Union Gas gives back to Chatham-Kent through outstanding United Way campaign

Employee donations and company matching dollars total $572,000

CHATHAM, ON, Nov. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - The annual employee fundraising campaign at Union Gas has raised $572,000 for United Way of Chatham-Kent.  This exceptional contribution will help United Way continue to provide vital social services that have a significant, positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in Chatham-Kent.

"At Union Gas, we're committed to being active members in the communities we serve and to working with our community partners to change people's lives for the better," said Steve Baker, president of Union Gas. "Despite these difficult economic times, I am proud that our employees and retirees continue to demonstrate their profound spirit of caring and generosity by donating to United Way."

The Union Gas campaign is led by a dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers and all individual employee and retiree donations made during this campaign are matched dollar for dollar by Union Gas' parent company, Spectra Energy - doubling the community benefit.

"United Way and its family of agencies continue to be grateful recipients of the contributions received from Union Gas and its employees.  When we think of the one in three Chatham-Kent residents who will benefit from the funds raised by this generous corporate citizen, we can't help but smile", said Karen Kirkwood-Whyte, United Way's chief executive officer.  "We salute the leadership of this fine organization - from the President on down.  By working together, we are improving lives and building community in Chatham-Kent."

For over 100 years, Union Gas has been privileged to work in more than 400 Ontario communities. In addition to natural gas delivery services for homes and businesses, Union Gas has contributed to the province through significant economic investments, hundreds of jobs, millions in municipal taxes, energy efficiency programs, thousands of volunteer hours for community organizations including United Way of Chatham-Kent, major charitable giving and sponsorships.

Last year alone, Union Gas contributed $3 million to charitable organizations across Ontario, including a year-round Winter Warmth program that provides emergency relief for low-income families who have a difficult time paying their natural gas bills during the year. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

"We're proud of our longstanding partnership with the Chatham-Kent Community and particularly happy that through the United Way campaign and programs such as Winter Warmth, we are making a difference for families in need," added Baker.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. One of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2011, 2012 and 2013, and one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012, Union Gas is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company, with assets of $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Union Gas Limited
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5490
Cell: 519 365-1010
[email protected]