(Cushing, Okla.) In the true giving spirit, Enbridge Energy, Inc, made generous donations to 3 organizations within the Cushing community.
When Enbridge arrived in Cushing in 2004, they made it known that they wanted to be true members of the community. That is still the goal today! Mike Moeller, Director and General Manager for the Cushing Region, made it clear that Enbridge wants to give back to the community that allows them to be a partner. That is exactly what they did!
Mr. Moeller presented 3 donation checks to non-profit organizations in Cushing. The first donation was to the Cimarron Valley Humane Society (CVHS). Terri Grove, director of the Cimarron Valley Humane Society, received the check in their behalf. The Humane Society is operated by volunteers. Currently Terri spearheads the distribution of animals to foster homes until they are adopted. This is a very big undertaking. When asked of a fellow volunteer why Terri would seek out such a demanding job, the answer was, “Terri loves animals and has a big heart.”
The Cimarron Valley Humane Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and adoption of cats and dogs and other animals needing care and homes. It is the goal of the Cimarron Valley Humane Department to construct a shelter for the animals. The money from Enbridge, $5,000, will be applied to immediate needs of the many animals now in foster care and to the projected new facility construction. For more information, look up the CVHS at https://cimarronvalleyhumane.org/
The second donation – a check for $1500 – was accepted by Rebecca Stowers, a primary organizer and co-founder of Freedom Dogs of Oklahoma. Rebecca is a “true lover of dogs”, after years of working with shelter dogs and founding the CVHS, she volunteered her time and expertise to develop the Freedom Dog Program. Freedom Dogs, Inc. rescues dogs from local shelters. Many of these dogs are very close to the end of their life in that shelter. The dogs are then entered into one of the 10 week basic obedience classes run by Freedom Dogs, Inc. through two local correctional facilities. Upon graduation, the dogs are evaluated for potential service or therapy work where a select few will continue their training through the AKC Canine Good Citizen program and then be given to a disabled veteran at no charge to him or his family. Those dogs that do not go on to the advanced program are adopted out to qualified families, fully trained, spayed or neutered and have all shots and a complete health check. Rebecca will use the funds received from Enbridge to provide food and medicine for these special dogs. Rebecca noted that “the cost of dog food goes up in price daily.” For more information, look up Freedom Dogs of OK at https://www.freedomdogsok.org/
Lee Roy Kalka, Cushing Regional Hospital Foundation President, received a $10,000 donation from Enbridge to purchase a laryngoscope for the Hillcrest Hospital/Cushing. The scope is used in emergency situations to view the airways of patients. The new scope has the capacity to be used on pediatrics and on bariatric patients. Currently, there is only one laryngoscope in the Hospital and it is located in the Surgery Department. When the Emergency Room is in need of the laryngoscope, they borrow from surgery.
Enbridge Energy has been a true friend of the Foundation since its arrival in 2004. They started donating to the Foundation at the beginning of the hospital construction and renovation project with a $10,000 check. At that time, they pledged an additional $50,000 and had their name put upon the entrance into ICU. Following the completion of the construction project, they continue making significant donations.
Having an over-whelming interest in the local police and fire departments, Enbridge made the commitment to sponsor needed upgrades to the Hillcrest Hospital/Cushing Emergency Room and by March 2009, Enbridge had donated over $100,000 to the hospital through the Foundation.
In addition to their many yearly donations, their people have been active in many of the Foundation’s activities and fundraisers. Enbridge is a large donor in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon and supports the Charity Golf Event raising funds for educating the EMTs to Paramedics.
To Enbridge it’s not just about donating money to the local community, “it is about being involved with the community and giving back to those that help us be successful.” Many of their employees are active in the community churches, schools, businesses, safety group, youth and sports programs, United Fund and volunteer opportunities. Enbridge is truly a friend to the Cushing Regional Hospital Foundation and to the community of Cushing.
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