THUNDER BAY – The call has gone out for help and assistance for Northern Ontario communities who have struggled through evacuations. In several communities, including Cat Lake First Nation, Slate Falls, Pickle Lakes, and Mishkeegogamang First Nation, the power was out for several days. This led to freezers full of meat and staples thawing out and being spoilt by the hot weather.
Bruce Power, its employees, the Power Workers Union and The Society of Energy Professionals have joined together to raise more than $40,000 to assist Northern Ontario communities devastated by forest fires. “Whenever there’s been a need in the community, the province or around the world our employees have been quick to jump in to help,” said Duncan Hawthorne, Bruce Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “As a company that lives its values, we believe we have a responsibility to offer a helping hand when people need it.”
A gate collection was held at buildings across the Bruce Power site last Wednesday for employees and the company matched those funds raised dollar for dollar.
“Our members have demonstrated an enormous capacity for caring when it comes to helping people in need,” said Larry Alderdice, Chief Steward and Sector Representative for the Power Workers’ Union. “It’s clear this is a situation where our fellow Ontarians need our assistance.”
“Our thoughts go out to the people of Northern Ontario as they struggle through a very stressful and difficult time,” said Dave Myette, Bruce Power Local Vice President of the Society of Energy Professionals. “We’re proud to partner with Bruce Power and the Power Workers’ Union to offer our assistance.”
In response to both the urgency and employee concern, Bruce Power and its union partners are partnering with the Canadian Red Cross to support response efforts through the Ontario Zone Disaster Management Program.
Red Cross volunteers are working around the clock to assist the evacuees by operating a Central Registration and Inquiry Bureau to help families connect with loved ones, assist with shelter management as well as providing cots and blankets, and meeting immediate needs including clothing and personal items such as baby supplies and hygiene items.
