We believe in staying connected to the communities we serve. The FortisBC Community Relations team supports the unique needs and strengths of your community. We do that by meeting, listening, talking and working together. Some of the groups we meet with and support include:
- local government
- First Nations
- chambers of commerce
- community groups
- customers
- community opinion leaders
Kids' safety programs
FortisBC Kids Strategy Program teaches children and their parents about
natural gas safety. Since the program started in 2006, our employees have educated close to 5,000 students (Kindergarten to Grade 3) around the province. Children learn about the fundamentals of natural gas – where it comes from, how to use it, conserve it and how to be safe around it.
FortisBC Crosswalk Kids Program is in its fourth year in the Lower Mainland and Interior. Presented to schools located within 200 metres of a natural gas right-of-way, the classroom-based safety curriculum teaches kids about what's located in marked right-of-ways and how to stay safe in them. After the presentation, schools receive a specially designed pair of crosswalk markers – outfitted with wheels – to help keep kids safe on their way to and from school.
Community giving – we give where we live
At FortisBC, we're proud of our history of service to B.C. communities. We see giving back as an important part of our efforts to create a sustainable future for British Columbians - not only by developing and delivering integrated energy solutions, but also by doing our part to foster the health and wellbeing of the communities where we live and work.
Our Give where you live program provides the company and our employees a number of ways to give - offering three to support communities:
- Community Giving Days – annual company-wide volunteer event, as well as informal volunteer events across the province
- Employee giving partnerships – donation match and top-up opportunities for employees throughout the year, as well as annual donations for non-profit organizations where an employee volunteers
- Giving campaign – annual campaign benefitting Warm Hearts, our employee-run charitable organization, and United Way locations across B.C.