I've seen it many times. Gas prices go up due to certain factors and the red-faced critics come out of the woodwork to accuse any and all who work in the oil and gas business of doing bad things. Very bad things. My job allows me to respond and defend the decent folks I work with. But in the end, it's just words So it's my pleasure to share with you something Petro-Canada's Downstream employees did that was good. Very good.
The annual United Way Employee Campaign at Petro-Canada is a big deal - right across the country. In Ontario, our employees, contractors, vendors and suppliers all get involved to raise money for the United Way of Greater Toronto. We're not the biggest employer in the Toronto area - not by a long shot. But we make up for it through hard-work and commitment. A team of employee volunteers put together an incredible campaign each year. Everything from canvassing to special events to Days of Caring.
The 2007 Campaign was no different. Well, a little different. For the first time ever, Petro-Canada's employees in the Toronto area were able to raise more than $1 million for the United Way of Greater Toronto. While the real winners are the many people that will benefit from the work of the United Way and the $108.1 million they raised through the 2007 Campaign, it was a great source of pride to be at this year's Spirit Awards Dinner and watch the campaign team win an unprecedented four Awards.
That's Michael Allen and Jessica West of Petro-Canada smiling with UW Board Chair Bob Harding after receiving the Employee Campaign Award. Petro-Canada's 2007 Campaign Team also won a Canvassing Team Award, a Corporate Support Award and received the Top Fundraiser Award for the Enbridge CN Tower Climb. Not too shabby guys.
The employees that made this campaign such a success are the people that operate our refineries, gas stations and other downstream related business. The very people who take the heat when the aforementioned critics start wagging their chins. They can say what they want. Our actions speak much louder.
Congratulations to all who ran or gave to United Way Campaigns in 2007. Hope you are as excited for the 2008 Campaign as we are!
Photo Credit: United Way of Greater Toronto
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