NOVA Chemicals and its employees dug deep and raised $806,000 for the United Way Central Alberta.
“These funds are a combination of generous employee and retiree pledges, NOVA’s matching dollars and an additional contribution from the company acknowledging the unparalleled degree of need this year,” said Mark Hodson, Joffre site leader in a statement.
“Throughout a particularly troublesome year, I was impressed with our employees’ enthusiasm as we navigated through a multi-month-long virtual campaign. Their generosity is commendable and will significantly impact many in need.”
Brett Speight, United Way’s chief executive officer, said 2020’s pandemic and economy dealt serious damage to not-for-profit social service agencies. They couldn’t hold their traditional fundraisers and their client numbers increased as donor numbers fell.
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“This astounding contribution from NOVA Chemicals and its employees provides our community with the hope that many vital programs for vulnerable populations will have what is needed to continue to operate in 2021,” Speight said.
Jim Dixon, Joffre site campaign chair, said it was reported that about 20 per cent of the not-for-profit agencies would likely not survive the pandemic.
“I am proud of our campaign efforts and hope these funds will help alter that statistic,” Dixon said.
Speight said earlier this year, NOVA Chemicals’ cumulative giving total reached the $10 million mark.
“Combined with countless volunteer hours by employees in the community, @NOVAChemicals’ commitment to the United Way and all of Central Alberta can’t be over-estimated. Thank you NOVA Chemicals and your employees for caring so much about your community’s well-being.”