Nalcor Energy and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro), during the National Volunteer Week that ran from April 15 to 21, held their second annual Acts of Kindness week to give back to local communities.
Throughout the week, employees across Newfoundland and Labrador volunteered their time and talents to various community based organizations. There were approximately 20 employees involved in five projects that included, two mornings with the Breakfast Program at Bay d’Espoir Academy, a clean up at the Bay d'Espoir Academy and playground areas, and entertaining at KM Homes and the Greenwood Manor seniors complex.
To begin the week, Fred Sheppard, Robert Organ and Frank Collier visited the K and M Homes in St Alban’s and entertained the residents with their musical talents. One of the residents stated that she would love to have them come more often to visit and entertain. The residents sang along with the group and really enjoyed their afternoon entertainment.
On April 17th, there were approximately ten employees doing a clean up around the school grounds at Bay d’Espoir Academy and did an amazing job.
“We started around Bay d'Espoir Academy and down towards the ball field,” stated Rob Bartlett. “It was a great bit of fun and certainly worthwhile doing. It’s very important that we stay active in the community and demonstrate our commitment to being a valued corporate citizen. We collected a fair bit of garage and around 3 large bags of recyclable which we dropped off to the school recycling program.”
On April 19th, another group of four volunteers were at Bay d’Espoir Academy to generously help out with the breakfast program. This is a very important program that is available for the children at school and the demand for volunteers is always needed. Once the bus arrived, the entire lunchroom was filled with children gathering to have a healthy snack before classes began. The group of volunteers had everything prepared and ready for the group, amazing teamwork. While at the Breakfast Program on Tuesday the employees made a cash donation to that program in the amount of $85.00. The money came from a recycling program at Hydro Generation.
On Thursday afternoon, Sherry King, Trudy Sooley and visited Greenwood Manor in Milltown and helped out with a bingo game.
Volunteers are extremely important for any community to be functional and progress. The reward in volunteering is being able to help organizations or groups and throughout this week of event, Nalcor’s employees have done a little which has meant a lot.
“Nalcor and Hydro are committed to our community, in fact, it’s our fifth Corporate Goal,” stated Sam Rose. “The purpose of Acts of Kindness Week is to demonstrate our commitment to Goal 5 and show how we give back and volunteer in the communities in which we live and work. We're currently in Day 3 and it's been a huge success in all participating regions of the province so far, with many employees volunteering their time to organizations that needed a helping hand. Our employees have been generous with their time and support for many important charities and community groups. It's wonderful to see this level of volunteerism.”
“Nalcor and Hydro employees have a long history of supporting their local communities,” said Jim Haynes, Hydro’s Vice President of Regulated Operations. “With the Acts of Kindness Card Program we are creating new opportunities for employees to spread good deeds within our communities. We encourage people across this province to join us in spreading small acts of kindness.”
“This is the second year I have helped coordinate the "Acts of Kindness " initiative. I continue to be amazed at the number of people coming forward to participate,” stated Derrick Maye.
“Their willingness to get involved, organize and make things happen is very evident and makes our work as coordinators easy and enjoyable.
These employees bring a variety of skills and talent to the activities and show why they are leaders in Hydro Generation, as well as leaders in the communities in which they live.”
“The local organizations are very willing to open their doors and allow outsiders to come in and be involved. It was obvious from the smiles and gratitude shown by these groups that this event was indeed a success again this year. Hopefully, next year we'll be able to expand and help others as well. It was equally as obvious from speaking with the employees that they really enjoyed the outings and an opportunity to give something back. To quote one who went above and beyond to make the seniors' visit more enjoyable "It just makes you feel good".
I look forward to being involved in this initiative annually.”
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