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CNW Telbeck (Canada): Shell team effort raises over $2.9 million for United Way: “- Shell Canada, its employees and retirees announced a donation of $2,969,795 to United Way of Calgary and area today, the single largest United Way contribution in Alberta history.” (ShellNews.net)

 

Posted 16 Oot 04

 

CALGARY, CNW/ - Shell Canada, its employees and retirees announced a donation of $2,969,795 to United Way of Calgary and area today, the single largest United Way contribution in Alberta history. This exceeds last year's record-breaking $2.1 million donation which was the largest ever United Way contribution from an organization headquartered in Western Canada.

 

"Shell's partnership with United Way directly reflects our commitment to sustainable development," said Clive Mather, Shell Canada President and Chief Executive Officer. "While this is a significant donation, we cannot underestimate the number of people and the amount of hours that contributed to the success of this year's campaign," he said. "Together, we can build an extraordinary community."

 

Shell's United Way campaign, which kicked off in Calgary on September 13, proved to be an exciting few weeks. From a Live Auction, to Crazy Hat Day, to a senior executive playing the role of Donald Trump in an Apprentice competition, creativity emerged as a major contributor to the success of this year's campaign.

 

"It's been great to see everyone's involvement this year," said Bob Baird, 2004 Shell Calgary United Way Campaign Chair. "Whether it's the

children of Shell employees selling lemonade and doughnuts, or Shell retirees contributing a remarkable $752,782, the end result is truly a team effort we can all be proud of."

 

Another key factor in the success of this year's campaign is employees' increased involvement in the United Way Days of Caring program. This past

spring, Shell teamed up with United Way and Global Television by providing 175 volunteers to help renovate the Independent Living Resource Centre - a local cross-disability organization supporting independence for people with disabilities. In August, PRIME's Ultimate Team Makeover, a one-hour television special featuring the renovations, aired on PRIME and Global Television regional stations. So far this year, 428 Shell employees have volunteered over 2300 hours through Days of Caring in the Calgary community.

 

"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."

 

    For more information or interview requests, please contact:

 

    Jeff Mann                    Janice Andersson

    Shell Canada Limited         United Way of Calgary and Area

    (403) 691-4189               (403) 231-6449

 

                                Backgrounder

 

    QUICK FACTS

    Shell Calgary Employees United Way Campaign:

    2004 - $2,969,795

    2003 - $2,097,206

 

    OUR ROOTS FOR A STRONGER COMMUNITY

Over the many years Shell Canada has supported United Way of Calgary and Area, the campaign has achieved increased success through the amount of dollars raised and the volunteer involvement of Shell employees and retirees.

 

In six years, Shell more than doubled its donation to United Way from $1 million in 1998 to a record-breaking $2.1 million in 2003. This year's

$2.9 million donation is the single largest United Way contribution in Alberta history. 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.

 

    ENGAGING THE SHELL 'FAMILY'

Shell extends its campaign beyond employee giving to include retiree donations and special events that engage Shell people and their families.

Shell retirees are significant supporters of United Way with total donations of $752,782 to the 2004 campaign. Children of Shell employees also pitched in to help United Way by raising $1,054 at the 'Kids Helping Kids' lemonade stand and doughnut sale and by participating in this year's unveiling ceremony on October 15 at Shell Centre.

 

    QUICK FACTS

    Calgary Leadership Giving:

    2004

    316 Leaders

    2003

    282 Leaders

 

    LEADERSHIP GIVING

Shell Leaders played a significant role in this year's campaign. As a special incentive for 2004 only, first-time Leaders were matched by Shell one

and a half times, which encouraged 82 people to become new leaders this year. "We are extremely pleased with the results of our Leadership Giving

program for this year's campaign, and particularly the one-time incentive program for new Leaders. Shell employees and retirees enthusiastically embrace United Way, and have once again demonstrated their commitment to our community," says Charlotte Maksymetz, Shell United Way Campaign Leadership Giving Chair.

 

    QUICK FACTS

    Calgary Days of Caring:

    2004 (to September 30)

    -  23 Days of Caring

    -  428 volunteers

    -  2384 hours

 

    2003

    -  38 Days of Caring

    -  657 volunteers

    -  2844 hours

 

    DAYS OF CARING

Since 1996, Shell has encouraged employee participation in United Way Days of Caring by providing paid time off for employees who volunteer. The

Days of Caring program reinforces the importance of year-round giving for Shell employees. "So far in 2004, Days of Caring participation is up 60 per cent from this time last year," says Days of Caring coordinator Barry Maguire. "Support from Shell's senior management is invaluable in providing Days of Caring organizers with the tools and encouragement to undertake meaningful hands-on projects inthe community."

 

    For more information or interview requests contact:

    Jeff Mann

    Shell Canada Limited

    (403) 691-4189

 

http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/October2004/15/c0804.html


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