An annual fundraiser that supports the United Way Centraide North East Ontario has unveiled the campaign’s fundraising total. Vale Base Metals and the United Steel Workers 6500 said Friday that they have raised a total of $786,400. “Vale USW represents the strongest campaign that we have in this community and it supports all of the organizations,” said Cory Roslyn, United Way Centraide North East Ontario executive director. Budgets are stretched “We have 29 funded partners this year that are being funded by these dollars. So without them, we would truly not be here. And many of those organizations would not be offering the services that they currently are.” The total includes a matching $350,000 donation from Vale. “We realize that budgets are stretched and it’s so incredible that this year, the number went up,” said Mark Prystupa, Vale’s GM of Indigenous and community relations. “People are still recognizing that they can make a difference, (remaining) positive and increasing their donations.” The campaign included events such as presentations, barbecue fundraisers and agency tours. This was the 43rd annual campaign. “Seeing that money being given, especially when we know times are as tough as they are and there are more people asking for money than are actually able to give, it’s overwhelming to see,” said Ray Hammond, United Steelworkers Local 6500 president. Since 1982, Vale and USW’s joint fundraising effort has been the largest contributor to the United Way, with more than $22 million raised in that time.
