**CITY OF TIMMINS NEWS RELEASE**

Late last week, Lake Shore Gold – a subsidiary of Pan American Silver – dug up 2,500 N95 masks, and are sharing the wealth with local front-line workers.

The donation was made through Timmins Fire Chief and Emergency Management Program Coordinator Tom Laughren to be appropriately distributed throughout the community.

“There has been a genuine concern over the amount of available personal protective equipment since the beginning of this pandemic,” explained Laughren. “Those working the front lines need access to the most effective and recognized types of masks, gowns and gloves in order to protect themselves while assisting others.”

N95 masks filter at least 95 per cent of airborne particles, containing a fine mesh of synthetic polymer fibers, also known as nonwoven polypropylene fabric, and is the most commonly used throughout most industries.

“Because this pandemic has hit globally, it has been a struggle to source additional equipment, where supply is not necessarily meeting demand,” continued Laughren. “We are forever grateful to our industry partners and incredible corporate citizens who are coming through for our community during these strange and unusual times.”

Filed under: Local News