Union Gas helps shape future business leaders in Waterloo

$5,000 Grant to Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region

KITCHENER, ON, Oct. 21, 2014 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping prepare young people in the Waterloo Region to succeed in the global economy through the continued support of Junior Achievement, courtesy of a $5,000 grant awarded today.

Murray Costello, Union Gas district manager for Waterloo/Brantford, presented the cheque to Karen Gallant, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region. Keith Publicover, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Canada, and members of the board of Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region joined in the event.

Each year, Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region delivers programs to more than 8,000 students in Grades 5-12, in the areas of entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness. Junior Achievement programs encourage youth to become independent, self-sufficient, and help them develop the business acumen and leadership skills they will need to contribute to the future growth and prosperity of Waterloo Region.

"Education creates a legacy that benefits not only the person, but families and communities. Education is a powerful force that can change the world, Nelson Mandela once said," said Costello. "Educational programs such as Junior Achievement are inspiring our future entrepreneurs and leaders. Those programs kindle a flame that will burn for a lifetime."

"We're fortunate to live in a community where the entrepreneurial flame burns strong, and where business leaders give back by providing mentorship, philanthropic investment and volunteer support," said Gallant.  "Junior Achievement is proud to play a part in connecting business leaders in Waterloo Region to the next generation of leaders through our programs. Thanks to Union Gas for their belief in the importance of the work we do, and for their continued support."

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 Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region Inc.

Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region is a social profit organization that provides classroom programs encouraging students to build skills in the areas of entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness. Annually, Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region impacts over 8,000 students through program delivery in partnership with approximately 700 volunteers, donating over 10,000 hours. For more information visit jawaterlooregion.com or join in the conversation on Twitter: twitter.com/JAWatRegion, Facebook: facebook.com/JAWaterlooRegion and YouTube: youtube.com/user/JAWaterlooRegion.

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 more than 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]; Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region Inc.: Loretta Kooymans, Director, Development and Community Relations, Phone: [phone], ext.303, Cell: 226-929-9014, [email protected]