Soo Mill releases second historical video

NEWS RELEASE

The second in a series of videos chronicling Soo Mill’s 100-year history is now available for viewing on the company’s website. (www.soomill.com)

Titled 1001 Problems, the retrospective describes how the then-new business and Sault Ste. Marie responded during a turbulent period that included two world wars and the Great Depression.

At a 100th Anniversary launch event last month, Soo Mill introduced the series’ first segment, The Sparrows.

It reviews how the company came to be and can also be seen at www.soomill.com.

Additional videos will be completed and posted in July, August and September.

The series is being developed by Kathryn Oliana, a Soo Mill employee and Algoma University Honours History graduate.

Another Soo Mill 100th Anniversary initiative is proving to be an effective fundraiser for a variety of organizations in Sault Ste. Marie and Elliot Lake.

Weekly Saturday Charity BBQs at Soo Mill stores in both communities began on May 16.

Soo Mill supplies the barbecues, hot dogs, hamburgers, buns and toppings.

Participating local groups provide the labour and retain all proceeds. 

Host charities also receive $1 from each sale of designated in-store items sold at 10 percent off.

“These events have already raised $5,000 and if that pace continues, the total could easily surpass $15,000 by the time we wrap things up in September,” said Soo Mill President Lynn Hollingsworth. “It’s very gratifying to see so many people dropping by to support the various organizations involved.”

Sault Charity BBQ hosts to date have been the MS Society, Breaking Away, Holy Family School, the Sault Ringette Club and the Sault Ste. Marie Gymnastics Club.

“Our barbecue went extremely well and even better than we had hoped,” said Amanda Gilbraith, Program Director at Breaking Away. “We greatly appreciate the generosity of Soo Mill. All of the proceeds will go towards new programming for Breaking Away students with developmental disabilities.”

The upcoming schedule includes Northern Critters in Need (June 20) and the Sault North Archery Club (June 27).

So far Elliot Lake’s BBQs have supported the Huron Shrine Club, the Elliot Lake Lion’s Club, the North Star Family Resource Centre, the Elliot Lake Food Bank and the conservation efforts of the Rod & Gun Club.

The June 20 Elliot Lake BBQ will benefit the Navy League of Canada and Safe Communities Elliot Lake will participate on June 27.


Meanwhile, June 30, 2015, is the application deadline for awards from a $100,000 fund Soo Mill is making available for charitable causes supporting community betterment in the Sault and Elliot Lake.

Donations of $1,000 to $5,000 will go to individuals and organizations that have unique needs or innovative projects unlikely to receive other financial assistance.

Further details and the application form are available at www.soomill.com.