HALIFAX, Nova Scotia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Emera and its employees have donated more than $6 million in critical community support since the start of the pandemic. Today, the company is announcing 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, 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. “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 today, 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. In addition to investing $25,000 in materials, construction, electrical services and on-site security, our teams helped to make the concept of the Tunnel of Hope a reality and a celebration of community resiliency, bringing light and lifting spirits during the holiday season.
“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.”
The $6 million in donations supported increased community needs in 2020. Together with its operating companies, Emera has contributed over $5.5 million to organizations providing critical aid for the most vulnerable in our communities, focusing on providing support to organizations that help with energy costs and other basic needs such as food and shelter.
Beyond these corporate commitments, Emera’s employees stepped up to raise $500,000 in additional donations 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.
All of these donations were made in addition to Emera’s regular annual charitable investments in support of building stronger, safer and more innovative communities.
Quotes:
“Emera is a leader in supporting mental health in our region and this incredibly generous gift will go a long way toward easing the burden on Nova Scotians who are struggling with mental illness and addiction. We know this holiday season will be challenging for everyone, but even more so for those who are living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders. The Foundation is incredibly fortunate to call Emera a steadfast and community-minded friend.” – Starr Cunningham, President & CEO, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
“The Teen Resource Centre (TRC) is thrilled to receive this donation from Emera. Our mission is to provide a safe and encouraging environment that inspires youth to reach their full potential. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social isolation and emotional stress for everyone, but the impact is even greater for our vulnerable youth. Now more than ever, our youth need our help. This donation will assist TRC in helping youth access social and mental health supports they need to thrive in our community.” – June Breau-Nason, Executive Director, Teen Resource Centre
“On behalf of everyone at Thrive, we are honoured to receive this generous donation from Emera. Thrive supports over 700 vulnerable individuals annually, and this donation will help ensure we have the resources to carry out this vital work.” – Angela Crockwell, Executive Director, Thrive
About Emera
Emera Inc. is a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with approximately $32 billion in assets and 2019 revenues of more than $6.1 billion. The company primarily invests in regulated electricity generation and electricity and gas transmission and distribution with a strategic focus on transformation from high carbon to low carbon energy sources. Emera has investments throughout North America, and in four Caribbean countries. Emera’s common and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade respectively under the symbol EMA, EMA.PR.A, EMA.PR.B, EMA.PR.C, EMA.PR.E, EMA.PR.F and EMA.PR.H. Depositary receipts representing common shares of Emera are listed on the Barbados Stock Exchange under the symbol EMABDR and on The Bahamas International Securities Exchange under the symbol EMAB. Additional Information can be accessed at www.emera.com or at www.sedar.com.
