St. Catharines, ON (April 14, 2020) – A fundraising blitz led by Joe DeMan, co-founder of the Niagara Industrial Association (NIA), delivered an outpouring of generosity for Niagara Health, with at least $110,000 raised by NIA members.
Money raised for the Niagara Health Foundation (NHF) of Niagara Health will be earmarked for ventilators and other needed hospital supplies to help impact patients’ lives and caregivers’ ability to deliver top care and improved outcomes through this COVID-19 global pandemic.
DeMan says the NIA fundraiser immediately ballooned, following its April 3 launch.
“By just 3 p.m. that first Friday, we already had nearly $30,000 of contributions,” says DeMan, founding member and Past Vice Chair of the NIA and president of DeMan Global Corp.
“I believe this speaks volumes to the integrity of the manufacturing community we’ve created here in Niagara,” says DeMan, who is also a member of the NHF board. “This was achieved, despite our industry entering some of the most difficult times of our generation, due to the pandemic. These leaders demonstrate how kindness, generosity and leadership come through in hard times. I couldn’t be more proud.”
DeMan praised the Grape Growers of Ontario for the spark they generated: “Their donation of a ventilator recently, inspired us to reach out and mobilize Niagara Industry,” he says. “I hope others will do the same.” DeMan also gives a big tip of his hat to the region’s hospital custodial and maintenance workers, who he says are among many sometimes-unsung heroes during COVID-19.
“Wendy Smith, the NIA’s operations manager, has also been a tireless support for us through this fundraiser,” he adds. “We cannot thank her enough.”
Don Cyr, president of the NIA, says the Association is thrilled to be a part of DeMan’s initiative. “The majority of NIA’s members — small-and-medium sized manufacturers and associated service providers — are essential to the maintenance of the critical supply chains in our economy,” Cyr says. “They are particularly sensitive to the needs of people in the Niagara health care system, who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle.”
NIA members “answered our call for help at this critical time,” says Roger Ali, President & CEO of Niagara Health Foundation. “The funds raised will purchase urgently needed equipment, such as ventilators and beds for patients affected by COVID-19.”
“I am grateful for their support and how quickly they stepped up to raise $110,000 in such a short time frame,” Ali says.
“It speaks volumes to the heart and soul of these leaders, and the genuine concern they have for our community.”
NIA companies that donated include: Absolute Change Management, Airwood Vents, Barber Hymac Hydro Inc., Barbican Architectural Products Ltd., Book Depot, CEM Engineering, Corporate Facility, DeMan Global Corp., Dilts Piston Hydraulics, Employment Professionals Canada, Fastek Inc., FBT Inc., Garden City Machining, Genaire Limited, Handling Specialty Manufacturing Limited, International Sew Right, Jungbunzlauer, Kaupp Electric, Mancuso Chemicals Limited, Niagara Industrial Association, Niagara Precision Limited, Niagara Water Jet, Seaway Fluid Power, The Burke Group, Tradewood Windows & Doors, Valbruna ASW Steel Inc. and Washington Mills.
For interviews or more information from the Niagara Industrial Association, please contact Wendy Smith (wendy@niagaraindustry.com) and for information on how the Niagara Health Foundation fundraises and supports excellent patient-care at Niagara Health, please contact Roger Ali, President & CEO (Roger.Ali@niagarahealth.on.ca)
To join the fight against COVID-19 and help support Niagara Health, please visit http://www.SupportNHF.com to make a donation towards urgently needed medical equipment, such as beds, ventilators and life- saving equipment.
Please CLICK HERE for the official media release.