AMEC commits $30,000 for EWB's UBC chapter
In September 2005, AMEC, an international project management and services company, committed $6,000 per year (the cost of sending one short-term volunteer overseas) for the next five years to the University of British Columbia EWB chapter. Their contribution, totaling $30,000, marks the largest donation to an EWB chapter to date.
Jacqueline McAra, a Process Engineer, and Paul Nielson, a Metallurgist, are the two AMEC employees behind the initiative. Both recent graduates, from the University of Waterloo and the University of British Columbia respectively, recognize the important contributions to human development being made by Canadian engineering students involved in EWB.
For Paul "EWB's practices and innovative ideas really speak to AMEC's corporate vision for their company. It was a wonderful opportunity to support the growth and continued excellence of EWB while differentiating itself in the industry. While many corporations preach sustainability, it is important for leading companies like AMEC to demonstrate that their commitments are stronger than words."
This commitment on the part of AMEC increases the UBC chapter's capacity to support volunteers overseas and fund their many initiatives in Canada. Last year the chapter sent two volunteers - Danny Higginson and Neha Bangar - overseas for the summer. Danny volunteered in Tanzania working to create access to small-scale irrigation technologies, while Neha was in the Philippines, supporting computer and livelihood training for out-of-school youth.
According to Kathleen McLean, the UBC chapter president, the donation marks the first long-term commitment made to the chapter. "This means that we can shift our focus from fundraising for one of our volunteers, and spend that time developing leadership in the chapter and promoting learning about development in our community."
EWB hopes that other corporations will follow AMEC's lead by supporting the important work of our members both here in Canada and overseas.
Thank you to AMEC for their on-going support.
