Union Gas helps Bay area students showcase their scientific prowess

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

HAMILTON, ON, March 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Union Gas continues our support of the 54^th annual Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair (BASEF), allowing more than 400 area students to exercise their science, engineering and technology prowess, through a $2,500 grant awarded today.

Vince Downey, Union Gas utility services manager for Hamilton and Antoinette Welsby, Union Gas administrative assistant for the Hamilton/Halton area presented the cheque to Susan Olynyk, BASEF Chair of Corporate Donations today at the public viewing event at Mohawk College, David Braley Athletic Centre. The four-day event runs from March 26 to 29 and is open to all Grade 7 through 12 students from the Hamilton / Halton Region, the counties of Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant, and the Six Nations of the Grand River. The awards ceremony takes place on April 1 with winners moving on in May to compete at the 2014 Canada-Wide Science Fair to be held in Windsor and to the 2014 International Science and Engineering Fair to be held in Los Angeles.

"At Union Gas, we believe that investing in education creates lasting benefits for people and for communities," said Downey. "That's why we support important educational programs in the communities we serve, such as the Bay Area Science & Engineering Fair which is helping young people in Bay Area to explore their interest in science, engineering and technology."

One of the oldest and largest science fairs in Canada, BASEF encourages students to develop their scientific skills and prepare for national and international competition. The annual science fair helps promote awareness of careers in science, engineering and technology.

"Thank-you to Union Gas on behalf of the BASEF organizers and all 400 participating students" said Olynyk. "Union Gas recognizes the value of supporting the creation of skilled scientific and technical citizens of the future.  Its long term investment in our fair is more than just sponsorship, it's a true partnership in our collective future."

In addition to natural gas delivery services for homes and businesses and contributing to the province's economy through investment, job creation, municipal taxes and energy efficiency programs, Union Gas supports education as a way to build a skilled workforce for the future, support economic development for Aboriginal communities and encourage conservation. This value is reflected each year, as the company supports communities across Ontario through thousands of volunteer hours for local charitable and non-profit organizations, major charitable giving and sponsorships. Last year, Union Gas donated close to $3 million to community and charitable organizations in Ontario, including over $928,000 to United Way.  In addition, Union Gas employees, retirees, family and friends provided over 17,000 volunteer hours to help strengthen the communities where they live and work. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

About BASEF
For over half a century, the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair has provided a forum for students in the area to develop their scientific skills and prepare for national and international competition. BASEF, one of the oldest and largest science fairs in Canada, is a registered charity and relies entirely on volunteers and sponsors. Celebrating its 54th year in 2014, BASEF will take place from March 26 to April 1 at Mohawk College. To learn more about BASEF, visit www.basef.ca or find them on Twitter: twitter.com/@basef or Facebook: facebook.com/TeamBASEF.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited, a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company, is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers, assets of over $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across Ontario. Union Gas is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2014. For more information, visit uniongas.com or find us on Twitter: twitter.com/uniongas, Facebook: facebook.com/uniongas and YouTube: youtube.com/user/uniongas.

SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

CONTACTS:
Union Gas Limited 
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5005490
Cell: 519 365-1010
[email protected]

BASEF 2014
Susan Olynyk
Chair, Corporate Donations
Ph: 905 570-4831
[email protected]
[email protected]