By Natalie Sit
The University of Calgary has no beef with helping Alberta cattle producers.
Faculty and staff are eligible to receive a payroll advance that will fund their meat purchases. The advance is paid back in five monthly payroll deductions. U of C is the first public sector organization to offer the program in Calgary.
According to U of C Vice-President External Roman Cooney, this is a chance for people to help out at the grassroots level and it doesn’t cost the university a cent.
"This is an opportunity for people who would like to help out with some assistance from the university," said Cooney.
With their pay advance, people can go to IGA or Sunterra to buy meat packages worth $239 to $1,000, including various cuts of meat.
Employees also think the program is a good idea. Tim Jackson, AUPE Membership Service Officer for the Calgary Regional Office, said U of C union members will help beef producers through this initiative and barbecues held in late August.
"This is a good program," said Jackson. "Buying beef packages will definitely help out people. We want to support the beef producers."
Economic Development Leth- bridge initially developed the program and currently there are 50 participating organizations.
"This is a no-brainer," said EDL CEO Ed Jetting. "There’s very little cost. I think it’s going to take off in Cowtown."