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Hamilton Utilities Corporation
is committed to supporting the community in which it does business. Since
becoming a Corporation in July 2000, Hamilton Utilities Corporation has
been developing a policy governing its corporate social responsibility/community
investment program (CSR). This includes donations, gifts–in-kind,
and corporate-supported employee volunteer activities.
Based on a 2002 consultation process with our employees,
the Company adopted two related areas of focus for its CSR. Specifically,
this focus is to educate and promote conservation with our customers,
and the development of alternate sources of energy.
This focus aligns with our Mission and Vision statements
and leverages our core-business expertise.
Hamilton Utilities Corporation acknowledges that, in
addition to fulfilling our leadership role in the community by supporting
worthwhile causes, CSR is also a sound investment for the Corporation.
The donations’ budget will be set annually by Board of Directors
based on the Company’s financial results and the economic climate.
Over the next 10 years, the Corporation will move towards a target of
1% of its pre-tax profit.
Any individual commitment or long-term pledge which exceeds $25,000 in
total is to be pre-approved by the full Board of Directors.
Hamilton Utilities Corporation’s CSR is administered
under the Corporate Services Vice-President through the Corporate Communications
Department.
Applicable to donations in excess of $1,000
and excluding Corporate Sponsorships for special events, gifts in kind
and low-cost advertising specialties
Hamilton Utilities Corporation receives many requests
for support from worthwhile organizations. As a result, the Board has
developed Guidelines to inform our community investment program. Organizations
applying for support must comply with the Guidelines in order to be considered.
- The organization must be based in our community
or be providing direct services to our community.
- It must be responding to a proven community need (as
demonstrated in the organization’s proposal to Hamilton Utilities Corporation.)
- The organization must produce audited annual financial
statements.
- The organization must present a proposal with S.M.A.R.T.
(Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) goals.
Hamilton Utilities Corporation’s donation policy
is to fund services provided by the organization. Therefore, the Corporation
will not consider requests to fund trips to conferences and conventions
by employees of an organization, or their meals, accommodation or travel
expenses.
- Political parties or individuals running for office
- Religious or sectarian organizations
- Advocacy or lobby groups
- Recreation or sports organizations
- Individuals
- Preference will be given to projects relating
to our CSR
- Preference will be given to non-profit organizations
proposed by employees or Board members, provided they meet the Guidelines
and do not represent a conflict of interest.
In-Kind Donations And Low-Cost Advertising
Specialities:
This includes donations of employee time or Hamilton Utilities Corporation services
to non-profit organizations, which have charitable numbers and may provide
official income tax receipts. Official tax receipts may be requested but
they must be addressed to the Corporation and not to the individual. Most
non-profit corporations will assess the value of products, time or services
on the basis of fair market value.
Low-cost advertising specialities under $50. per item
may be used for promotional purposes by non-profit organizations. These
may include key chains, stickers, buttons, balloons with the Hamilton Utilities Corporation logo
(or the logo of a subsidiary or subsidiaries).
Hamilton Utilities Corporation and its subsidiaries
may sponsor events, trade fairs, publications, etc., as part of its advertising
and promotions program. These sponsorships are distinct from the Community
Investment and Donations policy, and fall under
Hamilton Utilities Corporation’s Communications Plan (updated yearly)
and/or subsidiaries’ annual advertising and marketing plans.
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