Wildrose staff layoffs prompt crowdfunding campaign

A crowdfunding website is raising money for someAlberta Wildrose caucus staff who have lost their jobs since theirleader and eight others crossed over to the ProgressiveConservatives.

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The gofundme page set up Thursday night, called "Wildrose for Wildrose," raised more than $14,000 by 7 p.m. on Friday.

Organizer Lisa Hansen-Zacharukisn't aware of theexact number of laid-off workers, but says she knows a few of them.

She says four of them are expecting babies in the next few months.She describes the job losses as callous just before Christmas.

"A truly heartbreaking day as we layoff our dedicated staff after a difficult week," tweetedWildrose MLA Heather ForsythFriday afternoon.

Dozens of people have so far donated to the fund, including NDP MLA Brian Mason, who pitched in $500.