surplus of pandemic supplies at the university is going to help First Nations communities across the province.
With more hand sanitizer, gloves, and masks then it could use by the expiry date in May 2012, the University of Western Ontario donated six trailer loads of medical supplies to nine First Nation policing stations, which will distribute the supplies to nearly 90 communities throughout Ontario. "We know we're not going to use this by 2012," said Elgin Austen , director of UWO's campus police. "So, consequently, we thought what could we do with this that would be good for the community?"
John Carson, a retired OPP officer now working as safe campus co-ordinator, suggested connecting with the First Nation's bureau of the OPP.
"The response was very positive, so here we are putting it together and (the supplies) will be put to very good use," Carson said.
Volunteers endured a bitter cold January day, with temperatures falling to -11 C, to help load cardboard boxes full of pandemic supplies into a trailer at Alumni Hall. The boxes were carefully stacked, ensuring every inch of space was utilized. The supplies, which weighed 4,309 kilograms, would be going as far north as Hudson Bay.