Enbridge Gas has once again made a large donation to the United Way of Chatham-Kent.
The company donated $293,132 this year.
United Way of CK Manager of Marketing and Communications Eva Marie Clarke told CK New Today they are grateful for the long-time support of Enbridge Gas.
Clarke said the donation to United Way Chatham-Kent increased by $3,943 this year, adding the 2023 donations exceeded this year's campaign goal and are a 30 per cent increase from last year.
She noted the donations came from the employees and retirees and were matched by the company. Money was also raised through events led by local employees, who volunteered their time, said Clarke.
"Enbridge Gas is a valued partner with United Way in the Chatham-Kent community and has been since 1948!" wrote United Way CK in a social media post. "Thank you for your decades of caring now and in the future."
Enbridge Gas said the United Way campaign raised more than $1.4 million across the franchise areas of its Ontario facility and in Quebec.
In 1948, Union Gas, now Enbridge Gas, was United Way’s first community partner in Chatham-Kent. Union Gas president Sydney Amherst Morse chaired the inaugural campaign, which raised $50,000.
Enbridge Gas said the United Way campaign is an annual reminder of the community spirit that thrives in their employees and contractors. The company said employees showed their own brand of vibrant, energetic support for the United Way in their communities by helping to create positive change, investing in social programs and special initiatives.
"It’s a result that went above and beyond our expectations,” said Senior Vice President of Enterprise and Utility Integration Jim Sanders. "The contribution will help local United Way chapters provide needed resources and services to the most vulnerable in society.
During the annual campaign kick-off in September, Chatham Enbridge Gas and United Way of CK staff got to hear a moving address from Erin Crow, Program Supervisor for Kids’ Circle, Supportive Care and Bereavement Services at Victorian Order of Nurses. Crow told the crowd that they currently have more than 80 children in the program, which is funded mainly by United Way of Chatham-Kent.
She said the bulk of their funds come from the United Way and that allows them to provide services to the community at no cost to the families.