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Media Release
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For Immediate Release: November 3, 2009
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TORONTO - Four IATSE locals from Western Canada have shown their support for the Actors' Fund, contributing a combined total $32,000 in 2009. Local 891, which represents motion picture technicians in British Columbia made two donations this year totalling $26,000. Other locals included in the total were Local 669 representing Western Canada cinematographers, Local 212 representing film and television technicians in Southern Alberta and Local 168 representing stage technicians on Vancouver Island.
Local 891 President Ken Anderson explained his local's ongoing commitment to the Fund, saying: "Many people forget that the Actors' Fund doesn't just support actors - it supports those working behind the scenes, too. The Actors' Fund has been a life saver for a number of our members in these difficult times. We always try and contribute as much as we can to the Actors' Fund and would encourage other locals to join in supporting this organization that does so much to assist members of our industry."
Commenting on the recent contributions, Actors' Fund Executive Director David Hope added: "The strong support we have received from Western Canada locals again shows that the Actors' Fund is able to work effectively in every region of the country, bringing emergency aid to vulnerable entertainment industry members no matter where they live. We couldn't do what we do without the steadfast support of locals like Local 891 and 212 and we're especially pleased that Locals 168 and 669 have chosen to contribute to the Fund for the first time. We look forward to many more years of serving those members of the IATSE who are in need, wherever and whenever an emergency situation arises."
The Actors' Fund of Canada is the lifeline for Canada's entertainment industry. Performers and others who work behind the scenes in film and television, theatre, music and dance can apply for emergency financial aid from the Fund, which recently set a new record for the amount of financial aid delivered to industry members in a single year, topping $600,000 in 2008. The Fund has helped over 10,000 entertainment industry workers recover from illness, injury or other circumstances causing severe economic and personal hardship since it was founded in 1958.
The Fund is a registered charity that has paid out over $3.7 million in rent payments, grocery money, utility payments and other basic living expenses in the last 10 years. Performers, creators, technical staff and other production team members can benefit from the Fund, which receives no major government funding and is sustained by support from individuals and entertainment industry organizations.
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CONTACT:
David Hope, The Actors' Fund of Canada
Phone: 1-877-399-8392
E-mail: contact@actorsfund.ca
Web site: www.actorsfund.ca
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©2010 The Actors' Fund of Canada - 1000 Yonge Street, Suite 301 Toronto, ON M4W 2K2
contact@actorsfund.ca / Tel: 416.975.0304 / Toll-Free: 1.877.399.8392 / Fax: 416.975.0306
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