As Christmas approaches, several local companies and organizations have reached into their pockets to help out others.
Here's just a few:
Steelworkers Humanity Fund
The Steelworkers Humanity Fund is contributing $145,000 to food banks in communities where United Steelworkers members live.
"The Steelworkers Humanity Fund increased contributions to food banks by 50 per cent this year, to help address the impact of the global economic crisis on families and communities," stated Ken Neumann, national director, in a release.
The help is appreciated, according to Geoffrey Lougheed, chair of the Sudbury Food Bank.
"The first organization to help us during our fire loss several years ago was the Steelworkers," Lougheed stated, in the release. "It is no surprise that they understand how important this need is, and their donation will be a great help."
Chevaliers de Colomb Conseil
The Northern Cancer Research Foundation received a $1,000 cheque from the Chevaliers de Colomb Conseil in Azilda. The cheque was accepted by Dr. Amadeo Parissenti and Dr. Leslie Sutherland, plus student researchers.
"We appreciate the generosity of community support," said Parissenti, who is part of a team of researchers who recently made breakthroughs in breast cancer research.
"With these donations, we can move forward into leading-edge research at the regional cancer program," said Parissenti.
William Day Employees & Owners
Employees at William Day raised more than $3,000 at last year's Christmas party in a silent auction. Determined to out-do themselves, they held another auction this year and raised $5,587. The owners of the company were impressed and chose to match their employee's donations, bringing the total to $11,174.
The money was donated to the Samaritan Centre.
Several local companies donated materials to ensure the items at the silent auction were high quality.
"Our business friends were very generous," stated Bill Day, owner of William Day, in a release.
"I was pleased to match the contribution. We are fortunate to be able to help others, and grateful for such important and worthy organizations such as the Samaritan Centre."
Sudbury Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department
A raffle, prize tickets, personal contributions of money, toys, and non-perishable food by emergency department staff has led to more than $3,000 being raised to help the needy in the community.
"This annual initiative is reflective of a group that gives of themselves and works for this community 24/7, 365 days a year," said Diane Baigrie, emergency department clinical manager, in a release. "Our staff sees the effects of poverty everyday, and the negative health consequences it can bring."
Jacques Barbeau & his blooper ball team
Local city councillor Jacques Barbeau and the blooper ball team he sponsors donated 17 lasagnas to the Elgin Street Mission. The food helped feed some of the 160 or so people the mission sees nightly.
