Northwestel and its employees have once again raised more than $26,000.00 for the United Way of Yukon.

The 15^th annual United Way campaign in Yukon took place last month. Northwestel and other workplaces across the territory joined together to raise funds for programs and services that assist Yukon children, youth, families and people living with disabilities, and that fight substance abuse and poverty.

Fundraising activities were held at six of Northwestel’s workplaces in Whitehorse throughout the month of October. Employees volunteered to organize and participate in a BBQ, bake sales, raffles, a baked potato lunch and a pumpkin-carving contest. They also bought lunch at a “CrockFest”, in which employees donated food prepared in a crockpot. In addition, many employees signed up for payroll deductions and made one-time donations.

Northwestel matches 100 per cent of the funds raised through one-time donations and workplace events. It also provides a 50 per cent matching contribution for all payroll deductions.

“We are very proud of the generosity and community spirit that our employees demonstrate every year in response to the United Way campaign,” said Paul Flaherty, Northwestel President and Chief Executive Officer. “United Way is a wonderful opportunity for us to work together toward a worthwhile goal, while also having fun. Our employees have made 2009 another successful fundraising year and the company is delighted to partner with them to help Yukoners in need.”

The total amount that went to United Way Yukon this year from Northwestel and its employees was $26,348.00, approximately $250.00 more than in 2008.

“On behalf of United Way, I’d like to say that we are very grateful for the unbelievable generosity of Northwestel and its employees,” said Leslie McRae, United Way of Yukon Campaign Committee Chair. “They have given not only dollars, but also their time and energy to help make the Yukon a better place to live. The fundraising events at Northwestel required volunteers to step forward to organize, host, bring and prepare food, and much more. As an employee at Northwestel, I helped to coordinate our United Way fundraising and I am very happy with what we’ve accomplished again this year.”

In 2008, Northwestel contributed more than $670,000 in cash and in-kind donations to many northern community groups, including the 2008 Arctic Winter Games. Throughout its history, Northwestel has played a key role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North. Northwestel is recognized as a key contributor to the well-being of northern communities through its community investment program and the volunteer contributions of its employees.

Northwestel provides complete telecommunications solutions and entertainment services in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, northern British Columbia and High Level, Alberta. The company’s operations span nearly 4 million square kilometres of the most remote and rugged areas of Canada.