Union Gas Helps Bay Area Students Ignite Their Passion for Science and Engineering

$2,500 grant supports four-day regional science fair for Grades 7 to 12

HAMILTON, ON, March 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping more than 450 students develop their interest in science, engineering and technology, courtesy of a $2,500 grant awarded today to the 2012 Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair.

Vince Downey, Union Gas utility service manager for Hamilton, presented the cheque to Helen Barton and Susan Olynyk, co-chairs of the BASEF2012, at the fair's public viewing and awards day today at Mohawk College. The four-day event was attended by 465 students in Grades 7 to 12 from Halton Region, the City of Hamilton and Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties.

The annual science fair helps students develop a sense of scientific inquiry, innovation, project organization and communication, which will prepare them to be the skilled employees that local, regional and Canadian businesses and industries need to contribute to the country's economic health and international competitiveness.

"At Union Gas, we believe in investing today to ensure a bright tomorrow." said Downey. "We are very pleased to support the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair because it is helping our next generation of scientists and engineers learn and grow, and building a stronger, more vibrant community for us all."

"Union Gas has been a valued supporter of BASEF for many years," said Olynyk. "We are proud to continue to work with Union Gas to help these talented students explore the fields of science, engineering and technology."

Over the past 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, major charitable giving and sponsorships. Last year alone, Union Gas contributed $3 million to charitable organizations across Ontario, including more than $900,000 to United Way. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

About The Bay Area Science & Engineering Fair (BASEF)
BASEF is a volunteer-driven registered charity whose mission is to encourage youth interest in the fields of science, engineering and technology. BASEF is the regional science fair for the Halton, Hamilton, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk area. It is affiliated with the provincial, national and international science groups Youth Science Ontario, Youth Science Canada and the Society for Science & the Public and is the stepping stone to the annual Canada-wide and International Science & Engineering Fairs.  In addition to the annual fair, BASEF conducts outreach and mentorship activities with students and schools in the region.

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 2012, Union Gas is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company with assets of $5.6 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

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

BASEF
Susan Olynyk
Interim Co-Chair BASEF2012
Ph: 905 570-4831
[email protected]
[email protected]