The Operating Engineers National Charity Fund is a not-for-profit corporation set up by the International Union to provide assistance to members and their families in times of national or local disasters like the 9/11 terrorist attacks or Hurricane Katrina.
In addition, IUOE local unions throughout the United States and Canada are active in their communities. From excavation work and raising the flag pole at the Rhode Island State Police Museum, to renovating a recreation park on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania, to excavation and grading work for Habitat for Humanity projects in Ohio, IUOE local members are helping enhance their communities while saving local communities untold thousands of dollars.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Ontario, Local 793 has taken charity well beyond its borders by raising money to buy a bulldozer and ripper for an organization that helps orphaned and neglected street children in Kenya. Charles Mulli, founder and executive director of the organization said “A bulldozer will be a great asset to our farm which helps us support the children. Our projects for the next 20 years include the excavation for several dams to hold rain water, additional fish ponds, clearing of land for greenhouses, roads and other developmental projects. News that Canadians are raising money for a bulldozer is an answer to our prayers.”
As of July 2011, Mulli's hopes and dreams are being realized. According to InsideHalton.com, Mulli now says "this machine, this gift has done such great things." Among other things, the bulldozer has:
- transformed 100 acres into farmland,
- built four fishponds, which now farm thousands of fish, and
- help plant trees.
Click here to read the article.