NEWS RELEASE: OMA member Vale employees dig deep to support their communities

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

The numbers are in and the joint fundraising campaign by nickel and copper miner Vale and the United Steelworkers brought in more than $865,000 for the United Way Centraide Sudbury and Nipissing Districts. Vale matches donations by its employees and this cooperative fundraising effort is the largest single contributor to the United Way in Sudbury.

“Vale employees are very committed to the communities in which they live and work,” said Kelly Strong, Vice President Canada and U.K. Operations for Vale. “Their ongoing generosity is incredible and something we can all be very proud of.”

This year’s effort, which surpassed the $865,000 mark, represents a 20% increase above last year’s campaign. “It never ceases to amaze me every year, USW Local 6500 members dig deep in their pockets to help those in need,” said Rick Bertrand, President USW Local 6500. “Their kindness, compassion and commitment is truly remarkable.”

“I would like to personally thank Vale and United Steelworkers for the overwhelming support provided over the past 32 years,” said Mike Di Brina, Sudbury United Way Campaign Chair. “To know that approximately $16 million have flowed into our community through the United Way is beyond what anyone could expect from one group.”

In another part of the province, mine contractor Dumas and its employees in Timmins and Kirkland Lake raised more than $11,000 in support of local charities. Recipients of these donations included North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS), Yo Mobile, the local food bank, the Good Samaritan and a women’s shelter.

“This year’s campaign was successful and beyond my expectations,” said Shannon MacIver, Dumas fundraising campaign lead in Timmins. “The generosity of our employees, no matter the cause, never ceases to amaze me. It is so rewarding to be able to bring joy to so many deserving children and families.”

NEOFACS volunteer co-ordinator Lorraine Charlebois-Thom said “It warms my heart to see how generous people have been with their donations, not just big businesses in Timmins, but families and individuals.”

Mining companies are responsible solution providing partners in society. They do more than find, extract and process minerals essential to our modern lifestyle. They are economic enterprises operated by men and women who are active members of society and community builders. These two examples in giving back to their communities by Vale and Dumas and their employees are representative of similar actions taken by miners across Ontario.