DC – New Matching Fund Program Gives Back to Our Veterans

Washington, DC

To give back to the brave men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line for our country, AFSCME has launched “Matching Fund for Veterans” — a program designed to provide support for state veterans’ homes throughout the nation.

More than a third of our members have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, or have family members who have done so. AFSCME also represents workers at veterans’ homes and hospitals in 15 different states.

The International Union is encouraging affiliates in these states to “adopt” those homes and engage their communities in fundraising drives. The veterans’ fund will then match up to $5,000 raised by each council or local union.

The initiative was inspired by members of Connecticut Council 4, which for the last four years has sponsored a Veterans Memorial Day Picnic fundraiser. Between donations of food, money and merchandise, AFSCME members in Connecticut have raised more than $250,000, paying for the construction of athletic fields, and the installation of computers and TVs, among other items. Council 4 members also contacted the renowned, custom motorcycle manufacturer Orange County Choppers to build a veterans-themed motorcycle for a special fundraising raffle.

The Matching Fund for Veterans program runs through June 1, 2008. Fund recipients will be announced next July during AFSCME’s 38th International Convention in San Francisco.