CNW Group: Shell team raises over $4.2 million for United Way : "Shell Canada, its employees and retirees announced a donation of $4,203,850 to United Way of Calgary and Area today, the single largest United Way contribution in Alberta history.: Posted 21 October 2005
CALGARY, Oct. 20 /CNW/ - Shell Canada, its employees and retirees
announced a donation of $4,203,850 to United Way of Calgary and Area today,
the single largest United Way contribution in Alberta history.
Shell's donation represents 10 per cent of United Way of Calgary and Area's campaign
goal and for the third consecutive year, is the largest-ever United Way
contribution from an organization headquartered in Western Canada.
"I never cease to be amazed by the generosity of Shell people," said
Clive Mather, Shell Canada President and CEO. "Our employees, retirees, and
their families give of their time, their money and their talents to the wider
community all through the year, but the United Way campaigns bring out
something extra special!"
Shell's United Way campaign, which kicked off in Calgary on September 12,
proved to be an exciting few weeks. Hosts of organizers and volunteers worked
diligently to create a variety of fundraising activities, including bake sales
and 50/50 draws while auctioning off everything from an autographed Sydney
Crosby jersey to Shell employees' art work.
"It's been great to see everyone's involvement this year," said Dave
Todd, 2005 Shell Calgary United Way campaign chair. "Whether it's the children
of Shell employees selling paper butterflies and lemonade or Shell retirees
contributing a remarkable $1.3 million, the end result is truly a team
effort."
Another key factor in the success of this year's campaign is the
increased number of United Way agency talks conducted at Shell. Held at
various department meetings and communication sessions, the talks are designed
to raise awareness about the important work that United Way agencies are doing
in the Calgary community. This year alone, Shell Canada held 66 United Way
agency talks at its Calgary offices, which is three times the amount held in
previous years.
"We are thrilled and honoured that Shell Canada, its employees, their
children and Shell retirees have chosen United Way for this generous gift,"
said Ruth Ramsden-Wood, President of United Way of Calgary and Area. "They are
helping to change futures - improving lives and helping people reach their
potential - and contributing to making this city great for everyone."
Backgrounder
2005 Shell United Way Campaign
QUICK FACTS IMAGINE... YOUR COMMUNITY
-----------
Shell Calgary Employee Over the many years Shell Canada has
and Retiree United Way supported United Way of Calgary and Area, the
Campaign: campaign has achieved increased success
through the amount of dollars raised and the
2005 - $4,203,850 volunteer involvement of Shell employees and
retirees.
2004 - $2,969,795
In six years, Shell has more than doubled its
donation to United Way from $1 million in
1998 to a record-breaking $2.1 million in
2003. Last year's $2.9 million donation was
the single largest contribution to United Way
in Alberta history and the largest-ever
contribution from an organization
headquartered in Western Canada.
This year, more than 200 Shell volunteers
organized fundraising activities and special
events to raise funds and awareness for
United Way. Through their efforts, Shell
people strive to build roots for a stronger
community.
Shell People: ENGAGING THE SHELL 'FAMILY'
- Retiree and Employee Shell extends its campaign beyond employee
Campaign giving to include retiree donations and
- Kids Helping Kids special events that engage Shell people and
Lemonade Stand and their families.
Butterfly Sale
Shell retirees are significant supporters of
United Way with total donations of
$1.3 million ($2.6 with the Shell match) to
the 2005 campaign.
This year, children of Shell employees
continued the 'Kids Helping Kids' tradition
by holding two fundraising events - a
lemonade stand and paper butterfly ornament
sale. With the Shell match, these events
raised over $5,000.
Calgary Leadership LEADERSHIP GIVING
Giving:
2005 This year, Shell offered a new incentive to
365 Leaders increase leadership level participation
(donations exceeding $1,000).
2004
316 Leaders Since leadership participation has increased
by more than 10 per cent this year, Shell has
donated an additional $25,000 to the campaign
to recognize this outstanding achievement.
Calgary Days of Caring: UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING PROGRAM
2005 to date
- 27 Days of Caring Since 1996, Shell has encouraged employee
- 325 volunteers participation in the United Way Day of Caring
- 1542 volunteer hours program by providing paid time off for
employees who volunteer. The Day of Caring
2004 (Calgary only) program reinforces the importance of
- 55 Days of Caring year-round giving for Shell employees.
- 727 volunteers
- 3928 volunteer hours "Participation in United Way's Day of Caring
program is engrained in Shell's culture,"
says Barry Maguire, Shell's Day of Caring
program coordinator. "This culture would not
be possible without support from Shell's
senior management who support and encourage
Shell employees to be involved in their
community - both in Calgary and across the
country."
For further information: or interview requests, please contact:
Tara Lemay, Community Investment Representative, Shell Canada Limited,
(403) 691-2082; Pam Ashcroft, Media Relations, United Way of Calgary and Area,
(403) 836-0162
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