Union Gas supports early learning program for North Bay kids

$2,500 grant to The Learning Partnership for "Let the Learning Begin"

NORTH BAY, ON, Oct. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping The Learning Partnership (TLP), offer their eighth annual FREE bilingual, interactive early learning and healthy living family conference, "Let the Learning Begin" (LTLB), through a $2,500 grant awarded today.

Ted Wright, Union Gas district engineer for the northeast district presented the cheque to Danielle Filiatrault, TLP "Welcome to Kindergarten" program manager, Karen Cobb, TLP program manager and LTLB co-conveners, at the Let the Learning Begin conference taking place today at École Odyssée and Héritage, in North Bay.

Parents and children will participate together in French or English interactive workshops which focus on laying a foundation in literacy, numeracy, science, art, music, physical activity, nutrition, social well being and much more. Educators in all areas will engage the families in activities which support early learning and readiness for school. Parents will also discover the wealth of resources and opportunities in Nipissing which support them in their role as the child's first and best teacher. Featured early learning activities include Speaking of Wildlife offered by Science North and EnvironMan. A Touch a Truck event will allow children to explore first hand many community vehicles.

"Our children are our greatest resource, and we believe that investing in their future is an investment worth making," said Wright. "We're proud to be partnering with The Learning Partnership by supporting its 'Let the Learning Begin' conference, which will help North Bay children learn and grow."

"Let the Learning Begin, is an innovative program which began eight years ago as an extension of the Welcome to Kindergarten Program," said Cobb. "Community organizers are very grateful to Union Gas, The Learning Partnership and our local sponsors who have come together to make this event possible for children six years of age and under."

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 about $3 million to charitable organizations across the province, including environmental programs and projects. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

About The Learning Partnership 
The Learning Partnership is a national charitable organization dedicated to championing a strong public education system with its partners through innovative programs, credible research, executive leadership, policy initiatives and public engagement of Canadians.

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 2011, 2012 and 2013. 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]

The Learning Partnership
Karen Cobb
Program Manager
Ph:  705-752-1997
[email protected]