WHITE RIVER ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION
[White River] Giving Back is the Co-op Way BY ALAN MICHALEWICZ || GENERAL MANAGER || AMICH@WREA.ORG
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As some of you might know, cooperatives across the globe adhere to the same Seven Cooperative Principles that guide all of our decisions — from how we run the co-op, to how we engage with our local communities. Concern for community is the seventh principle and it is one that all employees of White River Electric Association value year round. But during the holiday season, concern for community seems especially important. Electric cooperatives have a long history of giving back. White River Electric is a strong supporter of local sports teams and organizations as well as other causes focused on community, economic growth and development. White River Electric awards thousands of dollars in educational scholarships to graduating high school seniors annually and renew those scholarships for students who qualify. WREA members help us give back, too. Through Energy Outreach Colorado, members can choose to make a monetary donation which goes toward helping those in need, right here in our community. Our commitment is also global. Through NRECA’s International Foundation, Colorado’s electric co-ops contribute to fundraising which allows for equipment and lineworkers to be sent overseas so they can help bring power to thousands
of people who never experienced the benefits of electricity or who are struggling to recover from a natural disaster. Closer to home many families go without on a daily basis and struggle to make ends meet. This struggle can be especially hard during the holiday season. There are many ways you can give Alan J. Michalewicz back to the community that go beyond dollar donations. Take some time to go through your closets and find clothes that no longer fit or lost their use. Bag those items up and take them to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill or church clothing drive. Volunteer for a local food or toy drive, deliver meals to the sick and the elderly or simply make a meal for a neighbor in need. No matter how great or small the act, every time we give back, we strengthen our community. So take the time to give back this holiday season. You’ll be glad you did.
WINTER SUPPLY KIT Assembling supplies before a storm arrives is one of the keys to weathering a winter storm emergency. Make sure your supply kit includes: • • • • • • • •
Flashlights with fresh batteries. Matches for lighting gas stoves or clean-burning heaters. Wood for a properly ventilated fireplace. First aid kit, prescription medicines and baby supplies. Food that can be kept in coolers and a manual can opener. A landline telephone and/or fully charged cellular phone. Bottled drinking water. Battery-powered emergency lights and radio.
coloradocountrylife.coop
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DECEMBER 2016
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