnics and other social activities open to all AUPE members.

Click here for photos of the event