Bruce Power donates $50,000 toward settlement of Syrian refugees in Bruce-Grey

Bruce Power has donated $50,000 to kick-start a fund to support the expected influx of Syrian refugees and other newcomers to the Bruce-Grey region. The fund will be administered by the United Way of Bruce Grey which is also contributing $10,000 of in-kind support to the initiative.

The announcement was made by Bruce Power president and chief executive officer Duncan Hawthorne at the gala dinner held to mark the completion of the Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) Mission, held Wednesday at the Kincardine Pavilion.

Dave Myette, board chairman for the United Way of Bruce Grey, said it is no surprise that Bruce Power has made this donation, since it is known as a company of great generosity.

"Bruce Power has a long-standing tradition of helping those in need," he said. "This donation reflects the company's moral value of social responsibility and we appreciate that."

"This is the perfect end to a fantastic year," said Hawthorne. "It's been a record year for us with so many achievements. It's thanks to our employees and their hard work and dedication, and the community leaders and their support of the nuclear industry and Bruce Power. We continue to communicate in an open and timely manner."

"We applaud the many local initiatives to help bring families to the area in order to give them a better life," said James Scongack, vice-president of corporate affairs at Bruce Power. "This new fund is Bruce Power's way of offering assistance to the grassroots campaigns already under way in so many caring communities throughout the area."

Bruce and Grey counties are expecting a significant influx of newcomers, said Francesca Dobbyn, executive director of the United Way of Bruce Grey.

"This new targeted fund will support welcoming initiatives for newcomers to both Bruce and Grey counties and those new to Canada," she said. "We need to ensure the resources and community agencies are in place to support these new residents."

Millions of Syrians have been displaced due to conflict in their home country, and the Government of Canada is working with Canadians, including private sponsors, non-governmental organizations, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees. About 1,000 refugees have arrived in the country since early November.



Former Canadian prime minister Jean Chretien (L) and Bruce Power president and chief executive officer Duncan Hawthorne (R) present a cheque for $50,000 to Dave Myette, board chairman of the United Way of Bruce Grey, in support of the Syrian Refugee Fund; photo courtesy of the United Way of Bruce Grey