As a founding industry and the largest employer in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Essar Steel Algoma has a direct interest in advancing and preserving the quality of life in our community. In addition to a sustainable approach to minimizing environmental impact, the Company has a long history of charitable giving and corporate sponsorship with numerous community-based causes.

Essar Steel Algoma's history with the United Way dates back more than 50 years as both a founder and a leading corporate supporter. Essar has become the largest United Way campaign contributor through combined corporate, employee and retiree contributions. In 2007 we collectively pledged $272, 300 in support of 23 community agencies that address community issues with health, employment, poverty and youth.

In the spring of 2005 Essar Steel Algoma established a Community Investment Fund for the purpose of formally administering financial contributions to charitable and non-profit causes within the City of Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area. The $6 million fund addresses community needs in the following areas of focus:

The Community Investment Fund has a five year term, expiring December 31, 2009 and administers both cash donations and in-kind contributions of product or service. Leading contributions to date include the Sault Area Hospital Build Campaign ($4M), the Sault Ste. Marie Sports & Entertainment Centre ($300K) and the Algoma Residential Community Hospice ($120K). Through this fund the Company has also established scholarships with regional post-secondary institutions including Sault College, Algoma University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Endowed with a one time donation these scholarships are funded in perpetuity and awarded annually.

On the sponsorship side, Essar Steel Algoma is an annual supporter of key community events and initiatives including the Bon Soo Winter Carnival, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Algoma Fall Festival, and the Superior Health and Safety Conference. In addition, the Company is always an active participant in RotaryFest, Sault Ste. Marie’s summer festival. In 2008 Essar was the presenting sponsor for the Festival which featured the ESSAR Steel Algoma Stage with free, live entertainment over three days and the Community Day Parade where the ESSAR float earned first prize in the professional division.

In 2008 Essar Steel Algoma won the bid for the Naming Rights for the Sault Ste. Marie Sports & Entertainment Centre. Now the ESSAR Centre, this premier sports and entertainment complex lies at the heart of the community and is home to the Soo Greyhounds, members of the Ontario Hockey League.

Essar Steel Algoma is an integral part of the Sault Ste. Marie business community as demonstrated through active membership with the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Quality Initiative, Destiny Sault Ste. Marie and the Safe Communities Partnership. The people at Essar continually strive to offer a responsible balance of time and resources to the community where we work and live.