Paper Excellence Canada contributes $175,000 to support Nova Scotia communities affected by wildfires
Direct assistance to families and support for the We Rise Again Fund in Nova Scotia, Shelburne and Barrington
Paper Excellence Canada announced a contribution of $175,000 to support the ongoing recovery efforts for individuals, families, and communities in Nova Scotia, specifically in Shelburne and Barrington, that were affected by the wildfires that occurred in June 2023.
Of the total amount, $115,000 will directly support families striving to rebuild their damaged and destroyed homes, while the remaining $60,000 will support the We Rise Again Fund in Shelburne County, an initiative that seeks to help community members recover.
Freeman Lumber and Scotsburn Lumber partnered with Paper Excellence and provided more than $66,000 in in-kind lumber to support rebuilding efforts. Additionally, Wilson’s Home Hardware Barrington provided essential building supplies to families most in need in this recovery effort.
“Paper Excellence Canada is committed to supporting the provinces and communities where we operate, especially during difficult times such as those experienced in Nova Scotia,” said Jean-Francois Guillot, chief operating officer of Paper Excellence Canada. “The June 2023 wildfires were incredibly devastating for many Nova Scotians and left numerous families with damaged and destroyed homes. We are hopeful that our contribution and the support of our partners will offer respite to the hardest hit families in the Shelburne and Barrington areas.”
The Shelburne County We Rise Again Fund was created for the purpose of supporting rebuilding gaps, mental health and healing support for individuals, families and communities affected by the fires. All funds raised through it will support local needs, with local decision-makers ensuring local impacts.
“Our goal is to raise $1 million to support members of our community following the devastating wildfires,” said Samantha Brannen, We Rise Again Fund – Shelburne County representative. “Paper Excellence’s significant donation and support of our communities will boost the rebuilding efforts of many families and have had a lasting impact for years to come.”
The company’s $175,000 contribution follows its $25,000 donation to the Canadian Red Cross Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada Fires Appeal earlier this year. This donation received matched support from the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia. The recent donation brings the total contributed to those most impacted by the fires in Barrington and Shelburne to $200,000.
