‘The threat of the virus to front-line workers is real,' says AUPE
CALGARY – Members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) are today (Mon. Jan. 4) mourning the loss of a front-line colleague to COVID-19.
“We have learned that Joe Marie (Jing) Corral passed away on Dec. 28 after being infected with the virus,” says Bobby-Joe Borodey, vice-president of AUPE, which represents more than 90,000 workers, including about 58,000 in health care.
Corral was 61 years old and worked as a Health Care Aide (HCA) at the Bethany Riverview continuing-care facility in Calgary. He leaves behind a daughter who lives in Burnaby, B.C., and a son who lives in Edmonton.
“This is obviously a sad and difficult time for the family. It’s always hard to lose a loved one, but it seems even harder over the holidays when we are so focused on family and friends. AUPE is a community of colleagues and we all send our condolences to the family,” says Borodey.
“This shows that the threat of the virus to front-line workers is real,” she adds. “All workers on the front lines of this pandemic fight deserve our thanks for their dedication to caring for and providing services to Albertans during this crisis. We owe them a debt that can never be adequately repaid.”
A spokesperson for the Corral family said: “Our family is truly and eternally grateful for the support and love everyone has shown during this difficult time. We cannot thank enough those whom have offered their condolences, resources and financial support.”
AUPE is asking on behalf of the family that their privacy be respected at this time.
The family has launched a GoFundMe page to help with funeral and other costs. It can be found here.
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Bobby-Joe Borodey is available for interviews.
Please contact Terry Inigo-Jones, communications officer, at 403-831-4394.