Apprentices, donors give food bank a facelift

(Sept. 28. 2015) — The Puget Sound Labor Agency, which is celebrating its 40th year of service, provides food and other necessities for more than 38,000 people each year in the local community and to union members in need.

Given its budget challenges, sprucing up the Food Bank at the Seattle Labor Temple has been low on the PSLA’s priority list. However, with the assistance of Fernando Arevalo, IUPAT District Council 5 representative and the Finishing Trades Institute NW 15 second year Commercial Painting and Decorating Apprentices, the PSLA received an incredible gift.

“Those apprentices came and painted our walls and refinished our doors,” said Lynn Nishimura, PSLA Executive Director. With the assistance of Mark Metcalf, owner of Foley Signs, and the employee benefits law firm of McKenzie, Rothwell, Barlow & Coughran, P.S., through Partner Les Coughran, the PSLA logo was added to the wall. The project coordination was handled by Instructor Ron Tate and Coordinator Dave Jones with FTINW.

“This amazing donation is so greatly appreciated and will bring smiles to our clients who have lived with our drab and worn hallways for years,” Nishimura said. “We will proudly serve our community and be deeply appreciative of the generosity of the organizations that made this happen.”

TAKE A STAND — YOU can help the PSLA continue its 40-year legacy of building wheelchair ramps for disabled citizens who can’t afford to install them, providing a union member emergency assistance program in partnership with union locals, and operating its Food Bank, a vital resource for the community, providing groceries and other necessities to families in need. Please make a generous donation today at the the PSLA website.