There was a celebration and thank you luncheon Thursday at the Steelworkers Hall on Brady Street in Greater Sudbury.
Vale Base Metals and the United Steelworkers 6500 raised $750,558 during the 2024 campaign in support of the United Way.
“This money is raised as a combination of generous employee donations as well as a corporate match,” said said Sarah Yasinchuk, a corporate affairs specialist with Vale’s Ontario operations.
“Vale Base Metals matches dollar for dollar to a maximum of $350,000 and I am so pleased we definitely reached that maximum this year.”
“The people that contribute know where their money is going and they know that the community groups are directly affecting people in this community that really need help,” said Ray Hammond, USW Local 6500 President.
Officials with the local United Way offices said it values the 42 years of support from Vale and the Steelworkers and this money comes at a time when the need for social programs is greater than ever.
“Sudbury is in a very tough time right now,” said Katherine Cockburn, the corporate and community relation manager for United Way Centraide North East.
“I think that we can all say when we are driving in our city, in our streets we can see things that I think we never saw before so many people are in need and I think that when we look at economy and look at things that are happening people need out help more than ever.”
Many Vale employees and departments were recognized for their efforts to support the 2024 fundraising campaign.
“I have been a canvasser in the plants before it’s a lot of work to go and talk to people in the lunchroom and make a presentation then follow them around to try and get the cards signed,” said Hammond.
“The thank you that they don’t see in the plant I hope they see here at this luncheon and we want to make sure that they know how much they’re appreciated.”
Since 1982 the Vale Base Metals and Steelworkers joint campaign has raised over 21 million dollars and has been the largest contributor to the United Way in the region.
