Brotherhood in Action: How Crews and Contractors Came Together to Help Fire Victims

A few weeks ago, Raul Gaurdado Director of T&D Sturgeon Electric reached out for help with a task larger than anticipated. Crews at a fire restoration camp had raised money to help displaced families, and in response to their generosity, several contractors began to contribute, and needed assistance in distributing the funds. Service and community are part of our core values at Union Care Solutions, and we were ready to support.

I visited the Eaton Fire laydown yard when restoration efforts were just beginning. At that time, I had seen the disaster through news reports, however witnessing the damage firsthand was an entirely different experience. The powerline industry is no stranger to disasters. While destruction and devastation are often expected in this line of work, the emotional toll of engaging with affected families can be profound. As the frontline crews worked and areas gradually reopened to residents, I could only imagine the reality of their situation setting in. Understanding the scope of work, whether planned or emergency is second nature to the Frontline Workers. Being prepared to engage with Families who have lost their homes and loved ones, is entirely different. This can cause unexpected stress as it would anyone, as they navigate the human aspect of storm work. Despite this, crews are expected to show up each day, physically and mentally ready to restore power and face the challenges ahead.

During all this, the King Gillette Yard came together and raised over $30,000. More than 300 individuals reached into their own pockets during a “Pass the Hat” collection at a weekly safety meeting. The initiative began with contractors stepping up and offering to match. Wilson Construction Co offered to match up to $10,000 and as the pot grew from the crews, so did the support from other contractors’s. Rockstad, Sturgeon Electric, PAR-West ,and Outsource, all stepped up and contributed an additional $5,000 each. The Contractor contributions landed at a total of $30,000, dollar for dollar matching the crew donations. Thanks to their kindness and generosity, these funds were distributed directly to families in need, identified through local churches, as part of a collaborative effort to bring aid to the community.

Pastor Kirk Dewitt, Lead Pastor at Conejo Church in Thousand Oaks, was instrumental in helping to connect the dots.

Pastor Kirk shared “It was amazing to connect the money that was raised with the people who needed it most. The local pastors already knew who was living in shelters, basements, or cars due to the fire and could get help to them immediately.!”

The Funds collected from the “Pass the Hat” amongst crews were distributed by Jay Clark Superintendent, Vendy Clark, Herb Tweed Safety Lead, Jaime Jauregui Project Manager and Jon Gannon Director of Transmisson, all from Wilson Construction Co. Offering more than a donation, They met people where they were at, joining in prayer and sharing a moment of comfort and hope.

“There are no words to express my gratitude to you and all of the Pass the Hat members of IBEW local 47 and S.C.E employees for your extreme generosity. Although I made a hasty departure from the Duke's parking lot and maybe didn't fully thank you properly, I thought about you guys all the way back up the hill and how your kindness re-affirmed my faith in the inherent goodness of most people. When I got back and shared my experience with the HeMan who had delivered and set up my generator, it brought tears to his eyes, as it has to everyone I have told since. Word of your kindness has inspired more that just me. You are anonymously famous! Please let all who donated know how much your generosity means to me. Thank you!! “-80 year young Pass The Hat fire relief recipient

Jay and his wife, Vendy, graciously opened their home to a family in need, Sharing a meal, fellowship, and support. The children found moments of joy playing with their daughters pet bird and chinchilla, and Jay extended an act of kindness by gifting the father a guitar from his personal collection to replace one that had been lost. Their compassion and hospitality serves as a reminder that support extends beyond material aid, it is found in faith, presence and the comfort of community.

Union Care Solutions facilitated the contractor donations, distributing $2,500 checks to 10 families, with more expected in the weeks to come. These families are still displaced. They are living in shelters, motels, cars, and with extended family. Some are older, on disability, and struggling with pre-existing medical conditions. I met with several women at church who continue to serve through ministries such as food pantries and clothing distribution. Families unable to find local housing, drive several cities away to take their kids to soccer games and to school, in an effort to maintain normalcy and keep them connected to their peers. What I heard most from these families was how much they have relied on total strangers that have offered support and resources.

“Nice meeting you today. I thank you for your organization and please  thank your contractors and benefactors that poured into this very generous offering. Everyone's kindness and generosity is helping us all heal.” Pass the Hat Fire relief recipient

When I shared with the families that the Crews and Contractors restoring their power had raised money for them, at first they seemed a little confused, and ultimately grateful. If you are familiar with the Industry, then you know how quickly a hat is passed. Without hesitation the men and women of Local 47, and any IBEW local, will graciously offer support to a member and their family going through a medical crisis , hardship or loss of a loved one. For the Families impacted by the Los Angeles fires, this generous act of kindness served as a confirmation of their hope in God and the support community.

The Gillette yard not only came together to support the community, but also one another. In the true spirit of “My Brothers Keeper”, they shared stories of comradery amongst the different contractors and utility. Stories about how they worked together across companies, sharing materials, and helping each other where needed. It is in these moments that we truly see the value of collaboration versus competition. When we help others, our own lives are impacted. The King Gillette yard took what could have been a normal day at the office and turned it into an extraordinary example of what can be accomplished when we work together for a greater good.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the “The Pass the Hat Fire Relief Project”. This is all because the King Gillette yard put their money where their hearts are. It’s been a blessing to be a part of this. What a gift to witness the Workforce, Contractors, and Utility come together to support each other and serve the community.

Let us remember James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

In the end, we are all Stewards of our resources. Our Industry has always been more than just a job. We are family that spans generations. Fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, and grandparents have built their lives within this trade. Let’s ensure that the legacy we leave is one of generosity, resilience, and unity—one that future generations will be proud to uphold, and one that we are proud to leave them.

If you would like to support the families affected by the fires connected through the “Pass the Hat Fire Relief Project” please reach out. We can get resources directly to those in need and can provide lists of requested items.