Massive giving

This year's Legion Telethon-held May 23- far exceeded the expected goal of organizers. The final count of money raised came in at $145,660.

"We were on a high for two days," said Chair Bernie Denief of how organizers felt about the total count. "We normally average about $30,000 a year and that amount is matched (dollar for dollar) by Labrador Grenfell Foundation.

Denief explained the solid response was definitely there from the residents of Labrador West as it has been in the 25 years.

"The general public, who give what they can afford, they are the biggest part of our Telethon because they are the ones we rely on every year to make it a success," said Denief. "Everyone in these two communities is very interested in their hospital that is for sure."

Over and above

As well as the generous contributions from the citizens, corporate donations have given a great boost to the Telethon each year, but this year it went over and above.

Two huge donations came in from the Iron Ore Company of Canada and PH MinePro Services.

A $20,000 pledge from P&H MinePro had organizers in shock and then a few hours a later a $50,000 boost from IOC had the place in an uproar.

"Everybody was just ecstatic," Denief said of the reaction. "There were many generous pledges from other businesses as well and we really appreciate that."

Wabush Mines donated $5,000, United Steelworkers (Locals 5795 and 6731) donated $5,000 through their Benefit Fund and a third $5,000 pledge came from CRRS TV.

Denief says, the very generous amounts that came from the business community tells him something.

'I think it says they want to be involved," said the Telethon chair of the generous amounts. "And, what it means to us is even more equipment than we thought possible for this year. Or maybe we might save to go towards something bigger. It will be up to the Labrador Grenfell Foundation because they outline what's needed."

In Memory

As for the reason behind the largest donation, it's about acknowledging what's needed and about a special dedication.

"This [hospital] equipment is something that needs continual investment and we are only happy to be able to help in some small way," Tayfun Eldem said of IOC's $50,000 contribution. "The hospital services are essential to all of us who live in Western Labrador; we are part of this community and the necessary equipment and services need to be in place for whenever and whomever needs them."

Eldem-who is vice-president, operations and engineering-added that the donation was made in memory of Mr. Eldon Perry and all those who have lost their lives due to a workplace accident or occupational illness.

A chance to support community

As for the $20,000 donation from P&H MinePro, Angela Perry explained why she thought it was a well-warranted gesture.

Perry, who was recently appointed regional manager for Eastern Canada, moved to Labrador City a few months ago (from Alberta) to work with the local team.

Perry said she immediately loved everything about Labrador City and plans on spending the next five or 10 years here. When she heard about how the local hospital was lacking in some basic equipment, and learned about the Telethon, she saw it as an opportunity to get onboard with support.

"P&H MinePro has always been a big contributor to worthy causes across the country and worldwide," Perry said. "When I told them about the telethon for the local hospital, several of our P&H MinePro business units and regions across Canada wanted to participate and donate to show our support as a team for this worthy cause. We are very pleased and moved with our participation and support from across Canada and feel that it is just one way that P&H MinePro can have a positive impact on the Community."

For Denief and his organizers and volunteers, what the event netted was well worth all the efforts put in. And the two major donations as well as the many others of the dau all added up to a marathon day well worth the effort.