Enbridge Gas Supports FIRST Robotics Canada with $50,000 Gold-Level Sponsorship

CHATHAM, ON, Feb. 27, 2019 /CNW/ - As the teams put the final touches on their competing robots, Enbridge Gas supports eight Ontario secondary school teams taking part in FIRST Robotics Canada (FIRST) competitions. These science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) inspired events are where students, teachers and mentors work together to build robots for high-intensity competitions. Continuing the company's legacy of community giving, Enbridge Gas is excited to support the competitions and student-led teams courtesy of a $50,000 sponsorship, for the first time as a Gold-Level Sponsor.

"STEM-related jobs are in high demand and organizations like FIRST Robotics Canada are helping students realize their potential and passion," said Cynthia Hansen, President of Enbridge Gas. "Beyond STEM, FIRST is about more than robots – they teach students confidence, teamwork and collaboration which demonstrates the values of integrity and respect. The values of FIRST are strongly aligned with those of Enbridge."

FIRST Robotic Competition (FRC) is an annual competition where high school student teams raise funds, create a brand and design robots to perform specific tasks, known as "robo-sports," with the help of volunteer professional mentors. After an intense six-week build, teams compete in regional events held in several Canadian provinces, then progress to district events and on to the World Championship.

"We are proud and grateful for the support of Enbridge Gas," says Mark Breadner, President of FIRST Robotics Canada. "The incredible legacy that the company established has impacted FRC students across Ontario and has helped the FIRST organization grow our programs to ensure that youth are equipped with the skills they need for the future. We are thrilled that Enbridge will continue supporting kids and youth in STEM with the FIRST Robotics Canada program."

To view a list of our sponsored teams, visit: uniongas.com/about-us/community/partnerships/first-robotics.

About FIRST Robotics Canada
FIRST Robotics Canada, a registered charity, was established in 2001 and incorporated in 2004 with a mission to inspire Canadian high school and elementary school students to pursue further studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and math. It pursues its mission primarily through offering opportunities for students, working in teams and assisted by expert adult mentors, to build robots and to take part in tournaments which feature on-field competitions, judged awards and other forms of recognition, potentially including university and college scholarships. For more information, visit firstroboticscanada.org

About Enbridge Gas Inc.
Enbridge Gas Inc. was formed on Jan. 1, 2019 from the amalgamation of Union Gas Limited and Enbridge Gas Distribution. Enbridge Gas is Canada's largest natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with a more than 170-year history of providing safe and reliable service to customers. The distribution business serves about 3.5 million customers, heating over 75 per cent of Ontario homes. The storage and transmission business offers a variety of storage and transportation services to customers at the Dawn Hub, the largest integrated underground storage facility in Canada and one of the largest in North America. Owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution.

SOURCE Enbridge Gas Inc.

Enbridge Gas Inc.: Leanne McNaughton, Public Affairs, Phone: [phone] ext. 5002102, [email protected]; FIRST Robotics Canada: Kim Cooper, Vice President, Partnerships, Phone: [phone], [email protected]