The fund for employees who lost their jobs as a result of the explosion and fire that destroyed the Lakeland Mills sawmill two weeks ago continues to grow.
Donations now total more than $110,000 and new donations continue to be counted by the Prince George Community Foundation.
Several banks have promised five-figure donations but only one of those cheques -- a $10,000 donation from CIBC -- has been received by the Community Foundation. Scotiabank has committed to a $15,000 donation. Other announced donations for the fund include: Royal Bank - RBC ($15,000) TD Bank ($10,000), and Apache Canada Pipelines ($10,000).
"The $110,000 has been received and deposited, and I'm reluctant to quote on anything that hasn't been received because people can promise whatever but might not follow through," said P.G. Community Foundation executive director Judy Neiser.
Sinclar Group Forest Products, which owns Lakeland, will continue to pay all mill employees for five weeks beyond the April 23 date of the fire. Sinclar spokesperson Cam McAlpine said those employees will still have to wait two weeks at the end of that five-week term before they are eligible to start collecting employment insurance. But he said the company has been working closely with Service Canada to avoid delays in those E.I. cheques being issued.
"The company has been amazing," said Neiser. "They really care about their employees and have gone out of their way to look after them."
Lakeland workers belong to the United Steelworkers and the union has promised to extend employee benefits to a maximum of six months. The length of the benefit extension will depend on how long each employee has worked with the company.
Donors are asked to contact the Community Foundation at www.pgcf.ca or call 250-562-7772. All donors will receive tax receipts.
Several other fundraisers are being planned to benefit Lakeland employees, including:
n The College of New Caledonia culinary arts students are organizing a community barbecue and silent auction for next Tuesday afternoon at the CNC courtyard. Neiser said at least $4,000 had been raised.
n Cashiers at Save-On Foods are asking customers to round up their grocery total to the nearest dollar. Neiser said that fund has grown to more than $17,000. It will continue until May 19.
n The "We Remember Lakeland" wristband campaign aims to sell 10,000 wristbands at $2 each. They're now available at Tabor Pharmacy, Ruckus Bike Shop, Tabor Pizza, J.J. Springer & Company, Kathy's Quilt Shop and Auto Magic, with supplies on order for Canadian Tire and the Westwood Pub.
n A fundraising dance will be held at Blackburn Community Hall on Saturday, June 9 and Westwood Pub will host its fundraiser on Thursday, May 17.
n J.J. Springer has given its customers the option to convert their store points for cash that will go towards the fund.
n Homesteader Meats has donation envelopes and a drop-off location for donations.
n Gamescape at the Hart Mall is organizing a video game tournament for Friday, May 18.
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