Ontario Construction News staff writer
More than $42,500 has been donated on a GoFundMe page for Graeme Reed, an EllisDon foreperson struck and seriously injured by an alleged impaired driver while on the job in Toronto.
Reed, a member of LIUNA 183, was hit while working a night shift on a civil job on Allen Road on Feb. 10 at about 12:30 a.m. when he was struck.
A LIUNA member, he worked on civil jobs for EllisDon before becoming a foreperson.
Reed was working on the left shoulder of southbound Allen Road at the Viewmount Avenue overpass.
Toronto Police said a Volvo SUV was traveling south on Allen Road, just south of Lawrence Avenue, at around 12:45 a.m. when the driver lost control of the vehicle. Police said the vehicle swerved into the left shoulder, where a construction worker was carrying out work, and struck him. The vehicle then hit a snowbank and rolled over.
The driver, a 35-year-old Toronto man was arrested and charged with impaired operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm and impaired driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.
The Ministry of Labour has reported that one requirement was issued to EllisDon and that its investigation continues.
According to the fundraising page, “Graeme is a hard working member of the construction labour force, who has positively impacted the lives of many people throughout his time at Brennan Paving and EllisDon.
“Many of you know him as the loud and energetic foreman, who is always willing to provide a helping hand in any way he can. The safe and attentive foreman who is always cognizant of the dangers of our work and his duty to ensure his crews go home safe, every night. This option was unfairly taken from Graeme.”
Donations will be used to help Graeme and his wife Taylor alleviate as they work through these difficult and unchartered times.
“With the upcoming uncertainty of the road ahead, we are asking that you provide anything you can, to help Graeme and his family transition from what was to what is.”