BY LAUREL MYERS 
The employees of Vale Inco and the United Steelworkers Local 6500 and 2020 pulled together in 2007 for the community, raising more than $1 million for the United Way Centraide.
At a luncheon held in their honour Friday, the two organizations presented the United Way with a cheque worth $1,012,591.97, their biggest contribution ever from the joint employee and corporate fundraising initiative.
“The generosity and enthusiasm of our employees has really driven this year's fundraising campaign,” said Fred Stanford, Vale Inco Ontario operations president.
“We are very proud of this accomplishment and how it will benefit the local community.
“It's absolutely remarkable what our employees have done.”
Vale Inco's employees contributed more than $650,000 to the campaign, up 35 percent from last year. The company's employee contribution matching program, which matches 50 cents for every dollar contributed by an employee, added an additional $325,000 to the total. The remaining money was contributed by pensioners, contractors and special events.
“This fundraising achievement further demonstrates our members' commitment to their community and their genuine desire to make Sudbury a better place to live and work,” said John Fera, president, United Steelworkers Local 6500.
“Thank you all for giving the special gift to help other people.”
The United Way Centraide set a campaign goal of $2 million for 2007. Vale Inco pushed the campaign beyond the halfway mark, the final amount raised by the community will be announced later this month.
“We're here today because you care about the community,” said Glenn Thibeault, executive director of the United Way Centraide Sudbury and District, to the Vale Inco employees.
“Our community is a better place because of you and your efforts.”
