SMART Idea: Sheet Metal 100 & Sister Locals Raise Record Contribution for CSA

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. For the last few years, SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Union) has used its annual Business Agents’ meetings to generate contributions for a local charity. This year the conference was held in DC and SMART 100 chose the Community Services Agency to receive donations from the councils, locals, and individuals attending the conference. Last Thursday, SMART presented CSA with a check for $96,830, one of the largest single contributions in the agency’s history.  “I am completely overwhelmed by this incredible generosity,” said CSA’s Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy. “We are so grateful to Local 100 for thinking of us and spearheading the collections, and to the attendees from across the United State and Canada who have given so generously, and the national union for its matching contribution,” said McKirchy. CSA is going to be promoting SMART’s idea to other national unions and councils to adopt for their own annual meetings, McKirchy added. “This is a great way for the labor movement to show that it is a force for good in local communities, and the financial support certainly will help CSA continue its work with union members and working families in the metro area.”  
photo (l-r): SMART Secretary/Treasurer Richard McClees, Local 100’s Milo Chaffee, SMART General President Joseph Sellers, MWC President Jos Williams, CSA Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy and Local 100 Business Manager John Shields. 

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