November 2011 marked the beginning of an exciting time for Essar Steel Algoma and the community. A $5 million Community Investment Fund was established that is designed for the purpose of administering financial contributions to causes that align with Essar’s core values and community needs.
On July 27, 2012, Essar Steel Algoma’s Community Investment Fund came to life in the form of a $35,000 donation to the city’s Your New Library Campaign. The campaign is intended to raise funds for furnishings, equipment and collections for the new Korah Branch of Sault Ste. Marie’s public library.
Once complete and ready for public access, the new library will be a far departure from the current Korah Branch. Aside from its transformation to a modern library in both functionality and aesthetics, the new library will have within it a multi-purpose meeting room. Named the Essar Community Room, Essar Steel Algoma’s donation will provide the necessary funding to adequately furnish this space.
Jim Hrusovsky, CEO-Essar Steel Algoma, had this to say about the role of libraries in today’s society, “Libraries are an important element of a community’s social fabric…Their comfortable atmosphere invites all generations. They are the pillar of liberty and are essential to democracy, to literacy and to our quality of life.”
He went on to say, “The new Korah Branch embodies Essar’s strong belief in the pursuit of knowledge, it facilitates lifelong learning for our employees and their families, and delivers meaningful community programming with modern amenities.”
Situated in the new West End Community Centre, the Korah Branch is in close proximity to the steelworks and our neighbours. Essar Steel Algoma has deep roots in the west end of town and for this reason it is particularly endearing to us.
