Bruce Power and the Power Workers’ Union (PWU) have announced that they will each be donating $200,000 to the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, to support COVID-19 treatment and testing.

UHN, which includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, is accelerating research in treatment for vulnerable people to COVID-19, and faster testing capability for frontline workers. Bruce Power and the PWU are also issuing a challenge to other companies in the energy sector to help support the cause.

“We are very fortunate to live in a country that’s a world leader in health care,” said Cathy Sprague, Bruce Power’s executive vice president of human resources. “While our main focus is on making sure Ontario has safe, reliable electricity, we recognize there’s a critical need to support the type of research that UHN is undertaking to treat and protect people against this pandemic.”

The PWU was quick to respond to UHN’s request to assist in the funding of research to better understand COVID-19 and to accelerate the development and implementation of treatment strategies.

“It is with tremendous pride that the Power Workers’ Union participates in this $400,000 donation with Bruce Power,” said PWU President Jeff Parnell. “The diligent work our health-care providers perform on a daily basis, in the midst of this pandemic and at all other times, is truly irreplaceable.

“We are elated to help in this capacity and hope this empowers UHN to continue making a difference. We encourage our partners in the energy industry to do their part, and to consider contributing to this more than worthy cause,” added Parnell.

UHN is also receiving funding from the Government of Ontario for patient care and diagnostic testing, but is looking to corporations to help fund research into vaccines, immunology and other interventions, now and for the future.

“On behalf of UHN, I want to thank Bruce Power and the Power Workers’ Union for their generous support in the fight against COVID-19,” says Dr. Bradly G. Wouters, executive VP of Science & Research at UHN. “This gift will help drive new knowledge in prevention, diagnostics, anti-viral therapies and cures, and accelerate solutions that can put an end to this pandemic.”