BRYN MAWR, PA — Essential Utilities Inc. (NYSE: WTRG) has announced contributions totaling more than $800,000 to the United Way during its 2023-2024 giving campaign, dubbed The Essential Way. This remarkable achievement combines individual employee pledges from both water and gas segments of the company, Aqua and Peoples Natural Gas, with a matching gift from the company’s Essential Foundation.
The campaign, which saw participation from over 2,000 employees, will benefit 479 community organizations across the nine states where Essential operates. This includes a wide array of United Way organizations and other nonprofits within the network, supporting causes ranging from health and human services to environmental conservation. Over the past two decades, Aqua and Peoples’ partnership with the United Way has resulted in donations exceeding $3.1 million, underscoring a long-standing commitment to community engagement and support.
Christopher Franklin, Chairman and CEO of Essential, expressed his pride in the employees’ enthusiasm for contributing to their communities. “Our team’s generosity reflects their deep commitment to making a positive impact through both their daily work and philanthropic efforts,” Franklin stated. The company’s contributions are directed at a variety of initiatives, allowing employees to support causes that resonate with them personally while also addressing broader community needs.
The campaign’s success is particularly notable in the Greater Philadelphia region, where Essential ranked among the top performers in workplace giving, demonstrating a significant increase in employee participation compared to the previous year. This surge in engagement highlights the growing commitment among Essential’s workforce to support their local communities through charitable giving.
Leaders from the United Way have lauded Essential’s campaign for its substantial impact on the communities it serves. Bill Golderer, President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, praised the campaign’s strength and reliability, especially in the wake of the pandemic’s challenges. “Essential’s campaign stands out for its generosity and commitment, providing essential support for our neighbors facing obstacles,” Golderer remarked.
In Pittsburgh, the collaboration between Peoples Natural Gas and the United Way extends to the 2-1-1 program, a vital resource connecting residents with community assistance programs. Bobbi Watt Geer, President & CEO of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, commended Essential employees for their dedication to fostering a stronger, more supportive region.
The Essential Way campaign is part of a broader commitment by Essential Utilities Inc. to contribute to the welfare of the communities it serves. In 2023 alone, the company allocated $5 million towards various charitable initiatives, including health and human services, environmental causes, economic development, and education. This comprehensive approach to corporate social responsibility demonstrates Essential’s determination to not only provide critical resources like water and gas but also to actively participate in building healthier, more resilient communities.
As Essential Utilities Inc. continues to expand its philanthropic efforts, its partnership with the United Way and other community organizations remains a cornerstone of its mission to make a lasting, positive impact on society. This collaborative approach to charity underscores the potential of corporate and employee generosity to address pressing community needs and foster a culture of giving that benefits all.
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