OPG, Aecon team up to provide hope for the holidays in Durham Region

On Dec. 14, OPG’s Subo Sinnathamby, Chief Projects Officer, and Aecon’s Aaron Johnson, Senior Vice President, Nuclear, presented the donations to representatives from the three organizations at an event at OPG’s Darlington Energy Complex.

Aecon and OPG have a long history of working together on nuclear, electrical transmission, and hydroelectric projects. The two companies are now working to advance the ongoing Darlington New Nuclear Project and Darlington Refurbishment.

“Supporting organizations focused on food security, mental health, and youth are key pillars of Aecon’s community engagement strategy and we are proud to partner with OPG to benefit Feed the Need, Ontario Shores, and Big Brothers & Sisters in Durham this holiday season,” said Johnson.

With high food prices and housing costs, as well as the lingering impacts from the pandemic, the demand for these vital services continues to surge in Durham Region. And it’s only expected to rise over the holiday season.

“This past year has been a challenge for Feed the Need in Durham. We are seeing a continuing rise in the number of people accessing our network of food relief agencies because they do not have enough to eat,” said LeeAnne Rorabeck, Director of Development and Communications at the charity. “We are incredibly grateful to OPG and Aecon for stepping up during this difficult time to help those facing food insecurity this holiday season.”

Added Tracy Clegg, CEO of Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health:

“This generous contribution from OPG and Aecon will support the unique applied research at Ontario Shores to impact and improve the lives of people struggling with complex mental illness, while also advancing the greater literature of mental health care best practice, both provincially and nation-wide. This partnership reflects a commitment to community and reducing stigma.”

And Elisabeth Maddiss, Interim Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarington, was grateful the donation will help fund key mentorship for Durham’s youth.

“Through our mentoring programs, mentors and mentees form developmental relationships which research has shown can protect a child from the effects of toxic stress experienced while living with childhood adversities. Our programs build resilience in young people. This can lead to improved outcomes in social emotional competence, mental health and wellbeing, and educational engagement and employment readiness. This gift helps enable us to continue to deliver our mentoring programs to over 400 children and youth in the Clarington community and schools.”

Record-setting food and toy drive makes impact for Durham families

In addition to this donation, OPG employees from the Darlington and Pickering nuclear stations gave generously during the month of December to support the 35^th annual Durham Regional Police Service Food and Toy Drive.

This year’s haul of nonperishable food items and diverse toy donations set an OPG record, and included more than $22,300 raised for the cause – almost four times the total raised in previous years.

This is all part of OPG’s commitment to giving back to the communities where we operate and making a positive impact for families.

From public safety and environmental restoration, to youth outreach, local fundraisers, and Indigenous scholarships, OPG works to lift up the people and places where we operate.

Learn more about how we’re supporting communities across Ontario.