Shell people go the extra mile by donating $2,750,000 and 4,700 hours for
United Way

CALGARY , Oct. 30 /CNW/ - Shell Canada , its employees and retirees announced today a donation of $2.75 million to United Way of Calgary and Area. This donation is an increase of more than $250,000 from their 2008 core campaign. Shell's total contribution to Calgary United Way since 2000 is more than $29 million dollars .

Each year, Shell matches its employees' and retirees' donations dollar for dollar. This year, despite these economically difficult and uncertain times, they have gone above and beyond, donating generously to those in need. Shell retirees continue to play an important role in the campaign, contributing a quarter of the money raised.

"We are exceedingly proud of our employees and retirees - it is their spirit that makes efforts possible such as this, making our campaign one of the largest contributions to United Way from a company headquartered in Western Canada ," said Brian Straub , Shell Canada President and Country Chair. "Whether it is Days of Caring, fundraising events at Shell Centre or volunteering in their communities - they literally roll up their sleeves to get the job done and make peoples' lives a little bit better."

In addition to their financial support, 1,000 Shell people volunteered more than 4,700 hours with campaign activities and Days of Caring(TM) events throughout the year. These events saw Shell people getting involved in the community, helping out those in need and uniting together for a positive cause.

"It is great to see Shell's incredible commitment to United Way, and to their community, year after year. We applaud everyone at Shell who came together to help make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. This has been a challenging year for many of us and the dedication from Shell people is remarkable," says Ruth Ramsden-Wood, President of United Way of Calgary and Area.

For further information: Ed Greenberg, Shell Canada, Tel: [phone], Cell: [phone], [email protected], www.shell.ca; Kate Smitko, Media Relations Specialist, United Way of Calgary and Area, [phone], www.calgaryunitedway.org