Diavik Donates CAN$250,000 to United Way NWT’s Emergency Efforts
25 August 2023
YELLOWKNIFE, Canada
Caption – top image: Smoke rises during the wildfire in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada August 17, 2023, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. Bonita Kay Summers/via REUTERS
The wildfires in Canada this year have been unprecedented, and have affected our gem industry in a significant way, raging through Yellow Knife in the Northwest Territories (NWT), home office for Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine. (The Diavik mine is in the Lac de Gras area which is North Northeast of Yellowknife.)
In a press release received this evening (Thursday August 24) Rio Tinto states that “in an effort to support those who have been impacted by the recent wildfires in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Diavik Diamond Mine today announced a donation of CAN$250,000 to the United Way Northwest Territories (UWNWT) to support with wildfire response efforts. This donation comes from the Rio Tinto Disaster Relief Fund, and underscores the company’s dedication to aiding host communities facing emergencies.”
As one might expect, the money donated will directly assist registered charities to address immediate crisis requirements, with an emphasis on essential needs such as food, fuel, and other critical incidentals for NWT communities and evacuees.
PBS Coverage of the immediate danger.
The press release goes on to state that, according to Diavik Diamond Mine President and Chief Operating Officer Angela Bigg, “At Diavik, we understand the importance of community resilience and timely support. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted, which includes many of our own employees. This contribution is a testament to our long-standing commitment to supporting our communities, especially when they need it the most. Our partnership with the United Way will help ensure that the necessary resources promptly reach those in dire need.”
Tracy St. Denis, Board Chair of the United Way NWT, added: “We are incredibly grateful for this monumental donation to support NWT residents. As people are forced to evacuate from their communities across the Northwest Territories, the need will only continue to grow, and it’s heartening to see Diavik step up and contribute significant funds to help evacuees and emergency efforts.”
The UWNWT emergency response program has been pivotal in assisting communities through challenging times. The fund has been structured to ensure that all donations are directed for the purpose they were intended. Under Rio Tinto’s parameters, registered charities are able to apply for the funding, however individual recipients are not eligible. Rio Tinto is committed to supporting Indigenous governments and community-led efforts, and looks forward to working with the United Way to ensure a streamlined community-centred approach.
In times of emergency, community cooperation and mutual support are paramount. Rio Tinto continues to monitor the situation and evaluate the needs of the communities, as well as our employees and contractors.
