Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge United Way says losses have a "big circle" effect
Jun 03, 2008 - 02:57 PM
By Crystal Crimi
DURHAM -- The 2,500 jobs cut at General Motors could have a far-reaching impact beyond the Oshawa automaker.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oshawa-Whitby and the United Way of Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge say the layoffs could have a chain reaction.
"It's scary times for sure," said Mark Shuwera, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oshawa-Whitby's executive director.
The charity receives about $120,000 a year from the United Way of Oshawa-Whitby - about 50 per cent of its annual budget.
"This all filters down through payroll deductions," Mr. Shuwera said.
Hopefully, people will continue to donate, but the worst-case scenario could affect services to children, he said.
"And that's not good for anyone," Mr. Shuwera said.
Another spin-off could be the loss of volunteers if laid-off employees have to spend their free time looking for, or working more jobs.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Oshawa-Whitby will be discussing the job losses at its monthly board meeting.
"I just have to believe that in the end, good things are going to happen," Mr. Shuwera said.
Staff feels terrible about the losses, he said.
"You can't help but feel sorry for someone who may have worked many years for a company all of a sudden having no job," he said.
We need to pull together as a community and help these people, said Jennifer Meyers, United Way of Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge resource development manager.
"They really need to think this is a community issue, not just a GM issue," she said. "People might not realize they have a neighbour this is going to impact."
The United Way of Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge doesn't receive campaign contributions from General Motors employees, but will experience the impact through a ripple effect.
"The employees are in greater need of social services," said Ms. Meyers. "We see tensions and stresses in families that affects children, that affects relatives."
The United Way of Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge also has a labour liaison officer who works with employees impacted by the layoffs to help with services such as counselling and job searching.
The layoffs also impact other companies affiliated with General Motors, as well as money in the economy in general. People stop going out as much and donating to charities, Ms. Meyers said.
"It's a dominion, but it's also a big circle," she said.
To make up for the losses, the United Way will have to let the community know it needs to step up, Ms. Meyers said. The organization will be working on creating more community awareness through its communications team.
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