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Auto parts giant Magna's mask donation gives hospital 'breathing room'

St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital will have 50,000 more medical-grade masks, thanks to a donation by two Magna International plants.

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St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital will have 50,000 more medical-grade masks, thanks to a donation by two Magna International plants.

Presstran and Formet, automotive parts plants in St. Thomas, have given 50,000 masks to the hospital.

“(Magna) asked how we could give something back to the community. We called the hospital and determined this (50,000) masks would best fit their needs, and best help the local community,” said Brian Duivesteyn, general manager at Presstran.

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Added Mark Johnson, general manager at Formet: “It’s a huge morale boost to the employees. Magna wanted to support the local communities.”

The donation will give St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital a 10-week supply of masks, said Tonya Sheldon, the hospital’s vice-president and chief financial officer.

“It is really important to us. It allows us to have a greater stock on hand for a second wave. The donation is very important because early on there were (protective equipment) shortages. The situation is good now, but it gives us more breathing room.”

The donation didn’t surprise St. Thomas city officials, since the Magna plants are known for community support.

“Presstran and Formet understand the importance of a fully equipped hospital, they wanted to make an effort to be community partners,” said Paul Jenkins, chief executive of the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce.

The Magna plants also gave a $1-million gift to the hospital foundation in 2014, as part of a campaign at that time, he added.

“They are a community leader.”

The Magna plants combined employ more than 2,000 workers.

“They are always a huge supporter of the community, so I am not surprised by this,” said Sean Dyke, chief executive of the St. Thomas economic development office.

“We are very fortunate to have them in our community,” he said.

ndebono@postmedia.com

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