Bombardier, workers donate $80K to United Way

Bombardier employees and the company have combined to give $80,000 to help kick start the United Way of Thunder Bay’s 2015 campaign.

The donation was comprised of $45,000 collected through the employee payroll deduction campaign fund, a $20,000 through the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation and $15,000 from the company.

A company spokesman said the strike that sent hundreds of workers to the picket line last summer, the company felt it was important to give back to an agency that helps one in three people in the community each and every year.

John Kavalchuk, head of operations for the bi-level production line in Thunder Bay, said it was honour to be able to present a cheque to such a worthwhile cause.

“It’s not too often we get good news where we can bring everybody together and it’s nice to see that,” Kavalchuk said on Tuesday, after making the presentation to United Way campaign chairman Jim Madder in front of hundreds of Bombardier employees at the Thunder Bay facility.

“It’s great to be able to do that. We have 1,110 employees here on the site who have all gotten on board to make that contribution.”

The foundation donation is the start of a long-term partnership with the United Way, Kavalchuk added.

That news sat well with Madder, who also serves as president of Confederation College.

“I could be here all day long taking cheques if you have any more hanging around,” Madder joked. “What a phenomenal contribution.”

With 29 agencies and 60 programs to fund, Madder said it’s not difficult to find someone touched by the services supported by the United Way.

“Many of my own students have been supported by the work of the United Way,” Madder said.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. Well done.”

Last year’s campaign topped $2.6 million in contributions.

Madder said the organization relies on a mixture of corporate and individual donations each year to allow them to hit their goal.