Cameco saw first hand the tremendous struggle groups and organizations in Saskatchewan are facing during the COVID-19 health crisis.
The Saskatoon-based uranium company announced in April a COVID Relief Fund to donate $1 million to worthy causes across central and northern Saskatchewan.
“I don’t even know what to say. It was humbling. It was overwhelming. It was sobering,” CEO Tim Gitzel said on the Brent Loucks Show on Friday. “The tremendous need out there is clear.”
Gitzel said in two weeks Cameco received an astounding 581 applications requesting a total of over $17 million. Sixty-seven applicants from 40 different communities from Stony Rapids to Saskatoon ended up being chosen.
One hundred Cameco employees added to the cause, donating money, food supplies and diapers.
In addition, 10,000 masks, 7,000 pairs of gloves and 7,000 litres of hand sanitizer will be donated to northern communities.
Gitzel said the cheques and supplies will start going out on Monday.
“I would just encourage everyone: If you have the ability to help out, to volunteer, to make a donation, please do what you can to assist these organizations with the important work they are doing in our communities,” Gitzel said in a release.