THUNDER BAY – Impala Canada, which owns and operates the Lac des Iles palladium mine near Thunder Bay, is highlighting some good news as it nears the end of what it calls a “challenging year for everyone.”
The South Africa-based company has given back over $230,000 in donations to the Thunder Bay community in 2020, it said in a recent statement.
That included $130,000 worth of financial support and personal protective equipment given to community organizations in response to COVID-19, and existing annual charitable commitments, it said.
“2020 has been a challenging year for everyone,” the company said. “But it has also offered us an opportunity to come together with respect and care during this time of need.”
The company has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including an outbreak of 25 confirmed cases at the LDI mine about 90 kilometres north of Thunder Bay in April, and a more recent exposure there in October.
One LDI employee with pre-existing health conditions passed away due to complications from the virus in April.
The company and its employees had met the challenges of the pandemic with increased generosity, it reported.
Over the course of the year, Impala worked with local Ungalli Clothing Co. to make 3,500 youth masks for distribution to communities in need, working with local non-profits and First Nations.
It also financially supported STEM education initiatives through Mining Matters, Superior Science, and Learning for a Sustainable Future.
A holiday fundraiser organized by the company’s employees tripled last year’s total, raising roughly $18,000 for local charities, while the company donated a similar total to the Christmas Cheer fund.
“The global pandemic has impacted the lives of many in Thunder Bay, increasing the need for additional community support,” said CEO Tim Hill. “As a local employer and community stakeholder, we strive to do our part to create a better future for the region.”
The company capped off the year with a 20 Days of Christmas Giving campaign, with donations going to 20 charities nominated by LDI employees. Their stories have been highlighted on the Impala Canada Facebook page.
