CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Jan. 7, 2010) - Through many of acts of charity - and with a good measure of fun - Enbridge's (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) employees were able to raise over C$3.3 million for United Way chapters across North America in 2009. This total is approximately C$500,000 more than the C$2.8 million Enbridge raised in 2008.
"The results from our 2009 campaigns are a tribute to the spirit, generosity and ingenuity of our 6,000 employees," said Enbridge President & CEO Patrick D. Daniel. "Each year they find creative ways to raise funds to help improve the lives of the people in their communities, and each year I am awed by what they are able to do. They always find a way to surpass their previous year's success - and this year, did so during one of the toughest economic periods that North Americans have experienced in some time."
"The dedication and generosity Enbridge employees have shown during this campaign are incredible," said Ruth Ramsden-Wood, President of United Way of Calgary and Area. "Through donations like this, we are able to help those in need, and invest in long-term strategies that address the root causes of social issues in our community."
Enbridge's company-wide accomplishment was achieved through a variety of means, including pledges, special events and corporate matches.
In Ontario, Enbridge Gas Distribution (EGD) raised C$1.2 million, exceeding the $1 million milestone for the third consecutive year. A notable component to the EGD campaign was a corporate sponsorship of the Enbridge CN Tower Stair Climb.
In Edmonton and regional offices across the Prairies, Enbridge Liquids Pipelines employees exceeded their own expectations, raising over C$840,000. A sizable portion of the dollars raised was donated to the Youth Emergency Shelter Society (YESS), along with 354 pairs of pajamas and hooded pullovers.
In Calgary, employees raised just over C$700,000. Of this amount, C$105,000 was raised through the annual Silent & Live Auction, which is organized in support of the Aspen Family and Community Network Society's Families in Transition (FIT) program. This program provides shelter and support to families that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
And in the US, employees in Houston, Texas; Superior, Wisconsin; Bemidji, Minnesota; Chicago, Illinois, and other locations raised over US$580,000, again through a variety of events and initiatives. Just one of the many popular events featured a talented quartet of Enbridge employees in Houston impersonating the band KISS.
"The success of Enbridge's United Way campaigns highlights the depth of our commitment to building sustainable, vibrant communities," said Mr. Daniel.
About Enbridge
Enbridge Inc., a Canadian company, is a North American leader in delivering energy. As a transporter of energy, Enbridge operates, in Canada and the U.S., the world's longest crude oil and liquids transportation system. The Company also has a growing involvement in the natural gas transmission and midstream businesses, and is expanding its interests in renewable and green energy technologies including wind and solar energy, hybrid fuel cells and carbon dioxide sequestration. As a distributor of energy, Enbridge owns and operates Canada's largest natural gas distribution company, and provides distribution services in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and New York State. Enbridge employs approximately 6,000 people, primarily in Canada and the U.S. Enbridge's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ENB. For more information, visit enbridge.com.
For more information please contact:
Enbridge Inc.
Jennifer Varey
(403) 508-6563 or Toll Free: 1-888-992-0997
jennifer.varey@enbridge.com
www.enbridge.com