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Western donates $100,000 to community for holiday meals and toys

With the holidays around the corner, Western Forest Products is embracing the spirit of giving with a donation of $100,000 to help provide meals and toys this season. By partnering with over 30 charitable organizations and First Nations communities, the financial contribution will benefit those in need across the areas the company operates in British Columbia and Washington State.

“We are pleased to be extend our year-long commitment to communities with this seasonal tradition again this year,” said Steven Hofer, Western’s president and CEO. “By partnering with community groups across the areas where we operate, we are able to lend a helping hand to those in need.”

For over 20 years, Chemainus Harvest House has been helping feed those in need while facilitating self-sufficiency. This is the third year in a row that Western has teamed up with them to support families during the holiday season.

“When our food bank opened its doors in 2002, no one imagined that 20 years later the need for our services would be greater than ever. From small beginnings, we now provide weekly food distribution to individuals and families with children in four communities and this has only been possible due to the tremendous ongoing generosity of our community including Western Forest Products,” said Marlene Hayes, board chair, Chemainus Harvest House Food Bank Society.

The company’s donations to individual groups vary in amount corresponding to community size or needs.

“We are truly blessed for support from Western Forest Products to our Christmas Cheer campaign to ensure citizens of Ladysmith have a special meal and some Christmas cheer over the holiday season,” said Barb Champagne, Ladysmith Resources Centre Association’s Christmas Cheer campaign coordinator. “It is thanks to this kind of remarkable community support that we can meet our fundraising goals at this time. The Cheer campaign is expected to help as many as 150 families and more this year.”

Today’s donations continue the company’s long-term commitment of investing in community needs in the areas where its employees live and work. Through Western’s Community Enhancement Fund, the company provides support to local community events, organizations and initiatives. Western takes pride in its commitment to sustainable and stable communities in the areas in which it operates, including through community contributions, the purchase of local goods and services, local employment and taxes.