Geoff Shaw sent to Sudbury for sphygmomanometer test

NEWS RELEASE

NORTHERN ONTARIO MEDICAL SCHOOL

******************** Northern Credit Union shares School of Medicine's vision for a healthier Northern Ontario

Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - Earlier today, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) Bursary Fund received a significant contribution from a Northern-based financial institution.

Northern Credit Union donated $50,000 in support of medical students in the North.

Geoff Shaw, chairman of the Northern Credit Union board, says the donation is in line with their desire to champion progress in the region.

"This is an investment for the betterment of Northern Ontario," noted Shaw. "We hope that ultimately, our contribution will benefit thousands of patients in the coming years."

Medical student Nicole Bennett is shown using a sphygmomanometer to check Shaw's blood pressure as NOSM Vice Dean Dr. Dan Hunt and Lakehead University President Dr. Fred Gilbert look on.

Hunt is pleased to see this level of support from a business with a commitment to the North.

"The School of Medicine and Northern Credit Union share a vision for Northern Ontario," says Dr. Hunt. "Northern Credit Union provides traditional financial services, but with a special focus on the needs and lifestyles of northern residents. The school trains students who can practice anywhere in North America, but has a unique curriculum which is centred around the people and communities of the North." As part of their training, NOSM students will participate in educational placements in many of the same communities Northern Credit Union services. With 25 branches between Thunder Bay and Arnprior, Northern Credit Union has a vested interest in supporting the students of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

"Our members, staff and their families live and work in the communities of the North. We want to support initiatives that stimulate growth, provide opportunity and benefit many," says Shaw.

Today's donation will provide financial support to students in perpetuity. The $50,000 will be matched by the Ontario government for a total of $100,000.

The NOSM Student Bursary Campaign continues and donors are encouraged to contact the School for information.

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is a pioneering faculty of medicine.

The School is a joint initiative of Lakehead and Laurentian Universities with main campuses in Thunder Bay and Sudbury, and multiple teaching and research sites across Northern Ontario.

By educating skilled physicians and undertaking health research suited to community needs, the School will become a cornerstone of community health care in Northern Ontario.

With over 48,000 member shareholders, Northern Credit Union is a full service, locally-operated financial institution, offering personal and commercial banking expertise, and is focused on developing the natural human resources of our region.

25 branches serve 22 communities along the Canadian Shield in Northern and Eastern Ontario, from Thunder Bay to Arnprior.

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