BC Hydro held its annual Chili Cook-off today, a part of its 2016 United Way campaign.
The company’s fundraiser began on October 12th and is aiming to raise $550,000 through employee and corporate donations. For every $100,000 raised by workers, the company will give $20,000.
Company engineer Khalid Hasan explains why the company gives back every year.
“Everyone realised that there (are) people out there who need help from the people who (have) money and I think that’s we realised, that people out there, they need support.”
During lunch, employees heard from United Way spokespeople about how their donations will contribute to the community. In the Prince George region alone, United Way’s Roberta Squire says the charity contributes financially to 23 charities and 60 organisations. Across the north, United Way helps over 200 organisations and funds the equivalent of 350 programs. These charities help people in need, like the 30,000 living in poverty, and 15,000 students facing homelessness, mental health issues, and family breakdowns.
Helping this many people is why corporate campaigns, like BC Hydro’s, are so important to United Way, explains Squire.
“They know the value of the communities that they live and work and play in and BC Hydro has always been an immense ‘giver back’ to the people, to their employees. Their engagement with communities is second-to-none.”
BC Hydro has raised about 75% of its goal thus far and has until Friday to raise the rest.
As for today’s cook-off winner, Hasan has his money on the salmon chili.
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