To coincide with United Way Campaign Day, Bruce Power invited Baseball Hall of Famer, Roberto Alomar, to speak at the fundraising event. The former Blue Jay also signed autographs and took photos with many adoring fans in attendance.

Hub Staff

Bruce Power employees, venders and union partners have so far raised $410,000 for United Way of Bruce Grey and hope that April 4, United Way Day, will help keep the fundraising momentum going with a goal to exceed $535,000. Earlier this year Bruce Power announced that with help from its partners, it will contribute $1.6 million to the United Way over three years.

To celebrate United Way Campaign Day, Bruce Power invited Baseball Hall of Famer and former Toronto Blue Jay, Roberto Alomar, to take part in the day, meet employees and sign autographs.

“United Way gives us an opportunity to support the community,” said Bruce Power CEO and President Mike Rencheck April 4. “United Way plays a key role in helping to fill the gaps that people fall into sometimes.”

Rencheck then gave examples of people in the community such as the elderly, people who need transportation, help with energy bills, and so on.

Bruce Power’s Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Environment, James Scongack, said that one of things he has realized from working with United Way is that they use a regional approach and leverage every dollar they raise. “They bring partners to the table and make sure you get value for every dollar. They're a very low-overhead organization and rely heavily on volunteers,” said Scongack.

Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director for United Way of Bruce Grey said that today was a major boost for the charity and without such a significant sponsor United Way would be scrambling. “This three year commitment enables us to plan,” said Dobbyn, who explained that United Way wants to help local food banks preserve fresh foods. “When you improve people’s health overall, you improve everything about their lives,” she said.

The former Blue Jay second-baseman said that he’s always happy to see people helping others. “It’s always nice to give back to the community and give hope,” said Alomar. When asked about the Toronto Blue Jay’s chances for the season he said that fans need to be positive.

“They’re going to be good. They have a great team and hopefully the kids stay healthy,” he said. “If the kids stay healthy through the year a lot of great things are going to happen.”

Vender and union partners donated over $72,000 to United Way of Bruce Grey during the campaign celebration.

Hatch was one of eight Bruce Power vendors who donated money to the United Way Campaign at Bruce Power April 4. Holding a cheque worth $7,500 were United Way Chair Nick Lovell (left), United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn, Hatch’s Global Director of Nuclear Jim Sarvinis and Bruce Power’s President and CEO Mike Rencheck, during Bruce Power’s United Way Campaign Day.

Roberto Alomar skillfully hand picked employees’ names from those who had donated to United Way through a raffle. Prizes included Toronto Blue Jay Canada Day tickets, employee tribute points and Cobble Beach golf packages.

Sports fan, United Way Past-Chair and Saugeen Shores Councillor Dave Myette, was armed with collectible items for Roberto Alomar to sign.

Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Alormar signed autographs and posed with many fans including Ben Antler (left) and Brendon Haefling (right) at Bruce Power’s B10 building April 4 to help celebrate Bruce Power’s United Way Campaign Day.