Union Gas employees donate a Day of Caring, for United Way

 

When Union Gas and its employees were looking for a way to engage their workforce in a worthwhile community project, they looked to a long term partner, the United Way.

 

As part of their Helping Hands in Action, volunteers from Union Gas worked throughout the day, to paint and re-vitalize the community meetings rooms and common areas of the United Way offices. These areas are available free of charge to local charities and not-for-profit organizations to use for meetings, volunteer training, and local gatherings. Community rooms and free meeting space are one of the ways that United Way supports the social fabric that ties our community together. More than 60 charities use this space on an annual basis.

 

"This is something we do, because we believe that involving our workforce in their community not only builds our team, but also makes a difference for people who really need our help." stated Brian Chauvin, Utility Services Manager for Union Gas, and coordinator for today's Day of Caring. "Through grants provided by the Spectra Energy Foundation, we are also pleased to sponsor the costs of this project as part of our commitment," he said.

 

Within Union Gas, employees are encouraged to roll up their sleeves to assist charitable organizations all across Ontario. In 2009, 95 community improvement projects were completed across the province.

 

"When we moved to this building more than ten years ago, one of our priorities was to open the common space to local organizations, to allow them to carry out their committee meetings, planning or volunteer training, in an efficient and accessible location, and at no cost to local charities." stated Sheila Wisdom, Executive Director of United Way.

 

The meeting rooms are booked day and evenings, often seven days a week. United Way's Day of Caring program brings community-based organizations together with local businesses, corporations, unions and other groups to work on one-day projects that benefit the community.

 

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