Two mining companies — Vale Canada and Wheaton Precious Metals — have teamed up to donate $200,000 to support the United Way Centrade North East Ontario’s (UWCNEO) COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

The donation will provide emergency support for vulnerable community members through UWCNEO’s network of partners.

“Vale has a long history of support for the United Way,” said Dino Otranto, COO for Vale’s North Atlantic Operations.

“We aim to continue that tradition of support through the COVID-19 global crisis with our business partners Wheaton Precious Metals.”

Wheaton Precious Metals is one of the largest precious metals streaming companies in the world. It is committed to supporting communities where its employees and partners operate.

Wheaton is proud to partner with Vale in supporting the United Way,” said Randy Smallwood, president and CEO of Wheaton.

“It is during these challenging times when charity is most important and we greatly commend the work that United Way is doing to help those most in need.”

The UWCNEO Community Response Fund was established to provide emergency grants to local charitable organizations working to meet the basic needs of individuals who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

To date, 17 organizations have received funding and applications continue to be received regularly as awareness and need for support grows.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, frontline charitable organizations have been working tirelessly to provide emergency support to individuals experiencing heightened vulnerability,” said Mary Lou Hussak, executive director of the United Way Centrade North East Ontario.

“In March, when we announced our Community Response Fund, our goal was to provide organizations with much-needed resources to support critical services. Today’s general announcement from Vale Canada and Wheaton Precious Metals will have a tremendous impact on our ability to continue this support now and as needs continue to evolve.”