Former Blue Jays player helps celebrate United Way Day at Bruce Power

Roberto Alomar was quite the star attraction at United Way Day at Bruce Power, Tuesday morning.

At least, once he got there.

Just as the former Toronto Blue Jays second baseman was set to arrive by plane from Toronto to the Kincardine Airport, fog settled in, delaying his arrival.

This special day shines a spotlight on the important work of the United Way of Bruce Grey and the huge support from Bruce Power for the organization's annual campaign.

Bruce Power has pledged $1.6- million over three years, and the 2017 campaign already has $410,000 raised.

James Scongack, vice-president of corporate affairs and environment at Bruce Power, said the company's president and chief executive officer, Mike Rencheck, has taken on the United Way cause and is now a board member.

The campaign goal for this year is $535,000 and the push is on to meet that target, said Scongack.

Rencheck said there is great opportunity for workers, suppliers and the community as Bruce Power continues to produce electricity through to 2064.

But there is also the need for social responsibility and assisting those less fortunate, he said.

“We appreciate all the suppliers and employees who support this cause. The United Way helps fill the gaps for many in the community – the elderly who have no family, people who struggle to pay their hydro bills. Without the United Way, these people would fall through the cracks. Thank you to everybody for your contributions. Let's really push to meet that $535,000 goal.”

Cathy Sprague gave a campaign update, noting the total sits at $413,000 which includes $120,000 from Bruce Power, $210,000 from employees either through payroll deduction or a donation, $20,000 from associations, $46,000 from vendors, and $17,000 from unions.

She said major prize draws are being held April 6, 11 and 13, with great items to be won. Those who donate to United Way will have their names put into the draws. And a special draw will be held April 10 – with the winner getting a car wash, courtesy of Rencheck, Scongack, Larry Alderdice of the Power Workers' Union, and Mike Gade of the Society of Energy Professionals.

Scongack said the United Way of Bruce Grey is an amazing organization. It relies heavily on volunteers, and leverages its funding well in order to do a lot with a little. He commended executive director Francesca Dobbyn for her work to help those who live in poverty in the region.

Nick Lovell, chairman of the board at the United Way of Bruce Grey, thanked everyone for the generous donations.

“Last Thursday, we used $110,000 to fund 30 programs in the region,” he said. “All the donations to our organization stay in the local area.”

He showed a video, depicting the funding received from the United Way of Bruce Grey, for the Eat and Learn Program, the Municipality of West Grey, PRANCE in Port Elgin, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

“Thank you for helping make a difference in people's lives,” he said.

Doug Bohnert of the Power Workers' Union, spoke on behalf of Larry Alderdice, noting that the union is honoured to be a co-sponsor of this campaign with Bruce Power and the Society of Energy Professionals.

“This campaign is important so that those who are in need can get the help they need,” he said, and presented a cheque for $7,500. The Society donated $10,000, and other suppliers donated $7,500 each. The Quarter Century Club donated $16,858, and the North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NA-YGN) donated $3,215.

Alomar finally arrived and said it was great to be part of the campaign to help those less fortunate.

“I'm looking forward to touring the little city here,” he said. “Thanks for inviting me to come.”

He then spent some time, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

During a media scrum, he noted that the key to success with the Blue Jays or with any organization, is the guy at the top.
“If he has the right mind-set, then everyone else will follow along and great things will happen.”



Roberto Alomar speaks about the importance of the United Way campaign, and the Blue Jays' chances this season