Union Gas helps foster a community of innovation

$2,000 grant to London Children's Museum helps bring science to life

LONDON, ON, July 23, 2014 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping London Children's Museum foster a community of innovation where children connect, play and learn through a $2,000 grant awarded today.

James Whittaker, Union Gas manager for construction & growth, presented the cheque to Jill Osborne, London Children's Museum director of development & communications and Amanda Conlon, London Children's Museum executive director, following a tour of the museum.

The grant has been used to refresh the Science In Your World gallery, which provides children with hands-on activities that encourage them to explore science using all of their senses. Children learn about recycling and the environment, how to plan a nutritious meal, plant a garden and harvest what they have grown. There is also a life-sized treehouse for children to explore and discover who lives in and under it.

"The energy we provide comes from the earth, so we are mindful of the role that nature plays in heating homes and providing electricity.  We are proud that our conservation programs not only cut energy costs but remove pollution from the environment," said Ross.  "We are very pleased to support London Children's Museum and its energy awareness and conservations programs, which are helping teach London youth about the importance of energy conservation."

"Thanks to Union Gas employees and this grant, our Science In Your World Gallery is looking better than ever," said Conlon. "Our Investigation Station, presented by Union Gas, has been refreshed and restocked for new waves of learners to explore, and our burrow under the treehouse. Each year, we welcome over 80,000 visitors who explore and participate in the experiential learning opportunities our galleries provide. That many loving hands results in a lot of wear and tear, and we appreciate the support of community partners like Union Gas in helping us maintain our beloved galleries for more visits."

For more than 100 years, Union Gas has been privileged to work in more than 400 Ontario communities. Each year, the company supports the communities where its employees live and work 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 London Children's Museum
Positioned at the heart of the arts, cultural and educational communities, the London Children's Museum has been providing positive, hands-on learning experiences to children and families since 1975. At the London Children's Museum, children from infancy through twelve explore and discover science, the arts and our heritage within nine permanent galleries and through many special exhibits, events and programs. Every year, nearly 80,000 visitors participate in school education programs, workshops, day camps, self-guided visits and more.  For more information, visit londonchildrensmuseum.ca.

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 $6.4 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

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]; London Children's Museum: Jill Osborne, Director of Development and Communications, Ph: 519-434-5726 ext. 232, Cell: 519-281-5046, [email protected]