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Paper Excellence supports communities with $50,000 United Way donation

Paper Excellence recently announced a $50,000 donation to United Way. From the total funds, $20,000 is being awarded to the Youth Futures Education Fund, $15,000 is being awarded to United Way of Saskatoon and Area and $15,000 is being awarded to United Way of Pictou County.

This $15,000 gift to the United Way of Saskatoon and Area will be divided between both of Paper Excellence’s mill locations in Saskatchewan. A $10,000 donation to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Prince Albert (BBBS) mentorship program will help match children between the ages of 6-16 with a professionally screened and trained volunteer mentor. And a $5,000 donation to the Meadow Lake Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) will replace a dangerous wheelchair ramp in ECIP main facility.

“United Way of Saskatoon & Area’s impact far exceeds the city limits of Saskatoon. We are proud to continue to support our northern communities in Saskatchewan with this generous gift.” said Sheri Benson, CEO, United Way of Saskatoon & Area. ”Paper Excellence’s donation will ensure families are equipped with the resources and support needed to help improve the lives of young children in the communities of Prince Albert and Meadow Lake.”

Youth Futures Education Fund provides low-barrier access to funds to support living expenses to youth who have aged out of the foster care system and are attending a post-secondary institution on a tuition waiver. The Fund is guided by an Advisory Committee, held at the Vancouver Foundation, and is administered by United Way British Columbia.

“Former youth in care have shown determination, resiliency, and strength when it comes to pursuing post-secondary education. To help them share their knowledge, life experience and skills with our communities, they also need financial support,” said Mike McKnight, President & CEO, United Way British Columbia. “United Way is proud to be part of the Youth Futures Education Fund, a unique partnership working to ensure all young people have access to post-secondary education for a bright future for all.”

The United Way of Pictou County partners with local programs and services that address and alleviate barriers that children and youth are facing in their community—the child poverty rate in Pictou County is over 26 percent.

“Because of Paper Excellence’s generous support, our United Way can re-invest these dollars back into vital youth-focused community programs in Pictou County. We are very thankful for their kind donation,” said Ellen Fanning, Executive Director of the United Way of Pictou County. “This gift will help support local programs and services that directly influence positive change in the lives of thousands of our youth”

Graham Kissack, vice-president of Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications at Paper Excellence said that the company believes in supporting young people when they are transitioning out of the foster care system and into post-secondary education. It will have a lasting impact both on the young people and the community as a whole. He also noted that the donations that will support children seeking a mentor and replace a dangerous wheelchair ramp at an early childhood intervention facility will make a lasting difference for the people directly affected as well as the broader community.