In this tumultuous time for jobs across the nation, Rio Tinto BC Works’ general manager is up one fashionable vintage head accessory after an anonymous donation was dropped off at the office earlier this month.
An anonymous letter was left at the facility thanking Affonso Bizon for his work and for Rio Tinto’s part in keeping the former Alcan Inc. open after it merged with the former’s Canadian subsidiary.
“I retired 14 years ago, I pass the cap on to Affonso for keeping Alcan open for future and retirees. I am not putting name, it is [from] all of us,” the letter reads.
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Alcan Inc. was amalgamated with Rio Tinto Canada Holding Inc. in 2008 following the latter’s acquisition of a majority of shares in the former.
Bizon said the gesture was extremely kind.
“[It was] a very nice gift that I received yesterday from one of our retirees,” he said, adding that it would make a nice museum piece from when the company was still Alcan.
He also passed the thanks back to former retirees and said they laid the groundwork for the company as it exists now.
“[You] are still part of our present, supporting our operations with your heart, your kids and grandkids that today are our employees and contractors,” he said. “Let’s keep the pace! We are all in this together”
Earlier this month Rio Tinto pledged $25 million in funds towards communities across the globe in the fight against COVID-19. Money will go to supplying masks and personal protective equipment to energy and health professionals, provision of ventilation units and temporary medical units and investment in education and financial literacy programs as remote learning becomes the global standard.
trevor.hewitt@interior-news.com
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