Letter to Branches

No. 722/11

Ref: TK/PM/sn

Date: 18/08/2011

URGENT APPEAL – GARY EZEKIEL

We are launching and urgent appeal on behalf of the above named postal worker who is a member of the Croydon and Sutton Amalgamated Branch.

During the riots that took place in Croydon on the evening of Monday the 8^th of August Gary’s home was destroyed in a fire. Whilst Gary, who is married with a three year old son was able to escape, their home and all their possessions were destroyed in the blaze.

Gary and his family have been placed in emergency temporary Bed and Breakfast accommodation. The council have made it clear that they will be re-housing Gary within the next two or three weeks.

Whilst this is welcome news the family have no possessions to take with them as they were all destroyed during the blaze.

It is for this reason that we are launching this urgent appeal to assist our member during this difficult time. The CWU has a great tradition of helping those in difficulty when they most need it; indeed these are the principles that underpin our trade union work on a day to day basis.

An appeal has already been made within the London Region and these branches should direct donations to Jim Kirwin, London Regional Secretary. The CWU nationally will also be making a donation. The GMB CWU HQ Branch has also agreed to make a donation. A local appeal within Gary’s workplace is also being made.

We are appealing to Branches to consider helping Gary and his family during what is clearly a very traumatic period.

Donations should be forwarded directly to CWU HQs, Senior Deputy General Secretary’s dept. Cheques should simply be made payable to CWU but be clearly identified “Gary Ezekiel Appeal”. Once donations are received we will then forward this to Gary in one payment.

Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Kearns

Senior Deputy General Secretary