Southwest Gas’ commitment to our community extends beyond providing safe, sustainable and reliable natural gas service. This commitment is also reflected in our philanthropic efforts and the impact we make in the communities where we live and work. Giving back to the places our customers call home is a part of our company culture and key to our vision of building a more safe and sustainable future for everyone.
Our employees embrace this vision and Southwest Gas’ culture of giving, opening their hearts and volunteering their time. Through workplace giving programs such as FUEL for LIFE, and BLUE-Building Lives Up Everywhere, they generously contribute to numerous initiatives that support the most vulnerable and improve and beautify the areas we serve.
Last year, our employees pledged a total of $2.4 million companywide through FUEL for LIFE to local charitable organizations supported by the Southwest Gas Foundation. The program allows employees to contribute to local nonprofits directly from their paycheck, with 100 percent of their donation going to an organization of their choice. Our employees are reaching into their own pockets to financially support areas of need, and engagement is high, with 78% of employees participating in our 2023 FUEL for LIFE campaign. Comparatively, the average employee participation rates nationally for workplace giving is 33%, according to America’s Charities Corporate Benchmarking Analysis.
Since launching 11 years ago, employees have supported more than 2,200 nonprofits across our service territories with more than $22 million in total funding companywide. These funds support various organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada, Nevada Military Support Alliance, and Tahoe Rim Trail Association. This past summer, employees gave both financial donations and volunteered to assist the Sugar Pine Foundation. We were able to gift $6,000 and have 30 volunteers contribute 60 hours to plant 700 trees at the Caldor Fire burn scar.
Additionally, employees along with their families are making a difference, donating thousands of hours supporting our communities through our volunteer program BLUE. Year-round they volunteer for activities such as tree plantings, food packing, and preparing care packages for communities in need.
It is inspiring to see employees participating in these efforts with their children, sharing their passion for service with the next generation and exemplifying our culture of philanthropic giving.
Southwest Gas is extremely proud of our employees and thankful for our customers and community partners. Together we are fostering hope, creating meaningful impact, and strengthening our communities to build the path to a better future for everyone we serve.
Dr. Laura Nelson is the Southwest Gas Vice President, Sustainability and Public Policy