Thunder Bay's Lakehead University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine have accepted a $150,000 gift from Barrick Gold Corporation for learning and health care in northwestern Ontario.
The funds are being matched by the Ontario Trust for Student Support for a total value of $235,000.
Part of the money will be used to establish an endowed Barrick Gold Graduate Scholarship, valued at $100,000. The scholarship will be awarded to a Lakehead graduate student in financial need who is focused on mining issues, with preference given to persons of Aboriginal heritage.
As well, $100,000 will go to support the work of the medical school for a Learner Suite in the Town of Marathon, technology upgrades at Wilson Memorial Hospital and the Marathon Family Health Centre, with some funds earmarked for doctor recruitment.
“As a part of the communities where we operate, Barrick Gold seeks to help build the priorities those communities set for themselves,” said Jamie Sokalsky, executive vice-president and chief financial officer of Barrick Gold, in a Jan. 17 statement.
Barrick Gold is the operator of the Hemlo Mine near Marathon.
“I know that health care is a major priority in northwestern Ontario, and I am confident the projects announced today will make a difference to a wide number of people across a wide part of the region. Operations like our Hemlo mine give us roots in this community, and so this opportunity was one we were happy to have."
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