Rodren Drilling finds something to celebrate at Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg

VANCOUVER — Every so often a story comes along that draws everything into focus. In the mining industry the news of the day often involves high-grade drill results, production guidance estimates, or stock movement, but when Rodren Drilling pledges to donate $1 million over five years to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, it serves as a reminder that providing a helping hand can be just as rewarding.

Rodren has promised to donate 50¢ per metre drilled to the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Winnipeg, Mb., and has raised $160,000 in just under two years. The company’s donations are part of the “Be My Hero” campaign, which is dedicated to raising $20 million to assist the hospital in researching disease and medical conditions that affect children. Over 200 scientists and support staff work with the Manitoba Institute of Child Health, including 40 physicians and clinical specialists at the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg,

“I’ve always wanted to give back to the community, and this seems like the perfect opportunity,” says Rodren president Rod Cyr during a phone interview. “I chose Children’s because I was a sick kid myself. I’m from Flin Flon originally, and when I got sick they med-evacuated me into the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg, long story short here I am today.”

Cyr’s story is a familiar one for families living across much of the Canadian prairies, the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg is the only facility of its type between Calgary, Ab. and Thunder Bay, On.,

“If you have a sick child, and you’re west of Thunder Bay and east of Saskatoon, I think you’re coming right here,” Cyr comments.

Rodren has been operating in the Winnipeg area for roughly 30 years, and the diamond-drilling outfit specializes in projects throughout Western Canada. The company employs around 200 people, and 60% of its staff comes from First Nations communities in the surrounding region. A strong relationship with Manitoba’s aboriginal peoples is something Rodren and the Children’s Hospital have in common,

“We are facing serious health issues in our community with our children. It means our kids are sick and are often separated from family during treatment,” comments Rhoda Harper, an Edler with the Garden Hill First Nation. “We believe the ‘Be My Hero’ program will help us have a much healthier future.”

Not only has Rodren committed to donating proceeds from its own profits, the company has also reached out to other suppliers and operational outfits that cater to western Canada’s mining industry, and have succeeded in garnering even more support,

“We just have to approach people, and it’s not terribly hard sell with the kids. It’s a great thing, its tax deductible, and it makes you feel good,” Cyr explains when asked about garnering support amongst his peers. “Other suppliers have started to take notice, and that’s what we’re really pushing for now.”

Rodren has set-up agreements whereby other companies donate a percentage of sale proceeds to Children’s Hospital every time Rodren makes a purchase, current partners include: Reflex Instruments, AMC North America, Fordia Group, and Dimatec Inc.

Cyr isn’t overly concerned about how the charity uses the money; he just hopes he can make a difference,

“The money goes to research,” he explains. “They asked me if I wanted the donations to go to any specific area of the hospital, and I said ‘you know what, you guys are in charge of spending the money, and we’ll be in charge of trying to make it for you. Just spend it where ever it can help the most.’”

For Rodren the charity also helps it develop a relationship and identify with the surrounding communities. Cyr explains that it’s important for mining outfits and suppliers to be known and supportive in the areas where they operate.

Rodren is currently busy with 15 of its 21 drill rigs in operation, and the remaining six expected to be in the field by the beginning of May. It’s hard to get Cyr to talk about drilling though, with his focus squarely on the affect charity can have on his local community,

“The first time I handed a cheque over — I still get all choked up — there were tears in my eyes,” he explains. “You feel like you’re doing such a good thing, I think people need to go in and see some of these kids, they are really amazing. And what the doctors and staff are doing over there is a great story, it’s a wonderful thing.”

And in an industry driven by the pace and quality of drill results, it’s a wonderful thing to take a moment out of the day to remember there might be a way to give back a little more, and help those who really need it.