Novelis Employees kick-off United Way Campaign

October 14th, 2013

Oswego, NY – One the United Way?s most generous supporters, Novelis, officially kicked off their in-house employee campaign with an informational and inspiring meeting where they announced their goal for the United Way?s 2013 ? 2014 Annual Campaign.

Novelis campaign coordinator, Dick Delaney addressed those present, including; employee campaign committee members, team leaders, and Novelis plant officials, and congratulated his co-workers for their generous support of previous campaigns.

?In 2008, despite a very challenging economy, Novelis employees set a record with a total contribution of $86,000. Since that time we have exceeded our goal every year and set a new record with $88,000 in employee donations. I am confident that this year we will once again exceed our goal,? said Delaney.

United Way Resource Development Director, Lois Luber, echoed that praise and spoke of the many ways in which employee donations impact the lives of those served by United Way agencies.

?Your donations touch the lives of countless families throughout Oswego County. From seniors receiving hot meals and enjoying each other?s company at OCO?s Dining and Activity Centers, to providing homes with wheelchair accessible ramps, and after school youth programs offered in the safe environment of Catholic Charities? CYO, these programs are made possible by the generous donations we receive through employee campaigns like yours,? said Luber.

Following a moving video that highlighted the tremendous impact of United Way supported agency programs, Delaney asked how many of those in attendance ever personally, or know someone who has benefited from a United Way supported agency. Surprisingly a number of hands were raised as Novelis employees shared their stories. One spoke of his autistic daughter and how support she received services through ARC?s Early Intervention Program. Another spoke of his grandparent?s experiences.

?After my grandmother passed away my grandfathers? health was declining and he needed help cooking. Fortunately he was able to have meals delivered to him through the Meals on Wheels program. He also was able to receive rides to his doctor?s appointments when he could no longer drive. The people we dealt with regarding these programs were the nicest people you?d ever meet. I have supported the United Way since I became employed here and I will always support United Way because of what they did for my grandfather,? said another employee.

Delaney added that the campaign team at Novelis is looking forward to this year?s campaign. ?What helps to make our campaigns successful is that we approach it as team. We develop and communicate a vision for achieving our goal for the United Way Campaign. We are constantly updating our progress and make adjustments as need to make sure we meet or exceeded our goal. It?s important for us to support United Way because the agency helps and supports so many organizations that provide services for those in need in our community. Novelis employees recognize the many benefits of being socially responsible to our community and our efforts are encouraged and supported by Novelis corporate. We feel that United Way is the best agency to handle our support for our community and we are proud to be able to United Way reach its goal and continue its mission in Oswego County. We are well aware that it is our community and we do take it personal,? said Delaney.

For more information on the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Annual Campaign visit their website at oswegounitedway.org.

Cut line for photo: Team leaders for Novelis? Annual Employee Campaign recently welcomed Lois Luber, resource development director for United Way to discuss the important work that United Way does in Oswego County and their strategy for this year?s employee campaign. Seated from left are: Novelis Campaign Coordinator, Dick Delaney, Tom Lilienthal, Dave Nuener, Erin Nalle, Ernie Tresidder, Larry Ogorchock, Kim Losurdo. Standing from left are: Novelis Oswego Works Plant Manager, Chris Smith, Pet Sheftic, Dennis Brady, Graig Lewis, John Dorshack, Leo Burns, Sam Patane, Steve Adams, and Jen Sater.