July 22, 2020 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Western Forest Products Inc. (“Western” or the “Company”) announced today it will provide $100,000 to support 13 different community-based organizations delivering food bank services in areas where the Company operates.

“Based on our regular conversations with community leaders and engagement with employees, we identified a common need for food bank services across the communities where we operate,” said Don Demens, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western. “At Western, we take pride in being an active community partner and providing support to help healthy and sustainable communities flourish through our management of the working forest and our manufacturing operations. We are pleased to play a role in helping make these uncertain times a little easier.”

“We’re delighted to partner with Western Forest Products in making sure Vancouver Island communities have reliable access to an abundance of fresh healthy food,” said Abby Sauchuk, Director of Development of Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank.

The Company’s donations to individual organizations will range in amount depending on community size. Donations will support the organizations in their ongoing work to meet community needs.

“Together, we can end hunger. It’s going to require an active partnership between the vast network of charities, food banks, governments, and the private sector,” said Carla Gastineau, Executive Director, Arlington Community Food Bank. “We’re grateful to have Western Forest Products on our side.”

“This funding will help us continue providing food for people in need both in Nanaimo and throughout Vancouver Island. It will also help us keep ensuring that the many other non-profits we’re serving across the island have access to a reliable food supply for their communities,” Peter Sinclair, Executive Director, Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank. “Addressing the logistical challenges presented by COVID-19 is necessary for long term food security and we’re thankful for this support.”

Today’s donations continue the Company’s long-term commitment towards investing in community needs in the areas where its employees live and work. Through Western’s Community Enhancement Fund, the Company provides support to local community events, organizations and initiatives. Western takes pride in its contributions to sustainable and stable communities in the areas in which it operates, including through community contributions, the purchase of local goods and services, local employment and taxes.

Organizations receiving funding

Western’s donations will reach those in need through the following food banks and community groups across the areas the Company operates on the coast of B.C. and Washington State.

About Western Forest Products Inc.

Western is an integrated forest products company building a margin-focused log and lumber business to compete successfully in global softwood markets. With operations and employees located primarily on the coast of British Columbia and Washington State, Western is a premier supplier of high-value, specialty forest products to worldwide markets. Western has a lumber capacity in excess of 1.1 billion board feet from eight sawmills and four remanufacturing facilities. The Company sources timber from its private lands, long-term licenses, First Nations arrangements, and market purchases. Western supplements its production through a wholesale program providing customers with a comprehensive range of specialty products.

For further information, please contact:

Babita Khunkhun
Senior Director, Communications
(604) 220-4923