Western is sharing wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season with a contribution of $100,000 to support several Indigenous communities and community-based organizations in the areas where the company operates in British Columbia and Washington State. The financial support will assist communities and charitable organizations provide meals and toys for those who would otherwise go without.

“The holiday season can be a difficult time for many and we are grateful to be able to play a part in spreading some joy and support to the communities where we live and work,” said Steven Hofer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Forest Products. “This contribution is one of the ways Western strives to make a positive difference in our local communities.”

“Chemainus Harvest House serves a large rural area with seven communities. This Christmas our numbers have doubled, and we are seeing an increase in need for all our families as they struggle with the increase in costs for food and housing,” said Emily Holmes, Chemainus Harvest House Food Bank Coordinator. “We are grateful for the support from Western Forest Products that goes towards the costs of providing a little extra at Christmas time.”

“A Christmas Wish is truly blown away by the generosity of the team at Western Forest Products,” said Tina Davis, Manager, A Christmas Wish in Arlington, Washington. “This gift of $5,000 will provide presents for close to 200 children who would otherwise go without this holiday season. Thank you for putting smiles on their faces come Christmas morning.”

“Loaves & Fishes is truly grateful to Western Forest Products for the incredible support in helping to fight food insecurity,” said Josh Morgan, North Island Operations Manager, Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank. “This gift of $10,000 will provide over $50,000 worth of food for people in need through our food recovery and distribution program. We appreciate this partnership in serving people in need in the Northern Vancouver Island communities.”

This holiday contribution continues 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. Interested applicants can review eligibility requirements and apply online here. In addition to community contributions, Western takes pride in generating significant value in the areas in which it operates, including through tax payments, job creation, and the purchase of local goods and services.

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 1.0 billion board feet from seven sawmills, as well as operates four remanufacturing facilities and two glulam manufacturing 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.

Media Inquiries:
Babita Khunkhun
Senior Director, Communications
1-604-648-4562
bkhunkhun@westernforest.com

Western Forest Products Arlington Division present a $5000 contribution to A Christmas Wish: Brittani Baird, Operations Administrator; Amy Britain, Production Coordinator; Sheri Davis, Yard Supervisor; Jay Swanson, Operations Manager; A Christmas Wish volunteers

AJ Gale and Kevin Mcilveen of Western’s Chemainus Mill present a $5000 contribution to Daisy from Chemainus Harvest House Society.

Western’s Mike Shewchuk, GM, Manufacturing, presents a $10,000 contribution to The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive volunteer board members Cathie Bell, Public Relations, Sandra Landry, Treasurer, and Janet Mirau, Chair.

Western’s Greg DeMille (centre left) and Clint Cadwallader (centre right) present a contribution of $10,000 to the Campbell River District Food Bank.