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Union Volunteers
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| Volunteers got involved after fishing lessons for underprivileged youth were canceled because of the poor condition of the pier. |
Members of Ironworkers Local 84, Elevator Constructors Local 31, IBEW Locals 66 and Local 716 and Plumbers Local 62 all pitched in.
The project was sponsored by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, a national conservation organization for union members, as part of its Works on the Ground campaign to help refurbish America’s public parks.
“America’s more than 7,000 state parks are an intrinsic part of our country’s culture and legacy,” said USA Executive Director Fred Myers. “All over the country, we are forming committees, identifying needs, raising money and taking on projects to ensure future generations can enjoy the outdoor opportunities that we enjoy today.”
Local 716 member Adrian Sauceda said that the IBEW became interested in the project after learning that the pier’s decrepit condition forced park rangers to cancel free fishing lessons on the lake for underprivileged youth.
“We knew the park didn’t have a lot of funds, and that those fishing lessons meant a lot to local kids,” he said. Sauceda is vice president of Local 716’s Electrical Workers Minority Caucus’ young workers chapter.
“That’s why so many members turned out, to help the kids.”
Volunteers finished the reconstruction in just one day. “USA donated the parts, and we donated the sweat,” Sauceda said.
