The generosity of Timmins mine employees is giving people a tasty treat for Christmas.
This afternoon, Lake Shore Gold delivered hams and a $10,000 cheque to the South Porcupine Food Bank, a day after it made the same delivery to the Timmins Food Bank.
The donations are from Lake Shore Gold employees at the Timmins West and Bell Creek sites, said Marcel Cardinal, director of environmental and sustainability.
“Individuals just felt during the holiday season it would be an opportunity for them personally to give to the community,” he said.
Cardinal said the mine staff frequently give back.
"They’re involved within the community, most of them were born and raised here and they understand the value of providing whatever they can to the community,” he said.
It's been a busy time for the South Porcupine Food Bank, which is operating out of a new space on Bloor Street next to the library.
Treasurer Peter Davis said the Lake Shore Gold donation is extremely special.
“We hear about Timmins having the heart of gold and it’s so true. We’ve been so blessed and so thank you Lake Shore Gold employees for this wonderful surprise today,” he said.
In South Porcupine, volunteers will start handing them out to clients today. It will be first-come, first-served for them.
In November, the South Porcupine Food Bank served over 300 people.
Last Saturday was a particularly high day for the organization, serving 64 people, said Davis.
They are expecting another busy day today because the food bank is not open on Christmas Day.
For other donations, Davis said the Whitney volunteer fire station's annual Candy Run on Sunday collected about 1,800 pounds in food and $645 in case donations. The cram-a-cruiser event a couple of weeks ago brought in about 1,750 pounds in donations and $913. Davis has also been to St. Joseph School and Bertha Shaw to pick up donations.
“It’s just been amazing, we’re getting so many donations from individuals and companies to make us do what we do — serve those in need,” he said.
