Bruce Power and the Power Workers' Union are donating $200,000 each to the University Health Network for research to fight COVID-19.
On Friday, Bruce Power and the Power Workers' Union said the money will speed up research into treatments to help people vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.
The money will also be used to develop faster testing capability for front-line workers.
“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, in a news release. “Bruce Power proudly plays a role as a producer of medical isotopes used for the sterilization of medical equipment in health-care facilities around the world, and in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer."
Power Workers' Union President Jeff Parnell said they take tremendous pride in being able to join Bruce Power in the $400,000 donation.
“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," said Parnell.
The University Health Network includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. While the get funding from the province for patient care and diagnostic testing, they rely on corporate donations for research into vaccines, immunology, and other interventions.
“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,” stated 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.”
