Teck…Highland Valley…Ten Thousand Thank You’s!
Spences Bridge residents were kept in the dark for over a month regarding the BIG announcement. Never was a secret better kept in Spences Bridge. Rumours flew, speculation was high…what could this big event be. All locals knew was to gather at the old Elementary school on Wednesday at high noon.
Build a surprise and they will come…and they did. A nearly full house waited anxiously as Fire Chief Arnie Oram approached the podium to begin proceedings.
A brief rundown of the efforts of both the sides to get to this point he introduced Jacqui Schneider, Sr. Community Affairs Officer, and Peter Martell, Superintendent of Environment and Community Affairs, from Highland Valley Copper. After Martell spoke briefly about the role of Teck and Highland Valley in supporting small communities Schneider saddled up to the podium for the BIG announcement….drum roll please!!!!
In the name of Teck and Highland Valley we would like to present the Volunteer Fire Department of Spences Bridge….$10,000. Short silence, applause…rising to their feets…smiles mixed with tears…this truly was to good to be true.
“Safety is an unwavering value and an inherent part of who we are at Highland Valley Copper,” said Schneider. “We strive to be a company where ‘Everybody Goes Home Safe and Healthy Every Day.’
Having an effective safety and health systems in place that provides the foundation for a safe work environment is part of our safety strategy.
“Our communities also deserve a place that provides the foundation of a safe and healthy environment. Teck Resources and Highland Valley Copper are committed to helping build healthy and vibrant communities. Our Community Investment Program is a key pillar of our commitment to sustainability. We became aware of the limited funding the Volunteer Fire Department received based on their tax base and that the Spences Bridge Volunteer Fire Department approached HVC for support to assist with new equipment, training costs and operational costs. On Jan. 23, HVC representatives presented a $10,000 cheque to the Spences Bridge Volunteer Fire Department on behalf of Highland Valley Copper and Teck Resources.”
The Fire Department has an extensive “wish list” (as most volunteer fire departments do) and the $10,000 will go a long ways to shorten it considerably.
The impact of a significant donation to small communities cannot be underestimated…a huge High Five…Thank You…Shout Out for our Volunteer Fire Department, SBID, Highland Valley Copper, and Teck for making this happen…well done!
Steve Rice