While the name and the management may have changed, Arauco (formerly known as GP Flakeboard Co.) has remained dedicated to supporting local care in Sault Ste. Marie. This year, the company celebrated an incredible 25 years of giving to Sault Area Hospital Foundation (SAHF) – with total giving in excess of $400,000.
Arauco’s many donations over the past 25 years have helped to fund a CT Scanner (imaging equipment which X-rays the body to detect injury and disease), Chemistry Analyzers (lab equipment that finds evidence of disease or infection in patient samples), and the building of the hospital’s current site on Great Northern Road. They also give toward the Foundation’s "Area of Greatest Need," funding the most critical equipment for Sault Area Hospital. Arauco continues to pledge their support to SAHF, giving an average of $15,000 each year.
"Supporting Sault Area Hospital Foundation ensures that the equipment we need to help our family members, friends and neighbours is there when we need it."
It is not just the company that donates to SAHF. Arauco’s staff community also contributes to the Foundation through a longstanding tradition of hosting charity staff BBQs.
“[The BBQs are] a hidden gem,” commented Richard Avery, Finance Manager at Arauco. “Arauco purchases the meat from local butchers, who are really appreciative of the regular business. Employees love the chance to have a delicious meal at a low cost, and the charities get to raise a few hundred dollars for only a few hours of volunteer work. Everyone wins!”
John Metzen, Plant Manager, believes in healthcare. “Everyone from Sault Ste. Marie will end up at the hospital at some point in their life, whether it’s for the birth of a child, a broken bone, or – heaven forbid – an illness that changes the course of your life. Supporting Sault Area Hospital Foundation ensures that the equipment we need to help our family members, friends and neighbours is there when we need it.”
Arauco’s enduring support of Sault Area Hospital Foundation may come as a surprise to many – even those that work at the company. After quietly supporting the Foundation for 25 years, SAHF decided to thank the team personally at one of their weekly summer charity BBQs.
Teresa Martone, Executive Director of SAHF, helped to hand out the BBQ lunch and wanted to make sure the Arauco team knew how much they were appreciated. “It makes me proud, as a member of this community, to see what we can achieve when we come together to support healthcare. The continued support of Arauco over the past 25 years has helped transform healthcare in Algoma – helping more people in our community receive outstanding care at our hospital. Thank you to every person who has worked at Arauco in the last 25 years. We see you, and we appreciate you!”
"Thank you to every person who has worked at Arauco in the last 25 years. We see you, and we appreciate you!”
Arauco is making outstanding care possible with their continued commitment to our local hospital. On behalf of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors, Staff and all the patients their donations have impacted, thank you for caring for Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District.
You, too, can support outstanding care at Sault Area Hospital. Donate today.
