By Katie Ryan
Husky Energy representatives rolled up their sleeves on Monday, ready to hand out a stack of giant cheques.
Through a number of initiatives the Husky Energy Charitable 2009-10 Campaign generated a windfall in funds, presenting 10 different local non-profit agencies with individual cheques and ultimately putting more than $172,000 back into the community.
“This is the best day of the whole campaign – when we get to give the money to the agencies, ” said Dawn Veltikold, the campaign’s past chairperson.
Husky Energy employees and contract staff set a record by raising approximately $104,000 of the funds through contributions, fundraising events and payroll deductions.
“Our main drive is in October/November and pledges then come in effective Jan. 1. For the whole year for each pay-cheque employees can contribute an amount per pay-cheque and the majority of our funding comes from payroll deductions,” said Veltikold. “People can make cash contributions and we do some different fundraising activities as well, ranging from silent auctions, chili luncheons, Biggest Loser challenges and brass ring draw – just whatever the employees decided they wanted to do for possible fundraisers.”
Husky Energy in turn matches a large portion of its employees’ contributions. Each year the committee determines which agencies will be included in the campaign. Among the organizations benefitting this year is the District United Way, who received a cheque for $38,641.75.
Local United Way president, Sharon Swift, said the donation will bring the organization one step closer to reaching their $135,000 fundraising goal to support 16 local agencies that provide essential programs and services to Lloydminster. With Husky’s generosity, United Way has raised $110,000 to date.
Trevor Ollen, president of Lloydminster and District SPCA, said Husky’s $26,498.59 donation will go towards their big project – a new facility.
“It looks like most of the support we are going to get (for the new building) is from local businesses like Husky and from private donors and of course big support from the city,” said Ollen.
Fundraising is already under way for the next round of donations, but this year, Veltikold, who has spearheaded the committee for over 15 years, is passing on the torch to a new chairperson, Bob Baird.
Baird, who is the vice president of upgrading and refining, said the campaign is about heightening awareness of Husky’s partner agencies.
“I think there is a triad here, you raise money, you increase the volunteer work our employees can do and you try to get a little bit closer to the charities by asking the charities to talk about what they do with their money and hopefully that promotes more giving,” he said.
For a complete look at the Husky donations, check out Thursday's Source.