Business Does Good: Emera, Employees, Have Donated Over $6-Million For Covid-19 Support
This story is part of a series called, Business Does Good, stories about Maritime companies contributing time and money to making their communities stronger.
HALIFAX — Emera and its employees donated more than $6-million in critical community support since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Late last week, the company announced it will be donating an additional $125,000 to support mental health services in the region.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, our team has continued to not only safely deliver the critical energy our customers count on, but they have also stepped up repeatedly to find new ways to give back and help the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Scott Balfour, president and CEO of Emera Inc, in a news release.
“It’s their compassion and dedication that inspired us to make this latest donation to recognize their ongoing commitments to our customers, the community and each other.”
Through the $125,000 donation in support of mental health being announced last Thursday, Emera is giving $50,000 to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, $25,000 to Teen Resource Centre in New Brunswick and $25,000 to Thrive in Newfoundland.
The Emera and Nova Scotia Power teams are also partnering with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia to present the Tunnel of Hope on Halifax’s waterfront. Emera is investing $25,000 in materials, construction, electrical services and on-site security to the project.
“We know the holidays can be a difficult time for many and that’s especially true this year with the added challenges and pressures of the pandemic,” said Balfour. “We wanted to do more to directly help provide greater access to mental health services to help those struggling during this holiday season.”
Since the pandemic began Emera has contributed over $5.5-million to organizations providing aid for the most vulnerable in the community, focusing on providing support to organizations that help with energy costs and other basic needs such as food and shelter. Emera’s employees raised an additional $500,000 in support of families experiencing financial hardship.
They gave more than $300,000 to this year’s United Way campaign – making Emera the largest corporate donor for more than 20 consecutive years – and also led a virtual food bank drive, resulting in donations of over $100,000 to FEED Nova Scotia, the Community Food Bank of Saint John, and the Newfoundland Food Sharing Association.
Together with the company, employees gave another $25,000 to Emera’s “Love for Local” initiative supporting local non-profits and small businesses and they also make continuing contributions to Emera’s biweekly IWK Lottery Program.