AWCF awards grant to USA (L to R): Jeffrey McIntyre, President, WVAM; Aldie Warnock, Sr. VP, External Affairs, AW, and board member, AWCF; Fred Myers, Executive Director, USA; and Ken Purdue, President, WV AFL-CIO. |
VOORHEES, NJ, April 20, 2015 -- In an effort to prove water-based recreational activities in three communities, the American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF) -- a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created by American Water, the nation's largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company -- recently announced that it has awarded a grant to the Union Sportsmen's Alliance (USA).
The $25,000 grant will bring together union members and American Water employees to volunteer their time and skills to water-related conservation projects in Charleston, W. Va., Chattanooga, Tenn., and Peoria, Ill.
The grant which was announced at the USA's 2nd Annual West Virginia AFL-CIO Conservation Dinner on April 18, will pair the organization's all-volunteer Work Boots on the Ground program with projects that benefit three American Water communities by improving public access to water-based recreational opportunities or enhancing the environmental sustainability of existing recreational areas.
Launched in 2010, Work Boots on the Ground brings together union members willing to volunteer their time and expertise to projects that conserve wildlife habitat, mentor youth in the outdoors, improve public access to the outdoors, and restore America's parks.
"To every conservation project union members take on through Work Boots on the Ground, they bring an unmatched work-ethic, superior trade skills and a desire to give back to their community," said USA Executive Director and CEO Fred Myers. "We commend American Water for its good corporate citizenship in supporting its Foundation and this program, and we look forward to working together to improve public access to the recreational opportunities that clean water provides."
During the April 18 dinner, West Virginia American Water (WVAM) announced an additional $10,000 grant for the Charleston, W.Va. Work Boots on the Ground project.
"A large number of West Virginia American Water employees are avid outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and fishers, and this project aligns employee interests with community-based initiatives that preserve and promote our natural resources," said WVAM President Jeffrey McIntyre. "This additional donation will help ensure that we complete a top-notch project in the Charleston area to benefit our customers and our employees."
See also:
"American Water provides funding to support local nature-based play spaces"
"American Water releases mobile version of customer account management website"
About American Water
Founded in 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in more than 45 states and parts of Canada. For more information, visit www.amwater.com.
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