Northwestel’s Volunteer Involvement Fund recognizes the volunteer work of Northwestel employees by making donations to community organizations with which they work. Since the fund was first established in 2002, it has provided $87,200.00 in donations across the North. The amount of donations for 2010 is $13,200.00, representing more than 3300 hours of volunteer work last year.

“Northwestel employees give of their time in so many important ways,” said Paul Flaherty, Northwestel President and Chief Executive Officer. “During 2010, for example, our employees volunteered for a food bank, a community greenhouse, sporting activities, and search and rescue organizations, just to name a few. We encourage our employees to volunteer to help make the North a better place to live and we are happy to support their efforts through the Volunteer Involvement Fund.”

Each Northwestel employee can apply for one donation per year of $400.00. The employee must have volunteered a minimum 50 hours for a single organization during a one-year period.

“My family and I have been involved with the Iqaluit Parents and Tots Association since we moved here about three years ago,” said Matthew Faulks, Iqaluit Service Technician. “The group provides a free drop-in program for parents and children up to about five years of age, with crafts, toys and healthy snacks for the children. We’ve found that it’s a great way to meet other parents, learn from one another about things like local culture and cooking, and get involved in the community.”

“I started volunteering for the Yellowknife Marine Rescue Society more than five years ago,” said Mark Switzer, Portfolio Manager Internet Services in Yellowknife. “The group is linked to the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, a nation-wide volunteer organization. We provide search and rescue services on the water, which is very important to the community and is also a really fascinating area to be involved in, especially since we receive essential training in areas such as First Aid, CPR, rough water and working on vessels.”

 “I started coaching cross-country skiing in Whitehorse shortly after I arrived here to work for Northwestel more than 20 years ago,” said Perry Hynes, Business Analyst in Whitehorse. “Both my wife and I were involved and then when our daughters were old enough, we enrolled them in the skiing programs too. I really enjoy working with the kids and seeing them develop their skills, right from their first time on skis to more advanced levels. I think learning to cross-country ski has huge benefits for their health and well-being, their sense of accomplishment and their level of confidence. They learn new skills and hopefully they’ll pass them on to others, later in life.”

Most groups receive a donation of $400.00 from the Volunteer Involvement Fund. However, six organizations received a larger amount as part of the 2010 program, because more than one employee applied successfully on their behalf. The Yellowknife Ukrainian Association, Cross Country Yukon, Grey Mountain Lions Club, the Ride for Dad and Whitehorse Lions Club all received $800.00 and the Yellowknife Marine Rescue Society received $1200.00, due to volunteer work by multiple Northwestel employees. There is a cap of $2000 per organization each year. That means it is possible for up to five employees to benefit the same organization in the same year.

In 2010, Northwestel contributed more than $600,000 in cash and in-kind donations to many northern community groups. 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.

For a complete list of approved applications for the Volunteer Involvement Fund in 2010, please contact Sunny Patch at (867) 455-4245.