Union Gas gives back to Thunder Bay through record-breaking United Way campaign

Employee donations and company matching dollars total more than $24,980

THUNDER BAY, ON, Dec. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - An annual employee fundraising campaign at Union Gas has raised more than $24,980, the largest donation to the United Way Thunder Bay in the company's 100-year history.

"Union Gas has a long history and a very strong bond with United Way. It's a fundamental part of our commitment to give back to the communities where we live and work," said David Sword, Union Gas district manager northwest district. "I'm proud that our employees and retirees have once again demonstrated their profound spirit of caring and generosity by providing this record-breaking gift to United Way Thunder Bay."

The Union Gas campaign is led by a dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers and all individual employee and retiree donations made during this campaign are matched dollar for dollar by Union Gas' parent company, Spectra Energy - doubling the community benefit.

"Union Gas and its employees have been a pillar of our annual campaign for decades. In addition to corporate and employee gifts, Union Gas employees have actively contributed volunteer hours to raise donations for the United Way and they have devoted countless hours to the planning and successful achievement of such special events as the employee bake sale and Spaghetti Dinner," said Joanne Kembel, United Way's executive director. "This year's gift gives us a special reason to celebrate corporate social responsibility. Union Gas practices what they preach, and we are grateful recipients of their ongoing generosity!"

For over 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 a year-round Winter Warmth program that provides emergency relief for low-income families who have a difficult time paying their natural gas bills during the year. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

"We have longstanding partnerships in communities throughout Ontario and I'm particularly happy that through the United Way campaign and programs such as Winter Warmth, we are making a difference for families in need," added Sword.

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, 2012 and 2013, and one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012, 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.

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SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

CONTACTS:
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Union Gas Limited
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5005490
Cell: 519 365-1010
[email protected]

United Way Thunder Bay
Adele Rosa
United Way Campaign Director
[email protected]