The annual Teamsters Ontario Invitational (OTI) wrapped up yesterday. The event brought together union reps and friends of the Teamsters Union from Ontario and across the country to raise money for Variety Village, a charity for children with disabilities and their families.

This year, Teamsters raised $140,000 for Variety. It’s the largest sum ever raised at the OTI.

“The Ontario Teamsters Invitational is part of our involvement in the community,” explained the president of Joint Council 52 and one of the organizers behind the OTI, Craig McInnes. “This year’s tournament was another huge success, and the end result is that we’re able to help young people in need.”

Variety Village has been working for over 30 years to help young people with disabilities and those who face developmental barriers to achieve life goals. They provide integrated sports and life skills programs in order to improve lives and strengthen communities.

For François Laporte, President of Teamsters Canada, being a Teamster is about more than grievances and collective agreements. It’s also about helping those in need and building up a better country.

“Building up a better country doesn’t stop at negotiating solid agreements for working Canadians. Every year, Teamsters across the country raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities and non-profit organizations. Groups like the Canadian Red Cross, United Way, Camp Papillon and more,” said Laporte.

“I would like to congratulate Brother Craig McInnes and the Ontario local unions for their leadership in organizing this event year after year and salute the team of volunteers behind the OTI for all their hard work,” he added.

Since 1989, Ontario Teamsters have raised approximately $2 million to help children facing adversity achieve their dreams.

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