Community Improvement Activities
For close to a century Union Gas, a Spectra Energy Company, has proudly supported the communities where we live and work through a comprehensive community relations program which includes volunteerism and corporate giving.
Volunteerism - Helping Hands In Action
Each
year through our Helping Hands in Action program, Union Gas volunteers roll
up their sleeves to assist charitable organizations across Ontario. Grants
provided by the Spectra Energy Foundation are used to purchase materials for
community improvement projects coordinated by Union Gas employees and
retirees, who in turn volunteer their time and labour to complete the
project. In 2009, 95 community improvement projects were completed across
the province. Projects included the refurbishment and landscaping of
buildings for charitable organizations and schools, the construction of
playground areas, gazebos, camp shelters and walking trails, the
organization of clothing and food drives, the planting of trees in community
parks, and much more.
Matching Gifts
Union Gas is a matching gift company. Eligible donations made by employees and retirees are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Spectra Energy Foundation, thereby doubling the community benefit.
United Way
At Union
Gas, we are committed to helping improve the quality of life in the more
than 400 communities we serve. As an active supporter of United Way, Union
Gas runs employee campaigns each fall across the province. Employees and
retirees make personal pledges to the United Way which are matched
dollar-for-dollar by the Spectra Energy Foundation. These donations, plus
additional fund-raising events, resulted in a 2009 total annual pledge of
over $765,000 across Ontario.
Safety
At
Union Gas we are passionate about safety and strive for a zero work-related
illness and injury culture. As a company, we recognize that the safety and
protection of the children in our community is of paramount importance, and
that accidents and injuries are preventable. That’s why we’ve committed over
a quarter of a million dollars to children’s Safety Villages across Ontario
to dramatically reduce injuries by teaching children personal responsibility
and awareness regarding safety.
Northern Partnerships
Union Gas is proud to have spearheaded an initiative to encourage Northern Ontario youth to pursue careers in skilled trades and the energy sector. Union Gas, in partnership with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), FedNor, and six northern community colleges, invested in a partnership that will see the expansion of trades programs at community colleges across the North. By helping the six community colleges in the north to enhance or build skills training opportunities, we will help meet local labour market needs.
Leadership Development
At Union Gas we understand the importance of strong leadership. We support carefully selected leadership organizations that focus on developing leadership capacity within our service area.