Photo: Emily Keller

By Emily Keller

Community

International Paper gives $95,000 in grants to local groups

Nov 20, 2019 | 5:26 PM

International Paper’s Grande Prairie pulp mill awarded $95,000 in International Paper Foundation grants Wednesday.

The grants were given to nine local organizations that meet the values of the company, including education, health & wellness, disaster relief and initiatives aimed at improving the planet.

Mill Manager Chuck Rutledge says for a company to thrive, it is important they connect with the community.

“It’s not just the people who provide the money that allow your operation to run, it’s also the people who work there, and of course the families, and the communities in which they live, and so if you have a healthy and a strong community, you have a vibrant, capable business, and that connection, it’s critical to us.”

Organizations that received grants include:

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• 3D Children’s Society – $5,000
• Bezanson School Booster Club – $12,500
• Community Village Society of the Peace Country – $5,000
• Ecole St. Gerard Playground Fundraising Society – $12,500
• Grande Prairie & District Burn Society – $10,000
• Hillside Community School – $15,000
• Hythe Regional School – $15,000
• KidSport – $5,000
• River of Death & Discovery Dinosaur Museum Society – $15,000

Mill Controller Wade Doris says those given the grants go through careful review.

“It really comes down to the criteria of meeting the signature causes IP has, and so, if a foundation or organization can show that they’re meeting those signature causes and the needs there and it aligns with IP’s values, then we do our best to find money for it.”

Grants are awarded annually, and the 2020 applications are currently open until August 31 of 2020. An eligibility assessment can be taken here.