| |  | Working with communities
Positive and lasting impacts
|
Investing in communities
We give back to local communities where we have a presence through financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteer efforts. Our contributions are focused on math, science and technology education; the environment; and civic and community programs.
Through our corporate contributions, volunteer efforts and active engagement with stakeholders, we strive to make a positive and lasting impact in the communities where we operate.
|
In 2008, we contributed $12.1 million to more than 600 projects across Canada. Three of our notable contributions during the year included:
- science outreach program in Nova Scotia
We contributed $200,000 to St. Francis Xavier University to enhance and expand its science outreach program in schools throughout northeastern Nova Scotia. The program aims to create a love of science through the use of classroom education kits and summer science camps, as well as in-school presentations by university faculty and students. - Eyes on the Wetlands in Calgary
We are partnering with Parks Foundation Calgary, Spruce Meadows and Ducks Unlimited Canada to develop Eyes on the Wetlands, Calgary’s newest interpretive wetlands program. Our $400,000 contribution will be used to develop a “living classroom” environment in and around the Spruce Meadows equestrian venue, featuring observation platforms, an interpretive marsh walk and an education program for Grade 5 students. The program is designed to address a number of topics including the value of the wetlands in the ecosystem and the importance of water conservation. - cancer research in Toronto
We made a $500,000 donation to Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital, Canada’s premier comprehensive cancer research centre. Our contribution will help hospital researchers advance innovative approaches to treatment and symptom management of mesothelioma,a form of cancer associated with exposure to asbestos.
| United Way
The money we raise for United Way-Centraide campaigns is used to help children and youth, senior citizens in need, families, abused women, disabled and homeless people as well as newcomers to Canada. In 2008, our company,in partnership with employees and retirees, contributed nearly $3.2 million to United Way-Centraide campaigns – the highest amount in our history.
Volunteerism
In addition to United Way, Imperial employees and retirees are active volunteers in many community organizations across Canada. We look for ways to reward the good work they do in the community while supporting a wide range of non-profit organizations. Under the Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP), employees, retirees and their spouses or partners can apply for grants for charitable and non-profit organizations where they volunteer. More than $225,000 in VIP funding was granted in 2008 to support about 290 organizations.
Esso retailers
Esso-branded retailers and associates, most of whom are independent small business operators, are the face of the company in many communities across Canada. Caring for the community has long been an important part of their approach to doing business. Through the Esso Community Program, retailers and associates, together with Imperial contributions, raised more than $285,000 to support nearly 200 community initiatives across Canada. These ranged from supporting food banks to sponsoring local sporting events and teams to raising funds for hospitals and children’s programs.
| Community engagement
Community engagement is an essential part of our approach to helping us understand stakeholder concerns and build and maintain strong relationships. We engage with a broad range of stakeholders including governments, regulators, industry, local residents, nongovernmental organizations and Aboriginal communities. This engagement takes many forms, including individual meetings, community presentations, open houses, newsletters and electronic media. In 2008, we implemented community outreach programs in 18 operating areas across our company. We also conducted consultation in support of five growth projects.
Aboriginal relations
Many of Imperial’s operations and development opportunities are located within Aboriginal communities or on their traditional lands. Developing and maintaining lasting relationships with Aboriginal stakeholders based on mutual trust and respect is essential if we are to achieve our business objectives.
In 2008, we introduced enhanced guiding principles to support our approach to Aboriginal relations. The new principles will focus our efforts in the areas of consultation, workforce development, business development and community relations.
In support of these principles, we:
- established a network of employees to encourage the sharing of best practices in Aboriginal relations across the company
- focused on educational initiatives for Aboriginal students through the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, the Iniskim Centre at Mount Royal College in Calgary, the Six Nations Polytechnic in Ohsweken, Ontario, and the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership in the Northwest Territories
- invested about $685,000 in community, education and training programs that support Aboriginal students across Canada
- participated in business development workshops in Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. The workshops helped local and Aboriginal businesses understand project-related business opportunities, prequalification requirements and contracting processes
- spent about $105 million in procurement contracts to Aboriginal businesses
Imperial was honoured in 2008 by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers with a Steward of Excellence Award for its Cold Lake operation’s Native Internship Program. The program provides paid on-the-job training for Aboriginal people for up to two years, with graduates gaining valuable technical experience working in field or plant operations.
|
| Supporting hockey in the community
For decades, Imperial and Esso retailers have sponsored hockey in the community. We’re a premier sponsor of Hockey Canada and support numerous minor hockey events and programs. Our Esso Medals and Certificates of Achievement Program, for example, supports hockey coaches with access to free medals and certificates so that they can recognize young players. In addition, Esso Fun Days, a program that provides girls with access to free introductory clinics, has helped to support the ongoing growth of women’s hockey. Through our various associations with Canadian professional hockey teams, our minor hockey events and programs provide youngsters with access to a hockey experience – the Esso Minor Hockey Festival in Montreal and Esso Minor Hockey Nights in Calgary and Edmonton are a few examples. I attend many hockey events and programs on behalf of the company and am always moved by the heartfelt words of thanks and appreciation from participants, parents and volunteers. These and other hockey sponsorship programs have a direct and positive impact on the community. Hockey means so much to so many people in this country, and I’m proud that we’re able to support hockey in the community.
Karen Fraser, marketing sponsorship advisor, fuels marketing
| |
|
|
