and its employees expressed their support for the local community and the Lakes District Hospital by making a significant donation of $87,870 last week.

Marie Hunter, s site manager said the donation will be used to purchase new medical equipment and supplies for Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre.

After hearing about the donation Hunter said a committee was formed and all departments at the hospital have drawn up wish lists.

"We now have a big wish list and are not quite sure what equipment the funds will be used for at this point, but I know that the first purchase we make with this donation will be for a necessary piece of equipment," she said.

The Canfor Pulp Limited Partnership operations, the unions representing employees and the employees pitched in to donate to the hospital for the medical staff's tireless efforts in response to the tragic fire at the

鈥淭he 1,100 employees and unions raised $43,935, which was then matched by the company,鈥� said Onkar Athwal, vice president of human resources for Canfor Pulp.

鈥淭he forest industry is a close knit community and when tragedy like this strikes a member of the community, everyone wants to pitch in and help out,鈥� he said.

鈥淔ollowing the Babine Forest Products tragedy, we received support from physicians and staff all along the highway corridor from Smithers to Prince George,鈥� said Hunter.

April Hughes, Northern Health鈥檚 health services administrator said they will ensure that the funds remain in 亚洲天堂 Lake for local needs and she added that Northern Heath will advise the company of the equipment that was purchased with the donation, once a decision has been made.

鈥淐anfor Pulp Limited Partnership鈥檚 donation is another example of the community spirit and support that exists throughout Northern British Columbia. It is integral to providing the system and support of health needs for Northern communities and for Northern Health鈥檚 ability to provide exceptional health care services for Northerners,鈥� she said.

Mayor Luke Strimbold said he is grateful to Canfor Pulp Limited Partnership and its employees for stepping up to help the community. 鈥淭his really means a lot to our community,鈥� he added.