Trust fund established for Hamilton car crash victims injured in New York state

Union members rally to support one of their members

RICHMOND HILL, ON, April 17, 2013 /CNW/ - A trust fund has been established by SEIU Healthcare to help pay for the American medical bills incurred by one of the union's members who was treated and hospitalized in New York state.

Karen Weller and her four-month-old son Tajaye were travelling south of Albany, New York last February when their vehicle was struck by a driver going the wrong way. Ms. Weller sustained a broken foot and fractured ribs, while her son Tajaye suffered broken legs and multiple skull fractures requiring a four night stay at the Albany Medical Centre before being transferred to McMaster Children's Hospital. Wellers's friend Carol Dion, who was a passenger, died from her injuries.

Weller and Dion, both Personal Support Workers (PSWs), met through work and became friends. Both women are represented by SEIU Healthcare, and local union officials have established a trust account to help pay medical bills expected to be in the tens-of-thousands of dollars. Neither woman had travel insurance.

"This accident has left Ms. Weller, who is on maternity leave, with a huge debt that will be very difficult to pay off," said Eulalee Robertson, who helped set up the trust fund. "I've met Karen before, and when I heard what happened I was compelled to do whatever I could to help another union member through this difficult time. I hope others will be willing to help out as well."

The public is encouraged to make a donation at any TD Bank, by sending a cheque or by giving online.

Details:

In person at a TD Bank branch:

Account name:			Sarah Lee Marie Correia and Eulalee Robertson in TRUST of Karen (Panton) Weller Family
Account #:			6335325
Branch #:			1482
Institution No:			004
Transit No:			14822

By cheque:

Made out to:			Sarah Lee Marie Correia and Eulalee Robertson in TRUST of Karen (Panton) Weller Family
Mailing address:			SEIU Healthcare, 125 Mural Street, Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 1M4 Attn: Secretary/Treasurer
Online:			www.seiuhealthcare.ca

SOURCE: Service Employees International Union Local 1 Canada

Kyle Ferguson 
Media Relations, SEIU Healthcare
Cell: 416-809-0699   Email: [email protected]