“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” — Winston S. Churchill
Hundreds of companies around the world, including PSEG, will celebrate #GivingTuesday on Nov. 29
The word giving has many different meanings for each of us. Some choose to give their time and energy by volunteering; some choose to support others through monetary donations. Both are equally important when helping others. And helping others is something where our employees, like Joanne Brandmaier, excel. Joanne, a senior staff accountant at PSEG, donates funds and volunteers her time at the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, and in the past at the Academy of Holy Angels, because she feels that she has been given so much in life to be grateful for. It’s her way of giving back and saying thanks.
Many things have changed since our founding in 1903, but our unwavering commitment to the community by giving back – both by the company and by our employees – has remained a constant.
Our employees’ giving efforts have meant tens of thousands of volunteer hours and millions of dollars to organizations to help make a difference in the communities in which we live and we serve.
For example, Rachael Fredericks, a project manager with our energy efficiency group in PSE&G, moved to New Jersey from Cape Cod. She loved the beaches there and — with PSEG’s support — she’s working with the American Littoral Society to help advocate and care for the coast of New Jersey.
Our employees have come out in force at the Walk ‘n Roll for Children’s Specialized Hospital, March of Dimes in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Long Island, Light the Night walks supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Diversity Stride. We continue to support the United Way and many local organizations including Boy and Girl Scouts, YMCAs, pet rescue organizations and social services organizations. And most recently, more than 60 employees volunteered their time to help build a playground with KaBoom in Ridgewood, N.J. for a special needs school.
On Giving Tuesday, we will celebrate our employees’ generosity and PSEG’s dedication to giving back. Instead of a specific fundraiser throughout PSEG, we will celebrate #GivingTuesday with a 2:1 match to any qualified non-profit organization our employees give to.
Why do we do the match? It’s to encourage and support employees like Mark Lovretin, our company photographer, who has been volunteering for animal shelters for more than seven years. “It always makes me feel good to give back to the community and represent PSEG,” he said. “I give my spare time and donations to a nonprofit I am passionate about and believe needs support. The Giving Tuesday/PSEG match is a no brainer.”
Last year on Giving Tuesday, our employees and PSEG raised more than $50,000 to support organizations within our communities.
Our role in the community is not a separate entity but an integral part of our daily work. Our employee business resource groups, a source for many of our employee volunteers, has seen an increase in membership of more than 10 percent in 2016. Our volunteer initiatives help create a diverse, inclusive culture where employees contribute to the overall success of the company.
Ellen Lambert,
President, PSEG Foundation & Chief Diversity Officer, PSEG
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