THUNDER BAY – Resolute Forest Products will double donations to the United Way of Thunder Bay on Giving Tuesday, up to $15,000.
The matching donations will be used to help fight homelessness in the city.
Kent Ramsay, general manager of Resolute Forest Products’ local pulp and paper mill, said the company and its employees are part of the community and want to be part of the solution to help keep people off the streets.
“We recognize that supporting communities, making them safer and ensuring the social well-being of those communities in which we live and work is very important,” Ramsay said.
“So, from a Resolute standpoint, we want to make sure we maximize our donations and this was a way to partner with the United Way and try to make that $15,000 donation grow into something much bigger and have a more substantial impact.”
Giving Tuesday arose out of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, as a day for charitable organizations to set aside to ask for donations while people are already in a spending mood.
“We partner with many different charities, but the United Way are one of the main charities we always go to, to make sure our donations make the most impact and drive the dollars to the people that are most in need,” said Ramsay.
“Get your wallets open and let’s match and let’s use all that $15,000 up in no time at all. Let’s eliminate homelessness in our community."
Albert Brulé, CEO at the United Way of Thunder Bay, said it’s a great opportunity for the public to have their dollars doubled for a good cause.
“This is a fantastic and very generous commitment on the part of Resolute Forest Products. When they heard about some of our efforts to try to fund some of the homelessness initiatives and programs and services that are desperately needed in our community, the reality being that there are more that we can do, more that we should do,” Brulé said.
He added providing support to those in need in Thunder Bay is one of the United Way’s top priorities. Ensuring people have a roof over their heads and a bed to wake up in are fundamental, basic human needs.
“Adequate shelter is crucial and it is, in some ways, often the crucial first step to other kinds of support. Without a home, sometimes it’s hard to take care of yourself, take care of your family, access educational opportunities, access employment,” Brulé said.
“It really is a fundamental human need and we’re really proud of some of the programs and services we’ve been able to fund, in partnership with other agencies, other community funders here in Thunder Bay that are making a difference.”
Recently, Elevate NWO was able to help 18 individuals living in encampments find temporary shelter in their own residences, through their Beyond Our Front Door and Their House Outreach programs.
To donate, visit www.uwaytbay.ca/donate and click the Giving Tuesday button.
