Oakville Local’s Efforts to Save Family Pays Off

July 16, 2007 – Retired and active members of Oakville, ON Local 1582 took their mission to serve and protect the citizens of their community to a higher level to help a local family get back on its feet.

Moses Han, a Korean immigrant who lost his eyesight when a tooth infection spread to his brain, was forced to sell the family business – a convenience store – to pay his medical bills. The store had been the family’s only source of income.

Oakville Local 1582 Treasurer Andrew Lee and retired Local 1582 member Dave Sayer learned of the Han’s plight and stepped in to help the family, opening a trust fund and raising money. Carmen Santoro, president of Local 1582, says the fundraising efforts have led to a steady stream of donations. Fire fighters have raised more than $85,000 for Moses and Gloria Han and their three daughters. “We’re hopeful the totals are going to reach $100,000,” says Santoro.

Money from the trust fund is already being used to pay the family’s mortgage payments and other bills. Meanwhile, fire fighters have also partnered with the Oakville City Council to re-establish employment for the family. Several options are being considered, including job training for Gloria Han at a local college.