London, Ontario - Local unions of the Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) in the London, Ontario area pooled their money to purchase a Ford van for Women’s Community House in London, Ontario, which was presented earlier this month. Four locals donated a combined total of $16,000 to purchase the van, with Ford kicking in an additional $5,000.

The Women’s Community House is the largest high-security shelter for abused women and their children in Canada, providing emergency- and short-term shelter, counselling, and support services to nearly 1,000 women and children each year free of charge. The van will be used to transport clients to various appointments.

“Our union works daily to promote awareness amongst the membership about domestic violence and its impact on families and communities, so we are pleased to support an organization dedicated to assisting women who are leaving violent relationships,” said Julie White, CAW’s director of women’s programs.