Nickel miner Vale Canada and Wheaton Precious Metals, one of the world's largest precious metals streaming companies, teamed up to donate $200,000 to United Way Centraide North East Ontario’s (UWCNEO) COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
The donation will provide emergency support for community members that are most in need through UWCNEO’s network of partners.
“Vale has a long history of support for the United Way,” said Dino Otranto, chief operating officer for Vale’s North Atlantic Operations, said in May 21 news release.
“We aim to continue that tradition of support through the COVID-19 global crisis with our business partners, Wheaton Precious Metals.”
Want to read more stories about business in the North? Subscribe to our newsletter.
Wheaton Precious Metals is a business partner in Vale’s Sudbury Operations. Wheaton has a 20-year streaming deal on 70 per cent of Vale's gold production from the Sudbury mines.
“Wheaton is proud to partner with Vale in supporting the United Way,” said president-CEO Randy Smallwood.
“It is during these challenging times when charity is most important and we greatly commend the work that United Way is doing to help those most in need.”
The Community Response Fund was established in March to provide emergency grants to local charitable organizations working to meet the basic needs of individuals disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Seventeen organizations have received funding with applications continuing to be received.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, frontline charitable organizations have been working tirelessly to provide emergency support to individuals experiencing heightened vulnerability," said Mary Lou Hussak, executive director with UWCNEO.
"Today’s generous announcement from Vale Canada and Wheaton Precious Metals will have a tremendous impact on our ability to continue this support now and as needs continue to evolve."
