Union Gas helps Grade 8 students learn about financial literacy

$2,500 grant supports tomorrow's business leaders

LONDON, ON, Oct. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping London & District Junior Achievement teach financial literacy - including budgeting - to 125 Grade 8 students, courtesy of a $2,500 grant awarded today.

Dave Craven, director of distribution fieldwork services for Union Gas in London, presented the cheque to Bev Robinson, president and CEO of London & District Junior Achievement today at the organization's office on Wharncliffe Road in North London.

Junior Achievement's business volunteers mentor elementary and secondary school youth through free financial literacy and entrepreneurial programs. These hands-on in-class and after-school experiential programs prepare young people to succeed in the global economy. Volunteers hope to inspire and educate young Canadians to value free enterprise, understand business and economics, and develop leadership and financial literacy skills.

"At Union Gas, we believe in investing today to ensure a bright tomorrow," Craven said. "That means supporting important educational programs in the communities we serve. We are very pleased to help Junior Achievement, which plays an important role in building a stronger, more vibrant community."

"JA depends on businesses like Union Gas for sponsorship of our programs to ensure JA's continued delivery of our programs for free," Robinson said. "A recent Boston Consultant group independent study stated that by helping youth stay in school, encouraging entrepreneurship and teaching financial literacy skills, Junior Achievement creates an annual return to society of $45 for every $1 spent. Thank you, Union Gas, for your support."

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 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 2011-2013, 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.

About Junior Achievement
Since 1963, Junior Achievement of London & District has been an active part of the communities of London, Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Huron and Perth.  JA's mandate is to teach students about the principles and dynamics of business through hands-on programs. The organization will celebrate 50 years in these communities in 2013. . For more information, visit london-and-district.jacan.org.

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. 5490
Cell: 519 365-1010
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]

Junior Achievement of London & District
Bev Robinson
President and CEO
Ph: 519 439-4201 x 224
[email protected]