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Lake Shore Gold adds $20K to business PPE grant

Program assists Timmins small businesses in reopening safely
ppe
(Stock image)

Lake Shore Gold is topping up a fund that helps Timmins businesses purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) as they get ready to reopen after closures due to COVID-19.

On May 27, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce announced the gold miner would provide $20,000 to the fund, which was established earlier this month by the Chamber and Newmont Porcupine.

Geared toward small businesses and organizations that generation less than $2 million in annual sales, the Business Restart Program provides up to $2,000 to eligible businesses to help offset the cost of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) – things like masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, or plexiglass barriers – in preparation to reopen.

“Lake Shore Gold understands the important role our local small- and medium-sized enterprises play in the overall health of our economy,” said David Bernier, country manager for Pan American Silver, in a news release.

“Not only do they contribute to local charities, non-profits, sports teams, and our tax base, they also serve to enrich the lives of our employees and having this opportunity to provide support will ensure they can continue to operate safely.”

In Timmins, Lake Shore Gold, a subsidiary of Pan American Silver, operates the Timmins West and Bell Creek underground mines, along with the Bell Creek mill.

Chamber president Val Venneri said that, to date, 30 applicants to the Business Restart Program have been approved for grants totalling $22,000.

The program is one of four that are helping small businesses get back on their feet.

Other streams provide eligible businesses with small loans and micro-consultations. The initiative also supports a local marketing campaign that urges people to shop with local businesses.