March 19, 2002
Despite difficult year, employees continue to support community causes.
ROSEMEAD Calif., March 19, 2002-Continuing their long-standing commitment to the communities in which they live and work, Edison International (EIX) employees contributed about $2.76 million to the 2001-02 employee contributions campaign. The Edison International companies include Southern California Edison, Edison Mission Energy, Edison Capital, and Edison O&M Services.
That total comprises $2,498,869 in pledges, $189,065 from fundraisers held during the year, and $70,342 from pledges to a disaster relief fund. Complementing their monetary donations, Edison employees in 2001 also donated several hundred thousand hours as community volunteers, worth approximately $3.3 million when using the value of $16.50 per hour for volunteer work established by the Points of Light Foundation. Many of Edison International's nearly 15,000 employees worldwide participated in this year's campaign.
"Edison International employees have a long history of contributing their own dollars, time and resources to improve the communities where they live and work," said Chairman, President and CEO John Bryson. "Once again they have demonstrated their spirit of caring and their longstanding commitment to enhancing the quality of life of the people we serve."
In addition to opening up their wallets, Edison employees roll up their sleeves to help people in need and help maintain a cleaner environment through year-round voluntary activities. Each year, employees, retirees and their families and friends participate in the company's "Follow Your Heart Day," which encourages them to adopt a community project and lend a helping hand. Last year, more than 1,100 volunteers participated in a variety of activities, from cleaning beaches, to painting over graffiti, to conducting blood drives.
In addition, Southern California Edison employees distributed more than 17,000 electric rate discount applications to qualifying customers at various events, food banks, schools, churches and shopping centers.
In response to the events of Sept. 11, 2001, employees donated more than $70,000 to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Edison International shareholders matched those funds dollar for dollar, providing a corporate donation to the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., and greater Los Angeles.
"The 2001-02 campaign shows once again that our employees' hearts are in the right place," said Beverly Ryder, EIX vice president of community involvement. "Whether donating their money or personal time, Edison employees have provided support for a myriad of nonprofit, educational and charitable organizations located in their communities."
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Based in Rosemead, Calif., Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison, Edison Mission Energy, Edison Capital and Edison O&M Services.
