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Community Story — Working Together to Make a Difference
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At Dow's Sarnia site, our mission is to have a positive influence on the community in which we operate. Our key priorities remain the safe operation of our plants, the safety and health of our workforce, contributing to the local economy, and our site competitiveness within Dow's global operations. We achieve this through the jobs we create and the taxes we pay, but also our involvement in community projects through education outreach, and our contributions program. Dow's commitment to investing in the communities in which we operate extends to the careful management of our operations to reach our ultimate goal of zero accidents, zero injuries and zero harm to the environment.
One of the most important things we can do at Dow to enhance the quality of life in our communities is to listen to and talk with the citizens in order to understand their needs and concerns. The Sarnia Site Community Advisory Panel (CAP) which was formed in 1992, is an advisory group broadly representative of the community. The group meets regularly with senior management of the site and acts as a bridge between the site and the surrounding community on matters of common interest and concern. Another avenue of dialogue with the community comes through our Community Perception Survey which was conducted as scheduled in 2003.
Dow makes substantial financial contributions to the communities in which it operates. The three key areas of focus for donations are environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, and economic prosperity.
In 2004, Dow provided $25,000 to Goodwill Industries of Sarnia for the purchase of a vehicle which is integral to the regular operation of that organization. Dow also committed $200,000 to Bluewater Health Foundation (Lambton Hospitals Group) over a four-year period with an initial installment of $50,000 paid in 2004. Dow is also committed to the future of children by encouraging and fostering an environment of continuous learning. In the autumn of 2004, Dow, through its Hands-on-Science program with the Lambton-Kent District School Board and St. Clair Catholic District School Board, provided a science-based video series that shares new developments in science, technology and the environment with elementary school children. The series works in tandem with the local curriculum and is geared to make science and technology understandable and fun for children in the primary grades.
In 2004, Dow contributed $20,000 to the local YMCA to assist with its cardiac rehabilitation program. This is consistent with the vision of the YMCA’s Dow Spirit Mind Body Centre.
Dow also, in conjunction with the Sarnia Community Foundation, recognized the many non-profit and volunteer groups in Sarnia/Lambton through the Asset Based Community Development Awards program. The program uses funds donated by Dow to recognize these groups for the work they do to build a vibrant, healthy community.
In addition to our annual support for the local chapter of the United Way, The Inn of the Good Shepherd and The Salvation Army, Dow provided funds toward educational and science related programs, donations of surplus office and lab equipment, and other smaller donations which included:
- Aamjiwnaang First Nation Elders and Youth Gathering in support of the environment;
- Walpole Island Heritage Centre;
- Mooretown-Courtright Elementary School Library;
- Local Breakfast School programs; and
- Junior Achievement for classroom programs.
Dow Canada also continued its sponsorship of the local hands-on science partnerships for children in Kindergarten to Grade 8 level, in the Lambton-Kent school district, as well as the Lambton County Science Fair. Dow also supports the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority in its education program at The Dow Wetlands.
Dow remains committed to balancing economic prosperity, environmental integrity and social benefits, and to reporting our progress. To learn more about Dow Canada's operations, please visit our web site.
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